Written By: Camryn Keeble
VA Aid & Attendance Benefits
VA Aid & Attendance is an additional financial assistance option provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans or their surviving spouses who may need assistance performing certain daily activities. Veterans or their spouses receiving other VA benefits may also be eligible for Aid & Attendance.
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Reviewed By
Retired LCDR Carl Jewett
VA-Accredited Claims Agent
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Important Facts About VA Aid & Attendance
- Eligibility for Aid & Attendance is based on the veteran requiring the assistance of another person to perform at least two activities of daily living.
- Veterans who are eligible for VA Disability Compensation or Pension can receive additional monthly compensation in the form of Aid & Attendance.
- VA Aid & Attendance benefits are not limited to veterans. Dependents may also be eligible to receive assistance.
- The compensation amounts and rates listed on this page are based on the VA’s update for 2025. These rates and amounts apply to Dec. 1, 2024-Nov. 30, 2025.
What Is VA Aid & Attendance?
The VA’s Aid & Attendance benefit provides financial assistance to someone who requires the assistance of another person to perform daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This benefit does not require the recipient to use the funds to pay for care, as it can be provided by a spouse, relative or friend.
Aid & Attendance is payable to veterans who are receiving VA Disability Compensation for a service-connected disability, as well as to veterans who are eligible for VA Pension. It is also available to surviving dependents receiving Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or Survivor’s Pension. The amount of Aid & Attendance is calculated differently for each situation.
How to Qualify for Aid & Attendance
Eligibility for Aid & Attendance is based on requiring the assistance of another person to perform at least two activities of daily living.
Activities of daily living that meet the requirements of Aid & Attendance eligibility include:
- The ability of the applicant to dress or undress themselves
- The ability of the applicant to bathe themselves
- The ability of the applicant to use the bathroom
- The ability of the applicant to adjust any special prosthetic or orthopedic appliances
- The ability of the applicant to feed themselves
- The ability of the applicant to protect themselves from hazards or dangerous incidents in their daily environment
- The applicant is bedridden, which means a condition requires the applicant to remain in bed. The fact that the applicant has taken to bed voluntarily or that a physician has prescribed bed rest to promote convalescence will not suffice.
For instance, if a veteran with mesothelioma is experiencing difficulty performing certain tasks of daily living due to recovering from aggressive mesothelioma treatments or the physical toll of advanced-stage mesothelioma, they are likely eligible to receive Aid & Attendance.
How to Apply for Aid & Attendance for Mesothelioma
VA Aid & Attendance claims can be filed online (through the VA website), in person (at a local VA office or hospital) or via U.S. mail (with an application form). The VA states that the process for reviewing and either approving or rejecting applications takes 3-4 months.
To properly submit a VA Aid & Attendance claim for mesothelioma, the veteran will need:
- Social Security Number or VA file number
- Medical information proving the diagnosis
- Financial details (and for dependents)
- Bank account information for direct deposit
Mesothelioma Guide’s veterans advocate and VA-accredited claims agent, retired LCDR Carl Jewett, helps veterans file VA claims for various benefits such as Aid & Attendance. Carl determines your eligibility, helps gather required forms and supporting documents, and monitors the progress of your claim. Get in touch with Carl to follow the official VA Aid & Attendance claims process.
The VA Aid & Attendance claims process is as follows.
Fill Out Required VA Forms
To file a VA Aid & Attendance claim, the claimant (veteran, spouse or child) fills out VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance). The claimant’s doctor fills out the examination information section.
Gather Supporting Documentation
To submit a VA Aid & Attendance claim, the veteran needs:
- Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Form DD-214,
- Marriage license (if applicable)
- Birth certificates (for any dependent children)
- Financial information about you and your dependents
- Medical records related to the diagnostic testing (pathology report) and treatment of their mesothelioma that show the claimant requires Aid & Attendance
Submit the Claim Packet to the VA
The veteran submits the claim packet either online, by mail or by fax to their Pension Management Center (PMC). Mesothelioma Guide advises veterans to seek the assistance of an experienced VA-accredited claims agent. Retired LCDR Carl Jewett will review the packet before submitting it to and verify all required forms are filled out correctly and all supporting documentation has been gathered.
VA Acknowledges Receipt of the Claim
The VA sends a written response to the veteran acknowledging receipt of the claim within 30 days of receiving it. The VA may request additional evidence from the veteran to process the Aid & Attendance application.
VA Makes a Decision on the Claim
According to the VA, the average time to process (approve or reject) VA claims is 147 days. If the claim is approved, the VA sends an approval letter and back-pays the veteran for the time between the submission and approval. If the claim is denied, the VA sends a letter explaining the reason for denial along with a description of the appeal process.
How Much to Expect in Aid & Attendance for Veterans Receiving VA Disability Compensation
Aid & Attendance is available to veterans receiving VA Disability Compensation. For veterans with mesothelioma, they must need the assistance of another person to perform at least two activities of daily living due to their service-connected cancer. This additional benefit is paid through the VA’s Special Monthly Compensation schedule L (SMC-L).
SMC-L pays veterans $962.25 per month in Aid & Attendance compensation, in addition to their monthly VA Disability Compensation. If the veteran’s spouse is also eligible for Aid & Attendance, the veteran will receive an additional $201.41 per month in Aid & Attendance pay.
EXAMPLE: A married veteran with service-connected pleural mesothelioma who qualifies for Aid & Attendance receives their VA Disability pay at the 100% married rate of $4,158.17 plus $962.25 for Aid & Attendance. The total monthly compensation is $5,120.42 per month.
3 Things Veterans With Mesothelioma Need To Know
How Much to Expect in Aid & Attendance for Veterans Receiving VA Pension
Aid & Attendance is available to veterans receiving VA Pension who require daily assistance. VA Pension has a maximum income limit, which means some veterans may not qualify. Qualifying for Aid & Attendance can help veterans qualify for VA Pension regardless of their income.
VA Pension is calculated by the Maximum Allowable Pension Rate (MAPR). The veteran’s household income is subtracted from their applicable MAPR – based on their number of dependents and if they’re married – to determine the veteran’s VA Pension. If the veteran has no income, then they will receive the full MAPR amount. Aid & Attendance eligibility increases the veteran’s MAPR.
For instance, the basic MAPR, as of December 1 2025, is $17,441 for veterans with no dependents. The MAPR for a veteran in need of Aid and attendance is $29,093.
A veteran whose income is above their MAPR will only receive VA Pension if they require Aid & Attendance.
Quick Fact: You can increase your Pension by subtracting a portion of your out-of-pocket medical expenses from your net worth. You can only subtract out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed 5% of the applicable MAPR. For example, if the applicable MAPR is $29,093 (single veteran with no dependents and receiving Aid & Attendance), then you can deduct from your net worth any medical expenses after the first $1,454.65.
Example 1: A single veteran with no dependents who is eligible for Aid & Attendance has a household income/net worth of $14,000 a year. They receive $1,091.08 per month in VA Pension. The VA Pension amount is calculated by subtracting the veteran’s income from the MAPR:
- MAPR = $29,093 (veteran with no dependents + A&A)
- Income/Net Worth = $14,000
- Pension = $13,093 per year or $1,091.08 per month
Example 2: A married veteran eligible for Aid & Attendance has a household income of $20,000 a year. They receive $1,207.33 per month in VA Pension. The VA Pension amount is calculated by subtracting the veteran’s income from the MAPR:
- MAPR = $34,488 (veteran with one dependent + A&A)
- Income/Net Worth = $20,000
- Pension = $14,488 per year or $1,207.33 per month
Note: Veterans add $2,984 to their MAPR for each dependent child after their first dependent (spouse or child). Veterans with dependent children who work can exclude up to $16,100 of their annual wages from the income subtracted from the MAPR.
A list of all MAPRs can be found on the VA website.
Aid & Attendance for Surviving Dependents Receiving DIC
Family members of veterans eligible for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) can qualify for Aid & Attendance. Eligibility requires needing assistance to perform at least two daily living activities. Eligible dependents include a surviving spouse, children and parents.
Example: A surviving spouse is eligible for DIC because their veteran spouse died from service-connected mesothelioma. The surviving spouse also qualifies for Aid & Attendance. Their monthly VA compensation is $2,062.60, which is calculated by adding the amount of DIC and A&A:
- DIC = $1,699.36 per month
- Aid & Attendance = $421
- Total = $2,120.36 per month
Note: Each child younger than 18 adds $421 to the spouse’s monthly DIC payment. Surviving spouses with a dependent child also receive a transitional benefit, which is $359 per month for the first two years after the veteran’s death.
Example: A surviving spouse, with two dependent children under the age of 18, is eligible for DIC because their veteran spouse died from a service-connected mesothelioma. The surviving spouse also requires Aid & Attendance. Their monthly VA compensation is $3,232.66, which is calculated by adding the amount of DIC and A&A:
- DIC = $1,699.36 per month + $842 for two dependent children under 18
- DIC transitional benefit = $359 per month for two years
- Aid & Attendance = $421
- Total = $3,321.36 per month
Aid & Attendance for Surviving Dependents Eligible for Survivor Pension
Survivor’s Pension is calculated using MAPR and subtracting the applicant’s household income. For instance, the MAPR for a surviving spouse with no dependents who qualifies for Aid & Attendance is $18,697.
Quick Fact: You can increase your Survivors Pension by subtracting a portion of your out-of-pocket medical expenses from your net worth. You can only subtract out-of-pocket medical expenses after the first 5% of the applicable MAPR. For example, if the applicable MAPR is $18,697 (surviving spouse with no dependents and receiving Aid & Attendance), then you can deduct from net worth medical expenses after the first $934.85.
Example: A surviving spouse who requires Aid & Attendance has one dependent child and a household income of $11,000 a year. They receive $942 per month in VA compensation. This amount is calculated by subtracting the spouse’s income from the MAPR:
- MAPR = $22,304 (spouse with one dependent + A&A)
- Income/Net Worth = $11,000
- Survivors Pension = $11,304 per year or $942 per month
Note: Each additional surviving dependent child adds $2,984 to a surviving spouse’s MAPR.
Example: A surviving spouse who requires Aid & Attendance has two dependent children and a household income of $12,000 a year. They receive $1,107.33 per month in VA compensation. This amount is calculated by subtracting the spouse’s income from the MAPR:
- MAPR = $25,288 (spouse with two dependents + A&A)
- Income/Net Worth = $12,000
- Survivors Pension = $13,288 per year or $1,107.33 per month
A list of all MAPRs can be found on the VA website.
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Aid & Attendance
Is Aid & Attendance Available to Veterans Receiving Disability Compensation or Surviving Dependents Receiving DIC?
Yes, it is. Aid & Attendance for these cases is contained in the Special Monthly Compensation section of the VA manual. Veterans receiving Disability Compensation or surviving dependents receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation can apply for Aid & Attendance.
Is Aid & Attendance a “Standalone” Benefit from the VA?
No, it is not. Many veterans and surviving spouses believe they are receiving Aid & Attendance as a single benefit from the VA. In reality, Aid & Attendance is an additional benefit for people receiving VA Disability Compensation, VA Pension, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or Survivors Pension. They are also paid a higher amount because they require Aid & Attendance. In many cases, veterans’ household income is too high to qualify for VA Pension without Aid & Attendance, which increases their MAPR.
Is Aid & Attendance Only Payable to Veterans and Surviving Spouses When They Are Paying a Healthcare Professional to Provide Assistance?
No, Aid & Attendance is paid based on need, and there is no requirement to use this benefit to pay for or reimburse a healthcare professional (caregiver). Veterans or surviving spouses can receive Aid & Attendance even if the daily living assistance is provided free of charge by a spouse, relative or friend.
Sources & Author
- VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/. Accessed: 12/20/2025.
- Compensation: Special Monthly Compensation. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Retrieved from: https://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/types-compensation.asp. Accessed: 12/20/2025.
- Current special monthly compensation rates. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates/. Accessed: 12/20/2025.
- VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) Benefit Eligibility. Veteran Aid. Retrieved from: https://www.veteranaid.org/aid-and-attendance-eligibility.php. Accessed: 12/20/2025.
- What are Aid and Attendance Allowances with VA Compensation? Veterans Aid Benefits. Retrieved from: https://www.veteransaidbenefit.org/what-are-aid-and-attendance-allowances-with-va-compensation.htm#:~:text=Aid%20and%20Attendance%20or%20Housebound%20SMC%20for%20Veterans%20who%20are,under%20a%20single%20disability%20rating. Accessed: 12/20/2025.
- 38 CFR § 3.350 – Special monthly compensation ratings. Cornell University. Retrieved from: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.350. Accessed: 12/20/2025.
- Current DIC rates for spouses and dependents. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/dependency-indemnity-compensation/survivor-rates/. Accessed: 12/20/2025.
- Current Survivors Pension benefit rates. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/survivors-pension/rates/. Accessed: 12/20/2025.
- Current pension rates for Veterans. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates/. Accessed: 12/20/2025.
AI Summary of VA Aid & Attendance Benefits
The VA Aid & Attendance benefit is a form of financial support offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help cover the additional costs faced by veterans and their families who need assistance with daily activities. This benefit is designed for those who require help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, or using the bathroom, and it can also be available to surviving spouses and dependents of veterans. The purpose of Aid & Attendance is to ensure that those with limited mobility or health challenges can access extra financial aid to improve their quality of life, regardless of whether the assistance is provided by a professional caregiver or a loved one.
Eligibility for Aid & Attendance depends on the recipient’s need for help with at least two activities of daily living. This includes activities like dressing, bathing, feeding oneself, or protecting oneself from hazards in their environment. The benefit is available to veterans who are receiving VA Disability Compensation or VA Pension, as well as to survivors receiving Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or Survivor’s Pension. The amount of assistance awarded varies depending on individual circumstances, including whether the recipient is bedridden or requires help to perform daily tasks due to health issues, such as mesothelioma or other serious illnesses. In cases of mesothelioma or similar health conditions, if the physical toll of treatment or illness impairs daily functioning, an individual may qualify for this support.
Applying for Aid & Attendance involves submitting the appropriate forms and documentation, including medical evidence, discharge papers, financial details, and bank information for direct deposit. The process can take around 3 to 4 months for review and approval. Veterans and their families often find it helpful to work with VA-accredited claims agents or advocates to ensure all necessary paperwork is correctly prepared and submitted. Once approved, the benefit provides additional monthly compensation, which as of 2025, can be nearly $1,000 for veterans and additional amounts depending on specific situations or dependents, helping to offset the costs of care and support services. Overall, Aid & Attendance is a compassionate benefit that aims to support the well-being and dignity of those who served and their families in times of health challenges.