Are there other Veterans Improved Pensions that are available besides Aid & Attendance?

Yes, below are descriptions of two other tiers of the VA Improved Pension:

Basic Pension

The VA classifies any veteran at the age of 65 to be permanently and totally disabled regardless of your physical state. The classification of "disabled" entitles the veteran or widow for a Basic Pension if he/she meets the net worth and income criteria. The same is true for the surviving spouse. No Physician's Statement is required for filing for Basic Pension.

To be eligible for Basic Pension:

    • A veteran alone must have countable income LESS than $12,907 a year*
    • A veteran with a dependent or spouse must have countable income LESS than: $16,902 a year*

Here is a worksheet to learn how to calculate "countable income".

Housebound Pension

For those who wish to remain in either their own home or the home of a family member, you can apply for the Housebound level of the Improved Pension. A Physician's Statement is also required for the Housebound level. The VA will automatically consider this level if the claimant does not fully qualify for Aid and Attendance.

The criteria for Housebound requires that the claimant needs regular assistance, but is not as limited as those who would qualify for Aid and Attendance.

Care can be provided by family members or outside caregiver's agencies. Families need to be reimbursed for the care and services they are providing just as you would an outside agency. It is recommended that you survey the costs of these services in your area to determine what a fair amount to charge would be.

It is imperative that an accurate accounting of expenses is kept. Do not ever pay in cash as you must have a record of payments via check, money order, etc. The VA does not currently send out an annual evaluation form known as an EVR to determine if the applicant still meets the standards of criteria, but this could be reinstated in the future. Without proof of expenses, the VA will stop payments on the pension. An EVR could be required an all three levels of the Improved Pension.

The same forms are used for filing for Aid and Attendance and Housebound:

To be eligible for Housebound Benefit:

  • A veteran alone must have countable income LESS than $15,773 a year*
  • A veteran with a spouse must have countable income LESS than: $19,770 a year*

Here is a worksheet to learn how to calculate "countable income".