VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound are two separate benefits programs run by the Veterans Administration (VA). If you qualify for one or the other, you can get money on top of your monthly VA pension to pay for extra help with daily living tasks.

How do the VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound programs work?

The Aid and Attendance benefit is for veterans who need extra help with tasks like bathing, dressing, and feeding. You can use this benefit if you:

• Live in a nursing home
• Live at home
• Live in an assisted living facility

If you qualify, the extra money can help pay for nursing home care, caregivers, home care, or assisted living costs.

The Housebound program is for veterans who cannot easily leave their home because of a disability that doesn't go away. This benefit helps pay for care at home so they can live safely while getting the support they need. You cannot get help from both programs at the same time.

Who can get VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits?

You can get help from one of these programs if you are a veteran who gets (or will get) a pension from the VA. In certain cases, a veteran's widow or dependent child who gets a death pension may also be able to get help.  

You may qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit if you meet at least one of these conditions:

• You need help with daily tasks like bathing, eating, or dressing.
• You stay in bed most of the day because of an illness.
• You live in a nursing home or other residential care setting due to a disability that affects your body or mind.
• You have severe vision loss, even with glasses or contacts.

How do I apply?

There are two ways to apply for VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits:

Fill out VA Form 21-2680 with the help of your doctor. If you are in a nursing home, you will also need to fill out VA Form 21-0779. Along with your form(s), you must include:

• A doctor’s report or other proof that shows you need daily help or can’t leave home easily
• Information about your daily routine, including how you get around and what help you need
• Details about your health problems (illness, injury, or disability) that make it hard for you to do things like bathing, dressing, or moving around on your own

Mail your completed form and any additional information to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
P.O. Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365

Bring a completed VA Form 21-0779 to a VA regional office near you.

What happens after I apply?

The VA will look at your forms, medical records, and any other proof you sent. If they need more details, they will send you a letter saying so. Once they have everything they need, the VA will decide if you qualify for extra money.

You will then get a letter telling you if you were approved or denied, and how much money you will get if approved. If you are approved for VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, the extra money will be added to your monthly VA pension.

If you are denied benefits and you do not agree with the VA’s decision, you can appeal (ask them to look at your case again).

How can I get help with my application?

Call the VA Health Benefits Hotline at 1-877-222-8387 with questions or if you need help with your application. You can also contact your local VA regional office.