You are staring at the bill. The Assisted Living Facility costs $6,500 a month. Dad's Social Security check is only $1,800. You are burning through his life savings at a terrifying rate, and you wonder how long until the money runs out.
If your father (or mother) served in the military during a time of war—even if they never saw combat—there is a lifeline you probably don't know about.
It is called the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit.
In 2026, this tax-free benefit can provide up to $2,727 per month to help cover the cost of long-term care. Yet, surprisingly, fewer than 5% of eligible veterans utilize it. Here is how to claim the money your family earned.
Disclaimer: Benefit amounts and eligibility rules (38 CFR § 3.351) change annually. Approval is not guaranteed. This article is for educational purposes only. Contact an accredited VSO for application assistance.
Dad Served in the Military?
1. The "Big Money": How Much Can You Get?
This is not pocket change. It is a substantial monthly pension added to the veteran's existing income.
2026 Maximum Monthly Pension Rates (Estimated):
| Category | Maximum Monthly Benefit | Annual Value |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran + Spouse | ~ $2,727 | ~ $32,700 |
| Single Veteran | ~ $2,300 | ~ $27,600 |
| Surviving Spouse | ~ $1,478 | ~ $17,700 |
Imagine what an extra $32,000 a year could do. It could mean the difference between a high-quality facility and a budget one.
2. Test #1: The "Service" Requirement
Many people assume, "Dad didn't get shot at, so he doesn't qualify."
Wrong. Combat is NOT required.
To qualify, the veteran must have:
- Served at least 90 days of active duty.
- Served at least 1 day during an eligible "Wartime Period" (World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War).
- Received anything other than a Dishonorable Discharge.
Note: He could have been peeling potatoes in Kansas during the Korean War. As long as he was active duty during the war dates, he passes Test #1.
3. Test #2: The "Medical" Necessity
This benefit is for seniors who need help with daily living. You must prove that the applicant requires the "Aid and Attendance" of another person.
A doctor must certify that they need help with at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as:
- Bathing or showering.
- Dressing.
- Eating (feeding oneself).
- Mobility (transferring from bed to chair).
- Protecting themselves from hazards (common for dementia/Alzheimer's patients).
4. Test #3: The "Asset" Limit (The 3-Year Trap)
The VA is strict about finances. This is a need-based program.
- Net Worth Limit: As of 2026, the veteran's assets (excluding the primary home and one car) generally must be below roughly $155,000.
- The Look-Back Rule: The VA looks back 3 years. If you gifted $50,000 to your grandson last year to "hide" the money, the VA will find out and penalize you.
Warning: Do not move assets without consulting a specialized Elder Law Attorney. One wrong transfer can disqualify Dad for years.
5. How to Apply (Don't Do It Alone)
The application form (VA Form 21-2680) is complex. If you make a mistake, the denial can take months to appeal.
The Golden Rule: Never pay someone to help you file the claim. It is illegal to charge for filing.
- Find a free Veterans Service Officer (VSO) at your local VFW, American Legion, or county office.
- Gather the DD-214 (Discharge Papers).
- Get the doctor's report early.
- Submit and wait. (Processing can take 4-9 months, but they pay retroactively to the application date).
Conclusion: It’s Not Charity, It’s a Promise
Your father served his country. The Aid and Attendance benefit is the country's way of serving him in his final years. Do not leave this money on the table out of pride or ignorance.
Check his discharge papers today. If he served during wartime, start the paperwork immediately. That retroactive check for $20,000+ could be the lifeline your family desperately needs.
Helpful Resources:
VA.gov: Aid & Attendance Eligibility
National Archives: Request DD-214
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