VA Aid & Attendance checklist

You may qualify if

• The veteran served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period
• Discharge was other than dishonorable
• You need help with daily activities — bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or you are largely confined to bed
• Or you are a patient in a nursing home, or your eyesight is severely limited
• Income minus recurring medical expenses is within the limit
• Net worth is under the current limit — the figure changes annually, so check the current one
• Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible

Gather before you apply

• DD-214 or other discharge papers
• Marriage certificate, and death certificate if applying as a surviving spouse
• Social Security award letter
• Bank and asset statements
• A physician's statement describing the help needed daily
• Proof of recurring medical expenses — insurance premiums, care costs, prescriptions
• Nursing home or care facility statement, if applicable

Before you pay anyone — don't