As a thank you for your service, the law entitles you to numerous veterans’ benefits. Which benefits you can receive depends on whether you meet strict eligibility requirements.
One type of benefit you may wish to use is Aid and Attendance. You may also wish to take advantage of the VA’s Housebound benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs details the eligibility requirements for both Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits.
Aid and Attendance eligibility requirements
The VA pays eligible veterans Aid and Attendance benefits in addition to their pension. You may qualify if you meet at least one of four eligibility requirements:
- An injury, illness or condition renders you bedrest for all or a large portion of the day
- Another person needs to assist you with the activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing or dressing
- You live with reduced mental or physical capabilities because of a disability and must live in a nursing home as a result
- You have limited eyesight that does not improve to 5/200 even with the assistance of contact lenses or glasses
If you meet one or more of the above criteria, you may collect Aid and Attendance in addition to your pension.
Housebound benefits eligibility
The VA also issues Housebound benefits to veterans who spend all or most of their time at home because of a disability. You may qualify for these benefits if a permanent disability renders you homebound. The key word here is permanent—a temporary disability or illness does not qualify you for these benefits. Note that you cannot receive both Housebound benefits and Aid and Attendance at the same time.
