Aid & Attendance and Housebound Pension Program
Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefits and Housebound benefits are monthly payments which are added to a veteran’s pension benefits because of his or her need for additional support or assistance with everyday life.
Veterans who are disabled as a result of a service-related injury or disease should apply for VA disability benefits, rather than pension benefits. If you happen to qualify for both programs, the VA will pay you benefits from the program which entitles you to receive the most money.
Eligibility Guidelines
If you receive a monthly pension from the VA, you can apply for A&A benefits or Housebound allowances. You may be eligible for A&A benefits if you:
- Require the assistance of another person for the functions required in everyday living, like bathing, feeding, dressing, etc.
- Are bedridden
- Are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity, or
- Are blind or nearly blind.
Additionally, Housebound benefits provide an increased monthly pension to veterans who are substantially confined to their immediate premises as a result of a permanent disability.
How to Apply
In order to receive these benefits, you will need to write to your regional VA office and file a request. The VA regional office will require medical evidence which validates your need for additional support. Your report to the VA should include information such as how you are able to get around (if at all), what type of assistance you require, and preferably a recommendation from your physician that you require additional aid for services.
Visit the VA’s website to find out more about Aid & Attendance and Housebound pensions.
