Our nation's veterans gave a great deal in service. When they need help to remain safe and independent at home, they deserve care that honors that service, and support in paying for it. Many veteran families in Hickory Hills and across Southwest Chicago do not realize that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a benefit that can help cover the cost of in-home care. It is called Aid and Attendance, and it is one of the most underused benefits available to wartime veterans and their surviving spouses.
This guide explains what the benefit is, who qualifies, how much it can provide, and how to begin the process.
What Is VA Aid and Attendance?
Aid and Attendance is an additional, tax-free monthly amount added to the basic VA pension. It is designed for veterans and surviving spouses who need help with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, or medication management. Because in-home care directly addresses those needs, the benefit can be used to help pay for a professional caregiver at home.
How Much Can Aid and Attendance Provide?
Benefit amounts are set by the VA and adjusted each year for cost of living. Following the most recent adjustment (effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026), the maximum benefit amounts are approximately:
- A single veteran with no dependents: up to about $2,420 per month (roughly $29,090 per year)
- A surviving spouse: up to about $1,560 per month (roughly $18,700 per year)
These figures represent the maximum a qualifying household can receive when countable income is low. Most families receive somewhat less, because other income reduces the benefit. Importantly, unreimbursed medical expenses, including the cost of a caregiver, can be deducted from countable income, which often increases the amount a family qualifies for. Amounts change annually, so always confirm current rates.
Who Qualifies for the Benefit?
Eligibility is based on three areas: military service, medical need, and finances.
Service Requirements
- At least 90 days of active duty, with a minimum of one day during a recognized wartime period
- A discharge that is other than dishonorable
Medical Need
- The veteran or surviving spouse needs help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility
- Or is largely confined to the home due to a disability
Financial Guidelines
- Countable net worth must fall below the VA limit (approximately $163,699 for the December 2025 to November 2026 period)
- A primary residence and a vehicle generally do not count toward net worth
- Care costs can be deducted as medical expenses, which helps many families qualify
What In-Home Care for Veterans Includes
Once benefits help cover the cost, a veteran can receive the same high-quality, personalized care as any other client:
- Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
- Medication reminders and mobility assistance
- Meal preparation and light housekeeping
- Companionship and transportation to VA and medical appointments
- Specialized support for dementia, chronic conditions, or recovery after a hospital stay
- Family updates after every visit through the Homewatch Connect app
How to Apply for Aid and Attendance
The application process can feel complicated, but it becomes manageable when broken into steps:
- Gather documents: discharge papers (DD-214), marriage and, if applicable, death certificates, financial records, and physician statements about care needs
- Complete the VA pension application and request the Aid and Attendance add-on
- Include a physician's statement (VA Form 21-2680) documenting the need for daily assistance
- Document care costs, since ongoing caregiver expenses can reduce countable income
- Submit the application to the VA and keep copies of everything
Working with a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization at no cost can make the process far smoother and improve the chances of approval.
Why So Many Families Miss Out
A large number of eligible veterans never claim Aid and Attendance simply because they do not know it exists, or they assume their income is too high to qualify. Because care costs can be deducted from countable income, many families who assume they are ineligible actually qualify. It is always worth checking rather than assuming the answer is no.
Honor Their Service With Care at Home
Contact Homewatch CareGivers of Hickory Hills to learn how in-home care can support the veteran in your life. We will help you understand your care options and can point you toward the right resources for using VA benefits like Aid and Attendance.
📞 (708) 501-6795
9959 S Roberts Rd, Palos Hills, IL 60465
Open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Serving Hickory Hills, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Orland Park, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Frankfort & Southwest Chicago
Related Home Care Tips
- How Much Does In-Home Senior Care Cost in Illinois? A Family's Complete Guide to Pricing and Payment Options
- Preserving Dignity at Home: How Personal Care Assistance Helps Illinois Seniors Live Comfortably and Safely
- In Home Senior Care in Hickory Hills IL: Why Local Families Choose Homewatch CareGivers
Benefit amounts and eligibility rules are set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and reflect the rate period effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026. Rates change annually. This article is general educational information, not legal, financial, or benefits advice. Homewatch CareGivers is not affiliated with the VA. Please verify current figures and eligibility with the VA or a VA-accredited representative.