Housebound benefits, also known as Aid and Attendance (A&A), are tax-free monetary benefits paid to eligible veterans who need another person’s aid and attendance to perform daily living tasks.
Eligibility for Housebound Benefits
To be eligible for housebound benefits, a single veteran must meet the following requirements:
- Be 65 years or older
- Have a disability rating of 100% permanent and total
- Need the aid and attendance of another person to perform daily living tasks such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Toileting
- Transferring (e.g., from bed to chair)
- Be in a nursing home or require care in their home due to a disability
Housebound Pay Rates for Single Veterans
The housebound pay rates for single veterans vary based on the level of care required. The rates are as follows:
- Basic A&A Rate: $1,881.00 per month (effective December 1, 2022)
- Intermediate A&A Rate: $2,050.00 per month (effective December 1, 2022)
- High A&A Rate: $2,266.00 per month (effective December 1, 2022)
How to Apply for Housebound Benefits
To apply for housebound benefits, a single veteran should:
- Gather required documents:
- DD Form 214 (discharge paperwork)
- Medical records documenting the need for aid and attendance
- Proof of income and net worth
- Complete VA Form 21-2680:
- “Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance”
- Submit the application:
- Online through the VA’s eBenefits website
- By mail to the VA regional office
- In person at a VA regional office or a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
Additional Resources
- VA Website: www.va.gov
- VA Toll-Free Number: 1-800-827-1000
- Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans
Remember to consult with a VA-accredited claims agent or a VSO for assistance with the application process.