Free Quiz

VA Benefits Eligibility Quiz

6 questions. Under 2 minutes. Find out if a veteran or surviving spouse may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance or VA Pension — and how much it could be worth.

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VA benefit applications are complex — an incomplete or incorrectly filed claim is the number one reason benefits are delayed or denied. VA-accredited claims agents and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide free or low-cost assistance to ensure your application is done right.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is VA Aid and Attendance?

VA Aid and Attendance is an enhanced pension benefit available to wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating, or who live in a nursing home or assisted living facility. It provides a monthly payment on top of the basic VA Pension.

Who qualifies for VA Aid and Attendance?

To qualify for VA Aid and Attendance, a veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a qualifying wartime period, been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, meet income and net worth limits (roughly under $155,000 in 2026, excluding primary home and one vehicle), and require help with daily activities or live in a care facility.

How much is VA Aid and Attendance worth in 2026?

In 2026, VA Aid and Attendance pays up to approximately $2,358 per month for a veteran living alone, up to $2,793 per month for a veteran with one dependent, and up to $1,270 per month for a surviving spouse. These figures are adjusted annually for cost of living.

Does the veteran need to be in a nursing home to qualify for Aid and Attendance?

No. A veteran does not need to be in a nursing home to qualify for VA Aid and Attendance. Veterans who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating, or who are mostly confined to home due to a disability, may also qualify even if they live at home or in an assisted living facility.

How long does it take to get VA Aid and Attendance approved?

VA Aid and Attendance claims typically take 6 to 12 months to process, though timelines vary. Working with a VA-accredited claims agent or a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the American Legion, VFW, or DAV can help ensure the application is complete and may reduce processing time. There is no charge for VSO assistance.