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Elder Law Insight: Are You Aware of This Veterans Pension?

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veterans pensionIf you served in the military and live in Overland Park, you may not realize you qualify for extra financial support. The VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound pensions provide income to wartime veterans who qualify.

This Veterans Pension can mean thousands more in your pocket each year. Let’s explore how the pension works, what you can receive, and how to apply.

What Is the Aid and Attendance Pension?

The Aid and Attendance pension is an enhanced version of the basic VA pension. It applies when you:

  • Require help from another person to perform daily activities such as bathing or dressing
  • Are bedridden or spend most of the day in bed
  • Live in a nursing home due to mental or physical disability
  • Have severe vision impairment, like 5/200 vision or less in both eyes

You cannot receive both Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits at the same time.

Are You Eligible?

You may qualify for the Veterans Pension if you meet all of the following:

  1. Discharge Status
  • You did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
  1. Service Requirements

At least one of these must apply to you:

  • You began active duty before September 8, 1980, served at least 90 days total, with at least one day served during wartime.
  • You entered as an enlisted service member after September 7, 1980, and completed at least 24 months, or the full period ordered, including at least one wartime day.
  • You were an officer and started active duty after October 16, 1981, and you hadn’t served a full 24‑month tour previously.

You must also have served one day during a recognized wartime period, such as World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, etc.

How Much Could You Receive?

The VA sets a Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) based on your situation:

  • A single veteran with Aid and Attendance: $28,300 per year, or $2,358 per month
  • Veteran with spouse or one dependent: $33,548 per year, or $2,795 per month

To calculate your benefit, the VA subtracts your countable annual income (after allowable medical deductions) from the MAPR. For example, if MAPR is $33,548 and your income is $10,000, your annual benefit would be $23,548, or around $1,962 per month.

Asset Eligibility

This benefit is earmarked for vets with financial needs, so there is a net-worth limit. Your assets plus income must be under $159,240 for the period of Dec 1, 2024, to Nov 30, 2025.

This includes savings, investments, and other usable property, but excludes your primary home and personal effects.

The VA also applies a 3-year look-back. If you transferred assets in that period for less than fair market value and dipped below the asset limit, you may face a penalty period before benefits begin.

How to Apply

Start by choosing the right VA forms:

  1. Use VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound or Aid and Attendance) with your doctor’s details.
  2. Gather supporting documents like medical records, prescriptions, and bills.
  3. Include copies of your financial statements, tax returns, and asset records.
  4. Mail your file to the VA Pension Intake Center in Wisconsin, or submit in person at a regional VA office.

The VA will review your claim, verify eligibility, and issue your monthly benefit by direct deposit. Timing depends on your situation.

Take Action Today!

We proudly work with military families, and we are here to help if you have chosen a different path. To schedule a consultation at our Overland Park, KS estate planning office, call us at 913-521-2828 or send us a message through our contact page.

Glenn Stockton
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