Veterans: Aid & Attendance — Extra Pension Money for Care Needs
What it is
Veterans (and surviving spouses) who receive a VA pension and need help with daily activities — or are mostly housebound — can receive an added monthly payment called Aid & Attendance (or the Housebound allowance; you can't get both).
Who can get it
VA-pension recipients who need another person's help with daily activities, are largely bed-bound, are in a nursing home due to disability, or have very limited eyesight; Housebound = substantially confined to home by permanent disability.
What it costs
Applying is free — and it should stay free. Use a VA-accredited representative (VSO) rather than anyone charging fees to "unlock" A&A; the VA's page links a free accredited-rep finder.
How to start
Read the eligibility page.
Apply online there, or by mail with VA Form 21-2680 (a medical examiner completes the exam section) to the VA Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365 — or in person at a VA regional office.
In a nursing home? Add VA Form 21-0779.
Want free hands-on help? The page's "Get help from an accredited representative" link finds a VSO near you. We navigate; VA claims advice belongs to accredited reps only.
Official sources
We describe programs; we don't make medical, legal, or insurance decisions for you. For Medicare choices, HICAP counselors advise you free: (800) 434-0222. For anything medical, talk with the doctor.