The Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Program (A&A) or Housebound benefit is an additional monthly monetary benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses who require daily living assistance due to disability or aging. This benefit is supplemental to the VA Pension or Survivor Pension and can be used along side the Veteran’s Community Cares Program (VCC or VCCP) to pay for care. A&A and Housebound benefits can not be received at the same time.
Key Features of the Aid and Attendance Program and Housebound benefits
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, the veteran or surviving spouse must meet both service requirements and care-related criteria.
Service Requirements
- The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during wartime.
- The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Care Requirements for Aid and Attendance
The veteran or surviving spouse must require assistance due to one or more of the following:
- Help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or eating.
- Bedridden (except for medical treatment or therapy) or spending a large portion of the day in bed.
- A resident of a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity related to a disability.
- Having significantly impaired vision (corrected vision (glasses or contacts) to 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less).
Care Requirements for Housebound Benefits
The veteran must receive a VA pension and spend most of their time in their home because of a permanent disability.
Financial Criteria
Income and net worth must fall within the VA’s limits for the pension program, with considerations for unreimbursed medical expenses. More information from the VA can be found here: Current pension rates for Veterans.
How Much is the Benefit?
The Aid and Attendance benefit is added to the monthly VA Pension amount. The maximum amount varies based on marital status and dependents.
For more information, including how to apply for benefits, visit the VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance page.
Have more questions about the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Program? Harmony at Home Senior Care provides in-home care services to several veterans and their spouses who use A&A across North Texas. If you are a veteran, spouse of a veteran or aiding a veteran family member seeking care, we’d be happy to assist you to make sure you are receiving the benefits you or your loved one deserve. Give us a call at 972-789-4187 to get started.
