Navigating VA Benefits for Aging Veterans: Understanding VA Aid and Attendance vs. Housebound Benefits

Veterans may need additional care and assistance with their daily activities as they age. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several benefit programs that provide financial assistance to veterans and their surviving spouses. Two of these programs are VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits.

Veterans and surviving spouses cannot simultaneously receive Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits. If a veteran or surviving spouse qualifies for both benefits, they will receive the benefit that provides the highest payment.

While both benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to veterans, there are some critical differences between the two programs. This blog will outline the differences between Housebound and Aid and Attendance benefits. You’ll also learn how to apply for these benefits and the documentation required for each program.

The VA Pension Requirements

To qualify for the Housebound or the Aid and Attendance benefits a veteran must first enroll in the VA pension program.

To qualify for a VA pension, a veteran must meet the following requirements:

1. They must have served at least 90 days of active military service, with at least one day during a war period, and received a discharge other than dishonorable.
2. The veteran’s income must be below a specific limit set by Congress and based on additional factors like dependents and marital status.
3. The net worth limit to be eligible for Veterans Pension benefits is $155,356 (from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024). Property, investments, and annual income count toward net worth. However, assets like your primary residence and regular vehicle do not count toward your net worth.
4. They must be 65 years or older or permanently disabled.

Additionally, the veteran’s medical expenses, such as nursing home care, are considered when calculating the pension amount.

It’s worth noting that the VA pension is a needs-based program and meeting the requirements does not guarantee eligibility. The VA considers the applicant’s circumstances when determining eligibility and the pension amount.

What is the Housebound Benefit?

The Housebound benefit is financial assistance offered by the VA to veterans and their surviving spouses who cannot leave their homes or immediate premises due to a permanent disability. This benefit is designed to help offset the cost of care and living expenses. You must be eligible for the VA pension before receiving  Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-S).

2024 Housebound Monthly Compensation Rates

If you are a veteran with a 100% disability rating with no dependents, your monthly compensation is $3,737.85.

If you receive SMC-S in the same circumstance, your monthly compensation is $4,183.85. However, the monthly compensation for SMC-S will vary depending on your dependent status:

• $4,183.85 – No dependents
• $4,392.25 – With spouse
• $4,559.51 – With spouse and one parent
• $4,726.77 – With spouse and two parents
• $4,351.11 – With one parent
• $4,518.37 – With two parents
• $4,323.22 – With one child
• $4,544.87 – With one child and spouse
• $4,712.13 – With one child, spouse, and one parent
• $4,879.39 – With one child, spouse, and two parents
• $4,490.48 – With one child and one parent
• $4,657.74 – With one child and two parents

Each additional child under 18 will add $103.55 to the monthly compensation. Each additional child over 18 in a qualifying school program will add $334.49 to the monthly compensation.

The VA must adjust its benefits each year to keep up with inflation. The updates are published on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Eligibility for Housebound Benefits

To qualify for housebound benefits, a veteran or spouse must first meet the eligibility requirements for community care. In most cases, the determination of housebound status is based on medical records following an examination by a private doctor or nurse practitioner.

In addition to demonstrating the veteran is housebound, there are two key ways to be eligible for Housebound Allowance:

1. The veteran must have a single permanent disability evaluated as 100 percent.
2. Alternatively, the veteran must have a single permanent disability with a 100 percent rating and another disability with a rating of 60 percent or more.

What is VA Aid and Attendance?

The VA aims to assist veterans and their spouses with in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care costs through the Aid and Attendance benefit. The benefit amount is determined based on the level of assistance required and the individual’s income and assets.

2023 Aid and Attendance Rates

Veterans who make a claim for Aid and Attendance benefits will be assigned either an SMC-R1 or SMC-R2.

SMC-R1 may be assigned if a family or friend (or non-professional) is providing care. SMC-R2 may be assigned if a medical professional provides additional care.

The monthly compensation for SMC-R1 and SMC-R2 will vary depending on your dependent status:

2023 SMC Level R1 Rates

• $9,036.89 – No dependents
• $9,238.83 – With spouse
• $9,400.90 – With spouse and one parent
• $9,562.97 – With spouse and two parents
• $9,198.96- With one parent
• $9,361.03 – With two parents
• $9,171.94 – With one child
• $9,386.72 – With one child and spouse
• $9,548.79 – With one child, spouse, and one parent
• $9,334.01 – With one child, spouse, and two parents
• $9,334.01 – With one child and one parent
• $9,496.08 – With one child and two parents

2023 SMC Level R2 Rates

• $10,365.53 – No dependents
• $10,567.47 – With spouse
• $10,729.54 – With spouse and one parent
• $10,891.61 – With spouse and two parents
• $10,527.60 – With one parent
• $10,689.67 – With two parents
• $10,500.58 – With one child
• $10,715.36 – With one child and spouse
• $10,877.43- With one child, spouse, and one parent
• $11,039.50 – With one child, spouse, and two parents
• $10,662.65 – With one child and one parent
• $10,824.72- With one child and two parents

Each additional child under 18 will add $100.34 to the monthly compensation. Each additional child over 18 in a qualifying school program will add $342.12 to the monthly compensation.

Eligibility for Aid and Attendance

To be eligible for VA Aid and Attendance, a veteran or their surviving spouse must receive a VA pension and fulfill at least one of the following requirements:

• Require the assistance of another person to perform daily living activities, such as bathing, feeding, and dressing.
• Be bedridden due to illness or disability.
• Be a patient in a nursing home because of the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability.

Have limited eyesight, with corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less in both eyes or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.

Applying for Aid and Attendance Benefits

You’ll start the application process by gathering all required documents, including medical records, physician’s reports, and financial records.  You may be asked to provide information on your daily activities and how you travel when you leave your home. Additionally, you’ll need to provide details about your illness, injuries, or disabilities impacting your ability to do daily tasks like taking a bath.

Next, you’ll complete VA Form 21-2680. If you’re receiving care in a nursing home, you must complete VA Form 21-0779.

Once complete, you’ll submit the forms and the supporting documents to your local VA regional office. If you need help completing your form, you can contact Tuley Law. Our attorneys specialize in helping veterans obtain the benefits they’re entitled to.

The VA will review your application and supporting documents to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for Aid and Attendance benefits. If approved, the VA will issue payments directly to your bank account, typically on the first day of each month.

VA Decision Timeline

The processing time for a decision on Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can vary depending on several factors, including the case’s complexity, the availability of medical evidence, and the volume of applications being processed at the time.

On average, you can expect to wait between 90 days and six months. It is recommended that applicants provide all necessary documentation and information at the time of their initial application to help expedite the process. If the VA requires additional information, they will contact you to request it.

If your application is denied, you may submit an appeal. You should consult with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options moving forward.

How Tuley Law Can Help You

Understanding how to apply for Aid and Attendance benefits or Housebound Allowance can be difficult. An experienced disability attorney from Tuley Law can help you navigate the application process and be your advocate.Our team can review your application and documents to ensure they are complete and accurate. We’ll work with the VA on your behalf to facilitate the process and get you the benefits you’re entitled to as quickly as possible. Contact us today by calling us at (812) 625-2149 or fill out our online form.