Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits for Veterans: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefits 

Aid & Attendance is a type of financial assistance paid to eligible veterans and surviving spouses who require the aid of another person to perform daily living activities because of an illness. These payments cover the costs of in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.

    2.  Housebound benefits 

Housebound benefits are a type of financial assistance paid to eligible veterans substantially confined to their home due to a permanent disability. The amount paid helps cover the costs of in-home care and other services needed to maintain independence. 

Both A&A and Housebound benefits are paid in addition to the monthly VA pension. The financial aid will significantly increase the amount of financial assistance available to veterans and their families. 

For you to qualify for both benefits, you must meet certain criteria. We’ve divided them into three categories in this article: Basic eligibility requirements, medical eligibility, and financial eligibility.

A. Basic eligibility requirements for both A&A and housebound benefits 

• Age: The veteran or survivor must be 65 years old or older, or you should be totally and permanently disabled. 
• Military service: The applicant must have served at least 90 days (about three months) of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period 
• Eligibility for spouses: Veteran spouses are eligible for these benefits if they remain unmarried after the veteran’s death. 
• Discharge status: The veteran should have an honorable discharge from service. 
• The applicant should also be eligible for a VA pension 

B. Medical eligibility requirements 

For Aid & Attendance: 

For you to qualify for this benefit, the veteran should: 

• Require the aid of another person to perform daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, or using the restroom 
• Bedridden due to a disability 
• Visual acuity of 5/200 or less in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less 

For Housebound Benefits: 

The main qualification for this benefit is if you are confined to your home due to a permanent disability. 

C. Financial eligibility requirements 

The veteran will qualify for the housebound benefit if: 

• The countable family income is below the yearly limit set by Congress 
• The veteran’s net worth does not exceed a certain threshold, excluding the value of your primary residence and personal effects 

How to Apply for Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits 

What Documents Do You Need? 

• Military discharge papers (DD214 or equivalent) 
• Medical evidence of the need for assistance with daily living activities or confinement to the home 
• Proof of income and assets 
• Marital status and dependent information, if applicable 

How to Complete the Application 

Forms you need to fill out include: 

1. VA Form 21-2680 

The VA Form 21-2680 is a form commonly used to support a claim for housebound benefits or permanent need for regular Aid & Attendance. A licensed physician or medical doctor should complete and sign the document, not a nurse, or a physician’s assistant. 

    2.  VA Form 21-527EZ 

The VA Form 21-527EZ is a form that veterans or veteran representatives use for applying for a pension. It would be best if you had several things to complete this application. 

• Social Security Number or a VA file number 
• Military history 
• Financial information, including your dependent’s financial information 
• Bank account direct deposit information 
• Medical information 

Any veteran below 65 years old may need to provide his or her work history and medical evidence to support the claim. 

    3.  VA Form 21-0845 

The form, normally filled out by the veteran or the veteran’s representative, gives Veteran Affairs permission to disclose personal information to a third party. If not signed, the department may not reveal any of your records (which include your medical history, list of beneficiaries, or your claims). 

How to Submit the Application for A&A and Housebound Benefits

Once you complete the forms, you must mail the completed application and supporting documents to your local VA Pension Management Center to review your application. Please make that you keep copies of all documents submitted for your records. 

Approval and Payment of Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits 

A. Approval process 

The VA will review your application and may request additional information if what you provided is not enough. The department will make a decision on your eligibility and notify you by mail. 

B. Payment 

If approved, benefits will be paid directly to the veteran or designated representative. The department will make monthly payments which are retroactive to the date of application. 

Resources and Assistance for Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits 

A. VA resources 

If you want any assistance to do with the application for these benefits, you can go to the following: 

• VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound website (https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/) 
• VA Pension Management Centers 
• VA Regional Offices 

B. Additional resources 

• Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): They will help you with the application process and provide advocacy services. 
• State and local veterans’ affairs offices 
• Legal aid organizations and elder law attorneys 

Conclusion

Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits can provide crucial financial assistance to veterans in need of long-term care and support. By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and available resources, you can ensure that you or your loved one receives the support they deserve. Reach out to local veterans’ organizations and the VA for guidance and assistance in applying for these valuable benefits.