What do you know about the VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension benefit? Millions of veterans have earned this benefit and it can help them and their families pay for senior care — but many people don’t know about it.

When families do find out about the A&A benefit, they sometimes find the VA’s application process and eligibility requirements confusing and difficult. Some mistakenly believe the program is only for combat veterans. Others don’t realize their loved one served during a qualifying time of war, because the VA definition of wartimes extends beyond the dates of conflict. Recipients don’t need to be impoverished to qualify for A&A, either. The VA doesn’t include the value of your car, home or personal effects when it reviews assets and income for eligibility.

Are Aid and Attendance benefits worth the effort to apply?

In many cases, the answer is yes. As of December 2018, a single veteran who qualifies for A&A can receive up to $1,881 per month, a married vet can receive up to $2,230 per month and a surviving spouse can receive up to $1,209 per month to pay for needed care at home, in an assisted living community, memory care or in a nursing home.

For many families paying for senior care, this income can make the difference between comfort and hardship.

VeteranAid.org offers free help applying for Aid and Attendance.

That’s why we’re here. VeteranAid.org was created to help families pay for the care their senior loved ones need by claiming the A&A benefit their veterans are entitled to. Here you’ll find explanations of:

• How to apply for A&A
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the A&A application process
• Who’s eligible for A&A

As part of the A Place for Mom family of senior care resources, we can also help you find availability, rates and reviews of communities near you.

Find out now if you or your loved one may qualify for Aid and Attendance.