VA Aid & Attendance: A Guide for Illinois Veterans and Families
Many Illinois families don't realize that wartime veterans, and their surviving spouses, may qualify for a VA pension benefit called Aid & Attendance that can pay for in-home care services.
What Is Aid & Attendance?
Aid & Attendance (A&A) is a tax-free monthly pension benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is designed to help veterans and surviving spouses who need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or getting around safely.
As of 2026, the maximum monthly benefit is approximately:
- $2,300/month for a veteran with a spouse
- $1,900/month for a single veteran
- $1,200/month for a surviving spouse
These funds can be used to pay for non-medical in-home care, like the services Seva Home Care Illinois provides.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for Aid & Attendance, the veteran generally must have:
- Served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period (World War II, Korean War, Vietnam Era, Gulf War, etc.)
- An honorable or general discharge
- A medical need for assistance with activities of daily living
- Income and assets within VA limits (net worth generally under ~$155,000 as of 2026, excluding the primary home)
Surviving spouses of eligible veterans may also qualify.
How the Benefit Works With Home Care
The A&A benefit is paid directly to the veteran or surviving spouse as a monthly pension deposit. Families then use those funds to pay their home care agency, and there's no complicated billing process between the VA and the agency.
At Seva Home Care Illinois, we work with many veteran families and are familiar with the documentation required. We can help you understand how our services align with the benefit, and point you toward resources to help with the application.
Next Steps
If you think a veteran in your family might qualify, we recommend:
- Contacting your local DuPage County Veterans Assistance Commission - they offer free application help.
- Speaking with a VA-accredited benefits advisor.
- Calling Seva Home Care Illinois at (630) 577-2727 - we're happy to walk through how our care can work alongside the A&A benefit.
The application process takes time, but the benefit is worth pursuing. Many Illinois families are leaving significant monthly funds on the table simply because they don't know this program exists.