Answer 8 questions to find out whether you or a veteran family member may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance pension, a benefit many eligible veterans never claim.
About 3 minutes Up to $2,424/month No data saved
Question 1 of 8
Question 1 of 8
Did you (or your family member) serve on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces?
This includes Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and certain Reserve/National Guard service activated for federal duty.
Question 2 of 8
Did the active duty service include at least one day during a qualifying wartime period?
Qualifying wartime periods:
World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
Korean War: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
Vietnam Era: August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (or Feb 28, 1961 if in Vietnam)
Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – present (ongoing)
Question 3 of 8
Was the discharge from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable?
An honorable, general, or other-than-honorable discharge typically qualifies. A dishonorable discharge disqualifies VA pension benefits.
Question 4 of 8
Did the active duty service total at least 90 days?
The VA generally requires at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period. Those who entered service after September 7, 1980 may need 24 months of continuous service.
Question 5 of 8
Does the veteran (or surviving spouse) need help with activities of daily living?
Aid & Attendance is specifically for those who need assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or moving from place to place, or who are bedridden, in a nursing home, or legally blind.
Question 6 of 8
Which best describes the current living and care situation?
This helps determine which VA pension tier may apply: Aid & Attendance (highest) vs. Housebound vs. Basic Pension.
Question 7 of 8
What is the approximate total net worth (savings, investments, and property), excluding the primary home and one vehicle?
The VA net worth limit is $163,699 for the period December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026. Assets above this limit may disqualify or reduce benefits. Countable assets can sometimes be reduced through proper legal planning.
Question 8 of 8
What is the approximate monthly income from all sources: Social Security, pension, military retirement, and other income?
Unreimbursed medical and care expenses (like home health aides or facility costs) can be deducted from income, often dramatically reducing countable income for VA purposes.
Your Eligibility Assessment
You May Qualify for Aid & Attendance
Based on your answers, the key eligibility requirements appear to be met. This benefit can significantly offset the cost of nursing home, assisted living, or home care expenses.
2026 Maximum Monthly Benefit Rates
$2,424
Veteran alone
$2,874
Veteran with dependent spouse
$1,558
Surviving spouse
Recommended Next Steps
1
Gather your military recordsLocate your DD-214 (discharge papers). If lost, request a copy through the National Archives at archives.gov.
2
Collect financial documentationBank statements, investment accounts, property records, and documentation of monthly care expenses.
3
Get a physician's statementThe VA requires a licensed physician to certify the need for assistance with daily activities (VA Form 21-2680).
4
Consult an elder law attorney before applyingAn attorney can help structure assets and income to maximise your benefit and avoid unintentional disqualification.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our elder law attorneys can review your full eligibility picture, help you navigate the VA application, and coordinate your Aid & Attendance benefit with any MassHealth planning your family may need.
This quiz provides a general eligibility estimate only, not legal advice. Actual eligibility depends on your full financial picture, service records, and medical documentation. Results may vary based on factors not captured here.
Your Eligibility Assessment
Possible Eligibility: Further Review Recommended
Some criteria appear to be met, but one or more factors, such as assets near the limit, income level, or care need, may affect eligibility. An attorney review is especially valuable here.
2026 Maximum Monthly Benefit Rates
$2,424
Veteran alone
$2,874
Veteran with dependent spouse
$1,558
Surviving spouse
What to Explore Next
1
Review your asset picture with an attorneyIf assets are near the $163,699 net worth limit, legal strategies may still allow eligibility. Don't assume you're disqualified.
2
Calculate unreimbursed medical expensesCare expenses paid out of pocket can often reduce countable income, sometimes enough to qualify even with higher income.
3
Verify your wartime service datesRequest your DD-214 or service records to confirm your service period overlapped with a qualifying wartime period.
4
Consult before applying independentlySubmitting a poorly structured application can delay or reduce your benefit. An attorney can help you present the strongest case.
Don't Write Off This Benefit
Even when the initial picture looks unclear, many veterans and surviving spouses are successfully approved after proper planning and documentation. A consultation costs you nothing to explore.
This quiz provides a general eligibility estimate only, not legal advice. Do not rule out eligibility based on this result alone. A number of factors not captured by this quiz may affect your outcome.
Your Eligibility Assessment
Aid & Attendance Appears Unlikely Based on Your Answers
One or more key eligibility requirements (qualifying service, wartime period, or discharge status) do not appear to be met. However, other VA or elder law benefits may still apply.
What to Consider Instead
1
Explore other VA benefitsEven without Aid & Attendance eligibility, veterans may qualify for VA healthcare, disability compensation, or other programs.
2
Consider MassHealth (Medicaid) planningFor long-term care funding, MassHealth may be an alternative path. An elder law attorney can review your options.
3
Review your estate planWhether or not VA benefits apply, having an up-to-date estate plan (will, healthcare proxy, power of attorney) is essential.
Other Planning Options May Be Available
Our attorneys can review your full elder law picture (MassHealth planning, asset protection, and estate planning), regardless of VA eligibility.
This result is based only on answers you provided. If you believe the assessment may be inaccurate, consult an elder law attorney before concluding you are not eligible.
Questions About VA Benefits or Elder Law?
Our attorneys help families navigate VA Aid & Attendance, MassHealth planning, and elder law, and make sure both benefits work together.