If you’re caring for an aging parent or spouse, you’ve probably felt the financial pressure of needing reliable help at home. One option many families don’t hear about soon enough is VA Aid & Attendance—an increased monthly pension amount for eligible Veterans (and some surviving spouses) who need help with daily activities.
At Sunland Home Care, we’re a private-pay agency—but we regularly help families understand reimbursement pathways that may reduce the long-term out-of-pocket burden, including VA Aid & Attendance and long-term care insurance reimbursement (when eligible).
The 3 Questions That Determine If You Should Explore VA Aid & Attendance
1) Were you or your spouse in the military?
Aid & Attendance is tied to VA pension eligibility, which is based on the Veteran’s service history and other requirements.
If the answer is “yes,” don’t stop there—question #2 matters a lot.
2) When did you serve?
In plain English: to qualify for the VA pension that Aid & Attendance builds on, the Veteran generally must have served on active duty and also served during a wartime period (rules can vary based on service era).
Important nuance: eligibility rules have details (service era, discharge status, etc.), so it’s smart to confirm this with a VA-accredited professional or the VA directly before assuming qualification.
3) Do you have a care need?
Aid & Attendance is intended for people who require help with daily functions—examples commonly include bathing, eating, or dressing (and other personal-care needs depending on the situation).
If the answer is “yes,” it’s worth taking the next step to see whether the care need and medical documentation line up with the VA’s criteria.
What Aid & Attendance Actually Does (and What It Doesn’t)
Aid & Attendance is not “free home care.” It’s typically an increased monthly pension benefit that can help offset the cost of care when a Veteran meets eligibility requirements.
Many families choose to use that monthly support to help pay for:
- Ongoing in-home care
- Personal care support (bathing/dressing assistance, transfers, etc.)
- Safety oversight and supervision
- Support that helps someone remain safely at home longer
A Key Concept Families Miss: “Countable Income” vs. Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
One reason this program feels confusing is that the VA looks at income and expenses in a very specific way.
In general, the VA may consider unreimbursed medical expenses when calculating pension eligibility/amounts—this can include qualifying care-related expenses depending on the situation and documentation.
That’s why some families hear (accurately) that they may need to show ongoing care expenses and supporting documentation when applying.
Bottom line: Don’t guess. Get guidance so your documentation and timing are clean.
Because the rules have nuance, many families work with a VA-accredited claims agent (or another qualified professional) to confirm eligibility, avoid mistakes, and submit the right documentation. The resource in your flyer, for example, lists support for VA Aid & Attendance / VA Disability, along with related planning service.
Who Can Help You Apply or Confirm Eligibility?
Quick note/disclaimer (important): Some resources are not law firms and do not provide legal advice—so families should ensure they’re working with an appropriate professional for their situation.
How Sunland Home Care Supports Families Pursuing Reimbursement
Even when benefits are paid to the individual and not directly to the home care agency, families often need consistency and documentation to support reimbursement processes. Here’s how we typically htten plan of care
- Consistent invoicing/billing records
- Care documentation that supports reimbursement workflows (when applicable)
- A simple path to get care started quickly while benefits are being Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, or Apache Junction**, we can talk through care options and timing.
FAQ: VA Aid & Attendance + Home Care
Is Aid & Attendance only for Veterans?
Sometimes a surviving spouse may also qualify depending on VA rules and the marriage status/timing criteria. (This is one area where it’s especially worth confirming details.
Does the VA pay Sunland directly?
Typically, families are responsible for private-pay care, and benefits may reimburse/offset costs depending on eligibility and documentation.
How long does it take?
Timelines vary—application completeness and supporting documentation often determine how smooth the process is.
Ready to Talk It Through?
If you’re wondering whether your family should pursue Aid & Attendance and what a realistic home-care plan looks like right now, we can help you map it out.
Call Sunland Home Care or schedule a phone consultation and we’ll help you take the next best step.
