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    VA Aid + Attendance

    $2,400+/mo. Most eligible vets don't apply.

    What is it?

    • Pension PLUS extra for vets needing care.
    • $2,300-2,800/month tax-free typically.
    • Couples can get more.
    • For wartime veterans (or surviving spouse).
    • Helps pay for in-home care, assisted living, nursing home.
    • NOT counted as income for Medicaid in most states.

    Eligibility

    • Veteran served 90+ days active duty (1+ during wartime).
    • Honorable / general discharge.
    • Wartime periods: WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War.
    • Need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, etc.).
    • OR housebound.
    • Income + asset limits (high — $138K assets allowed 2026).
    • Surviving spouses of vets also eligible.

    Apply

    • Form 21-2680 (medical) + Form 21P-527EZ (pension).
    • VA.gov or visit local VA office.
    • Doctor must complete medical eval.
    • Free help: VFW or American Legion service officers.
    • Process takes 4-12 months.
    • Backpay from application date.

    SCAM alert

    • NEVER pay anyone to help apply — VA help is FREE.
    • Predatory "veterans benefits" advisors charge $$.
    • Some push annuity / trust products to qualify (often hurts more than helps).
    • Use accredited representatives only.
    • VFW + American Legion = FREE + accredited.
    • Look up at VA.gov/ogc/accreditation.

    Free help applying

    • VFW — vfw.org/assistance.
    • American Legion — legion.org.
    • DAV (Disabled American Veterans) — dav.org.
    • State Veterans Affairs — every state has dept.
    • County Veteran Service Officer — most counties have free help.
    • All FREE accredited representatives.

    Other VA benefits often missed

    Healthcare — many qualify, never enrolled. Burial benefits — free at national cemetery + headstone. Survivor benefits — DIC for surviving spouses. Property tax exemptions — most states for disabled vets. Apply for ALL — much money goes unclaimed.