What is the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit?
This benefit, managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides financial support to veterans to assist with the costs of long-term care. The purpose of this program is to ensure that veterans who served our nation receive the care they need.
Aid and Attendance support is available only to veterans and surviving spouses who meet eligibility requirements. In general, the veteran needs to have served at least 90 days of active-duty service with at least one day during a recognized period of war.
Because Aid & Attendance (A&A) is based on your income, medical expenses and assets, if you meet the military requirement, it is no longer a Yes or No benefit – it is If and When. Learn more about applying for this benefit below.
How much does the VA pay for Aid and Attendance?
The 2025 Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit rates are:
- A Veteran may qualify for as much as $2,358 per month
- A Married Veteran may qualify for as much as $2,795 per month
- Surviving Spouses may qualify for as much as $1,515 per month
- A Well Veteran with Ill Spouse may qualify for up to $1,806 per month
These amounts have historically increased by the same cost of living adjustments as social security.
Commonly Asked Questions about Aid and Attendance
Q: Is this benefit different from a monthly military pension for veterans?
A: Yes. This benefit is separate from and in addition to a monthly pension from a branch of the Military. This pension is from the VA and can be granted in addition to a Military pension. You cannot receive disability compensation or Death and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Pension with Aid and Attendance at the same time. If you qualify for both disability compensation or DIC and you also qualify for the Pension with Aid and Attendance, you can choose whichever is most advantageous for you. Surprisingly, the lower paying benefit is occasionally the better financial choice.
Q: How does a veteran or surviving spouse apply for this benefit? Can you apply in person?
A: Veterans or a surviving spouse can apply through their regional Veterans Affairs office. However, it is a complicated and time-consuming process and, similar to filing your taxes; you might want to work with a professional with expertise in the Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit.
Please have the following information ready before you call:
- Monthly gross income from all sources
- Estimated other annual income—interest, dividends, IRA contributions, capital gains, etc.
- Monthly health and/or long-term care insurance premiums
- Monthly projected residency fee
- Understanding of applicant’s assets, including IRAs
- The Veteran’s period of war
New Hampshire contact: New Hampshire State Veterans Council
275 Chestnut Street Manchester, NH 03101
Attention Veterans Service Office
Tel: 603.624.9230