The Veteran's Administration offers an Improved Pension with an Aid & Attendance benefit that is widely unknown. The Aid & Attendance benefit is available to any war-time veterans with at least 90 days of active duty, 1 day beginning or ending during a period of war, and their spouses. To be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefits, one must file the proper paperwork along with the Veterans Application for Pension or Compensation. The application requires accompanying documentation referenced on the chart you'll find in Step 1.

How do I know if I'm eligible?

You may be eligible if your answer is "YES" to the following questions...

1. Are a veteran, surviving spouse of a veteran or an unmarried child of a deceased veteran?

2. Did the veteran serve at least 90 days of active military service, 1 day of which was during a war time period? If he/she entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally he/she must have served at least 24 months, or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty. There are exceptions to this rule.

• War Time Eligibility Periods:

• World War II: December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946

• Korean War: June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955

• Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 (February 28, 1961, for veterans who served “in country” before August 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975

• Gulf War: August 2, 1990, through a date to be set by law of Presidential Proclamation.

3. Whether the veteran, surviving spouse or unmarried child of a deceased veteran, is your countable income below a yearly limit set by law?

It may be difficult to answer these questions. If you are unsure if you meet all the criteria, we encourage you to file an application, particularly if your countable income appears to be near the maximum.

The VA is the best source to determine if you are eligible. Keep in mind, if you don't initially qualify, you can reapply if you have un-reimbursed medical expenses that bring your countable income below the yearly income limit during the first twelve (12) months after the VA receives your claim.

Continue to Step 1...