If you or a loved one served in the military and now need help with daily tasks, there’s a little-known benefit that could make a big difference. So, what is VA Aid and Attendance? Simply put, it’s a tax-free benefit available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that helps eligible veterans and surviving spouses pay for long-term care support. Whether it’s help with bathing, dressing, or preparing meals, this benefit can ease the financial burden for those who need an extra hand.

Understanding What VA Aid and Attendance Covers

VA Aid and Attendance is designed for veterans who already qualify for a VA pension but now require assistance with daily living. The benefit provides additional monthly income to help cover the cost of in-home care, assisted living, or a nursing home. If you’re wondering, “What is VA Aid and Attendance, and how can it help me?” the answer lies in how flexible and supportive the program can be.

For example, a World War II veteran living with early-stage dementia who needs supervision and meal preparation may qualify. So may a surviving spouse of a Korean War veteran who requires daily assistance getting in and out of bed. This benefit helps pay for the care they already rely on without dipping further into retirement savings.

Who Qualifies and How It Works

To receive VA Aid and Attendance, a veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during wartime. They must also meet income and asset guidelines and show that they need help with daily tasks. The benefit doesn’t require the injury or illness to be connected to their service, it’s purely about their current care needs.

Once approved, the veteran or their surviving spouse receives monthly payments on top of the basic pension. These funds can be used to pay for caregivers, home health aides, assisted living facilities, or even family members providing in-home care, as long as they are properly documented. Understanding what VA Aid and Attendance provides means seeing it as a practical tool to make life more manageable and dignified.

Real-Life Support for Real-Life Needs

This benefit can be life-changing. One example is a Vietnam veteran who wants to remain at home but now struggles with mobility. His family hires a part-time caregiver, and VA Aid and Attendance helps cover the cost. Or consider a widow of a WWII veteran who lives in assisted living and uses her fixed income to stay afloat. With this benefit, she receives monthly financial support that covers a portion of her rent and care, allowing her to stay in a place where she feels safe and supported.

So, when asking, “What is VA Aid and Attendance?” the answer isn’t just about dollars, it’s about quality of life. It’s about keeping veterans and their spouses in environments that feel like home, with the support they need to live with dignity.

A Benefit Worth Exploring

Many families don’t even know this benefit exists, and that’s the most unfortunate part. If you’ve been managing care costs alone, thinking there’s no help out there, it’s time to take a second look. Understanding what VA Aid and Attendance is and whether you or your loved one qualifies can unlock resources that make a real, tangible difference.

Let Rothkoff Law Group Help You Claim the Benefits You’ve Earned

At Rothkoff Law Group, we believe every veteran and surviving spouse deserves to receive the benefits they’ve earned. We guide families through the VA Aid and Attendance application process, help determine eligibility, and provide legal insight to protect what matters most. If you are in South Jersey or the eastern Pennsylvania areas, contact Rothkoff Law Group to learn how we can help you access this important benefit and support the care your family deserves.