VA Veterans Aid and Attendance
You served your Country, now let us serve you.
Who is You May be eligible for VA Pension Aid and Attendance Benefits.
Generally, you may be eligible if:
- you were discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable,
- you served at least 90 days of active military service and at least 1 day was during a war time period. If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty and at least 1 day was during a war time period. (There are exceptions to this rule),
- your income for VA purposes is below the maximum annual pension rate The yearly maximum annual pension rate is set by Congress,
- you are age 65 or older, OR, you are permanently and totally disabled, not due to your own willful misconduct, OR, you are a patient in a nursing home, OR, you are receiving Social Security disability benefits.
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As you can see, there are a number of criteria that may affect your eligibility to pension benefits. If you are unsure if you meet all criteria, we encourage you to go ahead and file an application, particularly if your income for VA purposes appears to be near the maximum. VA will determine if you are eligible and notify you. If you do not initially qualify, you may reapply if you have unreimbursed medical expenses during the twelve month period after VA receives your claim that brings your income for VA purposes below the maximum annual pension rate, OR, the amount of income you receive changes. Unreimbursed medical expenses are expenses you have paid for medical services or products for which you will not be reimbursed by Medicare or private medical insurance.
Resources for Retirement Planning
Request Your Military Records
National Archives DD Form 214 Records Request
Veterans Pension (Aid and Attendance) VA FAQ
VA Aid and Attendance Frequently Asked Questions