Full Definition

VA Aid & Attendance (A&A) is an enhanced pension benefit available to wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who need help with activities of daily living. It provides monthly cash payments that can be used to pay for assisted living, memory care, adult day services, home health, or in-home care.

To qualify, a veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period, received an honorable or general discharge, and meet both medical and financial criteria. The medical requirement is needing regular assistance with ADLs or being in a nursing facility. Asset and income limits apply, though they are more generous than Medicaid.

As of 2024, maximum monthly A&A rates are approximately $2,300 for a veteran, $1,478 for a surviving spouse, and $2,727 for a veteran with a dependent spouse. These amounts are tax-free and can be combined with Social Security, pension, and other income.

Many Texas veterans and their families are unaware this benefit exists. Applications are filed with the VA regional office. The process can take several months, so applying early — before care costs become a crisis — is strongly advised. A VA-accredited claims agent or elder law attorney can help with the application.