VA Benefits & Support for Veterans

Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for certain benefits that can help with care, income support, or long-term living expenses. This page explains commonly available VA benefits using publicly available information — especially Aid & Attendance — in simple, clear terms.

This is not legal or financial advice. VA programs change over time; always verify with official VA sources.

What VA benefits can help with

VA support varies based on service history, disability, income, and need. Benefits fall into a few broad categories:

• Disability compensation — for service-connected injuries or conditions.
• Pension programs — income support for low-income wartime veterans.
• Aid & Attendance — extra monthly funds for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities.
• VA health care — medical services for eligible veterans.
• Caregiver support programs — help for family caregivers.

Two benefits come up most often for older adults: VA pension and Aid & Attendance.

Aid & Attendance (A&A)

Aid & Attendance is an add-on to the VA pension program. It helps veterans or surviving spouses who need help with everyday activities, such as:

• bathing
• dressing
• medication reminders
• meal preparation
• supervision for safety

Veterans who already receive VA disability compensation usually cannot receive A&A at the same time — but there are exceptions depending on benefit level.

Basic eligibility (public information summary)

Eligibility for A&A typically includes:

• served at least 90 days of active duty
• with at least one day during a wartime period (as defined by the VA)
• age, disability, or care needs requiring regular help
• meeting income and asset guidelines

Surviving spouses may also qualify if they were married to the veteran at the time of death, have not remarried, and meet asset/income guidelines.

What Aid & Attendance helps pay for

A&A is paid as a monthly stipend — there is no restriction on how the money must be used. Families commonly use it to help offset:

• in-home caregivers
• assisted living costs (partially)
• medical supplies and support needs
• personal care assistance

A&A does not cover room and board fully, and does not replace Medicaid or Medicare.

Applying for VA benefits

Applications require documentation of service, financial information, and medical need. Many families prepare by gathering:

• DD-214 or discharge records
• marriage certificates (for surviving spouse cases)
• medical statements or proof of care needs
• income and asset information

Some families complete the application themselves; others use accredited VA representatives. Maisage does not file or submit applications — but can help explain the process using public information to prepare you.

How VA benefits fit into long-term planning

VA benefits rarely cover all care needs, but they can be an important piece of the picture:

• can help pay for in-home caregivers
• can supplement retirement income
• can support assisted living costs
• can help delay Medicaid spend-down
• can ease financial stress on spouses

When combined with Medicare, personal savings, and family involvement, VA programs can help build a more sustainable care path.