Aid & Attendance and Housebound: extra monthly VA benefits

Aid & Attendance (A&A) and Housebound benefits are increases to a monthly VA payment for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with everyday living or are largely confined to their home. They're among the most under-claimed VA benefits, especially for elderly veterans and their families.

Who qualifies

You may qualify for Aid & Attendance if you meet at least one of these:

• You need another person's help with daily activities — bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medication/prosthetics;
• You're bedridden;
• You're a patient in a nursing home due to physical or mental incapacity; or
• Your eyesight is very limited (5/200 or worse, or very narrow field).

Housebound is for those who are substantially confined to their home because of a permanent disability. You can't receive both A&A and Housebound at the same time.

How it works

These benefits are paid as a higher monthly amount — added on top of a VA pension (for wartime veterans and survivors who qualify by income), or as Special Monthly Compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The exact amount depends on your situation and income, so use VA.gov or a VSO to estimate yours.

How to apply

1. Have your doctor complete VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance).
2. Submit it with your pension or compensation claim at VA.gov, or with help from a free accredited VSO. If you're in a nursing home, include a statement from the facility.

Related: the survivor benefits (DIC) page (survivors can also get A&A), the caregiver program, and the VA claims guide.

General information; amounts and eligibility are set by the VA and depend on your income and circumstances. Confirm at VA.gov. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.