Special Benefits for Veterans

Veterans and their families may be eligible for an array of benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Many benefits are offered to low-income wartime Veterans specifically.

Aid and Attendance Benefit

Veterans and survivors who have been found eligible for a VA pension may also be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits. VA pensions are only awarded to Veterans and their spouses who meet strict eligibility requirements and whose yearly family income is less than the amount wet by Congress for qualification.

Aid and Attendance benefits are paid in addition to the monthly pension. Veterans who are not eligible for a pension cannot receive these benefits. Since this allowance increases the pension amount, some veterans who were not eligible for a basic pension because of excessive income may be eligible under these rates.

To qualify for Aid and Attendance, Veterans must require the aid of another person to perform the activities of daily living, which include eating, dressing and toileting. Veteran's who are bedridden may also be eligible. Patients who are living in a nursing home or who have extremely limited eyesight may qualify as well.

Housebound Benefit

Veterans of their surviving spouses who are confined to their homes because of permanent disability may be eligible for an additional Housebound benefit. The Housebound benefit is added to the monthly pension amount. Veterans must have already been determined eligible for the pension. Recipients are not eligible to receive both the Aid and Attendance benefits and the Housebound benefits at the same time.

Application Process

Veterans and their families may apply for benefits by submitting the required forms to the Pension Management Center that serves their state or by visiting a local benefit office. Information on centers and offices is available online at www.benefits.va.gov/benefits.

Applications should include evidence showing that the applicant needs this benefit, which may include hospital records or a doctor's report, and the required form completed by a doctor. Nursing home residents will need to complete an additional form about their living situation.

For more information, visit www.benefits.va.gov.