The VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and How They Can Help Pay for Senior Care

The VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and How They Can Help Pay for Senior Care

By Team Writer | March 18, 2025

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Defining all the ways to pay for senior living requires due diligence. First there are the obvious possibilities like savings, retirement funds and investments and then there are less known options like the Aid and Attendance Benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. While not available to every veteran, the Aid and Attendance benefits can provide eligible seniors with funding to help pay for care in a senior living community.

Eligibility for Aid and Attendance benefits

There are several factors to consider when determining eligibility for Aid and Attendance benefits and the first is eligibility for the VA pension. According to the va.gov article, “Eligibility for Veterans Pension,” the requirements are:

1. The veteran did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
2. The veteran meets family income and net worth limits set by Congress as defined in the va.gov article “Current pension rates for Veterans.”
3. The veteran served during an eligible war-time period defined as during the Mexican Border period, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War (inside and outside of the Republic of Vietnam), and the Gulf War.
4. The veteran is at least 65 years old, OR has a permanent and total disability, OR is a disabled long-term nursing home patient, OR is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Social Security Income.
5. The veteran served within and for the specific periods of time noted in the article. 

Veterans who want to apply for the VA Pension should meticulously follow the steps outlined in the va.gov article, “Apply for Veterans Pension benefits.” 

Once the VA pension is approved, the veteran can move on to determining eligibility for Aid and Attendance benefits. To receive benefits for care in a senior living community, the veteran must meet the following requirements described in the va.gov article, “VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.” 

• The veteran needs another person to assist with daily living activities like dressing, bathing, and feeding, OR
• The veteran Is bedridden for most of the day due to an illness, OR
• The veteran Is a patient in a nursing home due to a disability-related loss of physical or mental capabilities, OR
• The veteran’s eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less).

How to apply for Aid and Attendance benefits

Veterans who receive the VA Pension and meet the Aid and Attendance eligibility requirements can move forward with their application for Aid and Attendance benefits. Like the pension application process, there are forms and information required including evidence to support claims. 

The first step is VA Form 21-2680, “Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance” which includes a section that must be filled out by the veteran’s physician. It may also be helpful to provide additional anecdotal information such as medical reports, a description of daily activities, and explanations of how illnesses, injuries, or disabilities affect everyday life.

Veterans who already reside in a nursing home must also complete VA Form 21-0779, “Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance,” which is used to support the veteran’s need for nursing home care.

This information can be submitted in person at a VA regional office or mailed to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365 

A note about service-connected disability compensation

While eligibility for Aid and Attendance benefits does not require that a disability be service-connected, veterans who do have a service-connected disability may also be entitled to receive monthly tax-free payments that can also be used to pay for senior care. The va.gov article “Eligibility for VA disability benefits” explains what conditions are covered, how to assess eligibility, and how to file for compensation. 

Veterans who received an other-than-honorable discharge also have the option of applying for a discharge upgrade. 

Those who need help with any of the VA applications are encouraged to follow the instructions in the va.gov article, “Find a VA accredited representative or VSO.” These representatives are verified and can help seniors avoid scams and ensure submission of a complete application.

Presbyterian Homes of Kentucky offers a range of care options for veterans. Contact us to learn more and schedule a tour.