Aid & Attendance (A&A) is a Special Monthly Compensation that provides additional financial assistance to eligible veterans or their surviving spouses who require help with daily living activities due to one or more service-connected disabilities. This benefit is paid in addition to the standard monthly compensation benefits and can be used to help with the costs of home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.

Note: It is an additional amount of money added to VA compensation benefits, not a standalone benefit.

To qualify, the applicant must be already eligible for VA compensation benefits and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Needs assistance with activities of daily living

  • Examples: bathing, dressing, eating, or toileting

• Is “bedridden” — meaning they must stay in bed due to their condition

By Mail:

Fill out VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance)

Along with the VA Form you can include:

• Other evidence that shows the need for A&A (such as a doctor’s report)

• Lay evidence from yourself, a family member, or caretaker, that details how the illness, injury, or mental or physical disability affects your ability to perform activities of daily living on your own

In Person:

Bring this information to a VA regional office near you

Many eligible individuals miss out on this benefit simply because they do not know it exists or assume they do not qualify. Applying for A&A can be complex, especially when it involves proving medical need and financial eligibility. A VA-accredited representative can help ensure the application is complete, accurate, and supported by strong medical evidence—significantly increasing the chance of approval.

We have attorneys and representatives here at Greene & Marusak who can help you complete your application.

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737

Check out our YouTube video discussing Special Monthly Compensation based on the need for Aid & Attendance: Veterans Who Need Additional Aid Due To Disabilities: What To Claim