Qualifying for the VA Pension with Aid & Attendance
Applying for this VA pension program can be confusing and time-consuming. Since 2003, we have successfully helped more than 23,000 Veterans and surviving spouses access this benefit to pay for quality home care.
What is the Pension with Aid and Attendance?
It is a tax-free monetary payment for wartime Veterans and surviving spouses with financial need.
The "Aid and Attendance" benefit is an enhanced amount added to the pension. It is specifically designed for those who need the "aid and attendance" of another person to perform daily living activities on a permanent basis.
Do You Meet the “3-Ms” to Qualify?
Simplifying eligibility: To qualify for the VetAssist Program and the VA pension, start by checking these three main criteria.
Military
Did you serve at least 90 days active duty, with at least 1 day during an eligible wartime period? (Honorable or General Discharge required).
See Eligible War Periods
Hide War Periods
| WWII: | Dec 7, 1941 - Dec 31, 1946 |
| Korean Conflict: | Jun 27, 1950 - Jan 31, 1955 |
| Vietnam Era: | Nov 1, 1955 - May 7, 1975. Veterans that served after August 5, 1964 may have served outside the Republic of Vietnam. |
| Gulf War: | Aug 2, 1990 - date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law. Must have served active duty for two years or the full period of which the Veteran was called for active duty. |
Medical
Do you have a non-service connected medical condition causing you to need assistance with activities of daily living?
Money
Do you meet the financial criteria regarding net worth and income established by Congress?
A net worth at or less than $163,699. (VA net worth limit established by Congress 12.2025)
A primary residence and auto are not counted as part of net worth. Ongoing non-reimbursable medical and long-term care expenses may reduce your countable income.
*We help calculate adjustments based on your recurring medical expenses.
Help with Activities of Daily Living
ADLs are routine self-care activities that people tend to do every day without needing assistance. To qualify for the enhanced pension, you typically need help with at least two of these.
Home care agencies provide aides who can assist with these exact tasks. Aid and Attendance helps pay for this care.
Personal Care
Help with Bathing
Medication Reminders
Help with Dressing
Companionship
Respite Care
Laundry
Meal Preparations
Light Housekeeping
Transportation
(where available)
Transferring
(to and from bed)
More About This Veterans Benefit
In 1952 Congress passed Title 38 of the United States Code authorizing certain benefits for veterans. One of these benefits is the Non-Service Connected Pension, with “Aid and Attendance.” It is also known as simply “Aid and Attendance”.
In March 1989, during President George H. W. Bush’s presidency, the Veterans Administration (VA) was elevated to a cabinet-level executive department. The Veterans Administration was then renamed the Department of Veterans Affairs, and continued to be known as VA. Today the VA is comprised of three basic branches: the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).
