Aid & Attendance and Housebound Allowance

For those who are currently receiving a VA pension, there is a lesser-known opportunity to increase monthly benefits through the VA's Aid & Attendance and Housebound allowance. These additional benefits are designed to support veterans and survivors who face serious health challenges that limit their ability to live independently. It is tax-free and can make a significant difference in covering daily care costs, such as in-home assistance, medical equipment, or modifications to living spaces.

Aid & Attendance is available if help is needed with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating, or if you are bedridden most of the day due to illness, live in a nursing home because of physical or mental incapacity, or have severely limited vision (5/200 visual acuity or less, or concentric contraction to 5 degrees or less). The Housebound benefit is for those who are largely confined to their home because of a permanent disability. It is important to note that only one of these two benefits may be received, not both at the same time, so it is critical to apply for the one that best fits your situation.

Applying is straightforward, though attention to detail matters. A VA Form 21-2680 (completed in part by a physician) will need to be submitted. For those in a nursing home, also include VA Form 21-0779. These forms can be mailed to the Pension Intake Center in Janesville, WI, or dropped off at the local VA regional office. Processing time depends on current claim volumes and whether your case qualifies for priority processing. Submitting complete, well-documented forms can help avoid delays.

This benefit is often overlooked, but it can offer much-needed financial relief for those in difficult circumstances. If you or a loved one could use assistance with daily life, it is worth checking your eligibility. Visit the official VA page at va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound to get the forms, instructions, and details.