On October 19, 2011 the Senate unanimously legislated to increase Veterans Compensation and Pension by 3.6% effective December 1, 2011.

This tax-free benefit is paid out monthly to the veteran or spouse.

Eligibility

The VA defines Aid & Attendance eligibility using the following four criteria:

• General: Who is eligible?
• Income: What income requirements must be met?
• Assets: What are the assets restrictions?
• Medical: What medical requirements qualify?

All of these criteria areas must work together before the Aid & Attendance pension is approved for a veteran and/or surviving spouse.

General Eligibility

• Wartime veteran or surviving spouse over age 65 or totally disabled
• Veteran who served his/her country for a minimum of 90 consecutive days of active duty with at least one day during wartime era
• Discharged from military under "other than dishonorable" conditions

Medical Eligibility

• The VA program is designed to help veterans and/or surviving spouses requiring regular care and assistance from others in addressing life's daily needs or being protected from life's hazards.

Income Eligibility

• Under VA eligibility guidelines, the veteran and/or surviving spouse must be spending all income on medical expenses

Asset Eligibility

• The maximum allowable assets are based on the veteran and/or surviving spouse's income, medical expenses and life expectancy.