Veterans who find it challenging to manage daily life due to health issues may qualify for additional support through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This extra support comes in the form of aid and attendance (A&A) benefits, which are added on top of the regular VA pension or disability benefits.
This assistance is also available through housebound benefits for those who qualify.
Understanding Aid & Attendance
Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a special monthly payment available to veterans who require assistance beyond what their 100% disability rating provides.
This means that even if you’re already receiving full benefits, A&A can offer additional financial support to cover the costs of necessary care.
Want to skip the article and check out a video by one of our attorneys about housebound benefits? Check it out below.
Eligibility Criteria for A&A
Qualifying for A&A involves meeting specific criteria across three main categories:
- Service Requirements: Veterans must have served at least 90 consecutive days of active duty, with at least one day during a recognized wartime period. It’s important to note that actual combat service is not a requirement.
- Health and Clinical Needs: Veterans need to demonstrate a need for assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, or moving around. Conditions that might qualify include being bedridden due to illness, living in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacitation, or having severe visual impairment.
- Financial Considerations: The VA sets income and asset limits to determine financial need. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation and aim to ensure that benefits go to veterans who truly need financial assistance to afford care.
Common Misunderstandings
A key point of confusion often lies in the difference between needing regular versus constant care. To qualify for A&A, a veteran needs regular assistance, which does not imply a need for 24/7 care.
Additionally, the need for care must be due to the veteran’s inability to perform daily activities without help, not merely the presence of assistance.
How to Apply for Aid & Attendance
Veterans interested in applying for A&A should complete VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance).
If applicable, those in nursing homes should also fill out VA Form 21-0779.
Including supporting evidence, such as medical records or a caregiver’s statement, can strengthen your application.
How Long Does It Take to Process and Get Approved?
Much of that depends on the VA Regional Office for the veteran’s area. Bear in mind that if the benefit is approved, it is applied retroactively to the date of the application.
If a veteran is over 85 years old, it is important to include a letter that the application be expedited. The VA is supposed to give priority to any application for benefits by a veteran 85 years or older.
Unfortunately, the VA does not recognize Power of Attorney. If a veteran is capable of managing his/her own affairs, and a Power of Attorney is held by a third party for emergency purposes, it is easier for the veteran to sign and handle the appropriate correspondence. If a veteran is not capable of managing his/her own affairs due to diminished mental capacity as in dementia or Alzheimer’s, the VA is going to rule the veteran is in need of a fiduciary. If notification is received from the VA that they find it necessary for a fiduciary to be appointed, a VA Form 21-4138 Statement in Support of Claim should be submitted.
Who Can Serve as a Caretaker?
The VA does not restrict who can be considered a caretaker. This means that spouses, children, other relatives, friends, or professional caregivers can all fulfill this role, as long as they provide the necessary regular assistance. However, at certain levels of Special Monthly Compensation, the caretakers will require professional credentialing.
VA Healthcare also offers the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) which you may qualify for if your family member has to stop working to care for you.
