What is Aid & Attendance

The Aid & Attendance is a tax-free pension for wartime veterans and their widows that helps offset the cost of long-term care such as assisted living care, skilled nursing care, or home care.

Who QUALIFIES for it

Wartime Veterans and surviving spouses over the age of 65 (you can receive the benefit if you are under 65 years of age if you are disabled at 100%). The Veteran did not have to see combat. The Veteran must have served at least 90 consecutive days of active military duty, and at least one day during declared wartime with a honorable discharge. Divorce from the Veteran severs all ties to the benefit for the spouse.

Income and assets

The veteran or surviving spouse must be spending their entire monthly income (Social Security, pension and any other income) on their care costs each month. Care is defined as but not limited to enhanced independent living communities with care, adult foster care, assisted living, skilled nursing, and home care. The asset cap is $155,000 and a home or vehicle is not considered an asset.

Eligible War time periods

World War II: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946

Korean War: June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955

Vietnam War: February 28, 1961 to August 4, 1964 (this time period is only if the Veteran was physically on Vietnam soil (boots on the ground) or if in the Navy there are surrounding waters that qualify for this period)

Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975 (this time period is if the Veteran served anywhere in the world)

Gulf War: August 2, 1990 to present day (qualifications are different than the other listed wartime dates)

monthly benefit amounts (2024)

Veteran only - $2,300.00

Veteran and Spouse - $2,727.00

Surviving Spouse $1,478.00

Healthy Veteran but Spouse needs care $1,806.00