Surviving Spouses
VA Pension Benefits for Surviving Spouses of Wartime Veterans
Oftentimes, surviving spouses are unaware they may be eligible for a benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs known as "Survivors Pension with Aid & Attendance."
Many Surviving Spouses Are Overlooked
Often, widows and widowers think that only the Veteran is eligible for VA benefits. There is often a misconception that their Veteran spouse needed to serve in combat or overseas, or be injured during service, to be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This is not true. In fact, we often help more widows and widowers than Veterans access this benefit. Surviving Spouses can qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit if your spouse served during a wartime period.
If you are a surviving spouse of a wartime Veteran, you may be eligible. Check your eligibility today.
What is the Survivors Pension with Aid and Attendance?
The Survivors Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit from the VA. If you're a surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with wartime service, and your income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress, you may be able to get this benefit. If you need help with your daily activities, you may qualify for additional Aid and Attendance funds.
Do You Meet the "4-Ms"?
Surviving spouses must meet a set of requirements to qualify for VA pension benefits. Start with these four qualifications, then check eligibility if they fit your situation.
Military
Did your spouse serve at least 90 days of active duty, with at least 1 day during an eligible VA-defined wartime period? They must have an Honorable Discharge or General Discharge.
Medical
Do you have a medical condition causing a need for assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, walking, meal prep or mobility?
Money
Do you meet the financial criteria regarding net worth and income established by Congress? Primary residence and auto are not counted as part of net worth.
Marriage
You must have been married to the Veteran for at least one year and at the time of their passing. Additional eligibility requirements apply for surviving spouses who have remarried.
Aid and Attendance for Long Term Care
Because Medicare generally does not cover custodial care when that is the only care needed, this pension can be a financial lifesaver.
Personal Care
Use funds for help with walking, bathing, and dressing in your own home.
Household Support
Covers assistance with cooking, laundry, and light housekeeping.
Safety
Ensures you have medication reminders and supervision for safety.
Marie Carter: Independent Living at 99
Through VetAssist, surviving spouse, Marie Carter, receives ongoing benefits and now has a professional caregiver who visits three days a week. "It's such a blessing because I couldn't have ever hired someone to help me like this."
She also got a new walker, which helps her maintain her independent lifestyle. "I pray I'll never need to go to a nursing home or assisted living," she adds.
