What Can Disqualify Me from Qualifying for the Veteran Aid and Attendance Pension?

The Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension is a valuable benefit for veterans and their surviving spouses who require assistance with daily living activities due to illness, injury, or aging. This pension helps pay for care services such as home care, assisted living, or nursing home care, and is designed to enhance the quality of life for those who have served our country.

However, like many other government programs, there are strict eligibility criteria to qualify for this benefit. While the Aid and Attendance pension can provide much-needed support, there are several factors that could disqualify someone from receiving it.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the most common reasons why a veteran or surviving spouse might not qualify for the Veteran Aid and Attendance pension.

1. Not Meeting Service Requirements

One of the most significant eligibility factors for the Aid and Attendance pension is the veteran's service record. To qualify, the deceased or living veteran must meet specific service requirements:

• Active Duty Service: The veteran must have served at least one day of active duty during a designated period of war. These periods include:

  • World War II: Dec. 7, 1941, to Dec. 31, 1946

  • Korean War: June 27, 1950, to Jan. 31, 1955

  • Vietnam War: Aug. 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975

  • Gulf War: Aug. 2, 1990, to present

If the veteran did not serve during one of these periods or did not serve on active duty for the required time, they may not qualify for the pension.

• Discharge Status: The veteran must have received an honorable discharge. Veterans with dishonorable discharges or other-than-honorable discharges are not eligible for VA benefits, including Aid and Attendance.

  
  

2. Not Meeting the Need for Assistance with Daily Living

The Aid and Attendance pension is specifically designed for veterans (or their surviving spouses) who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs). These are basic tasks that many individuals need assistance with due to aging, illness, or disability. If the applicant does not need help with daily activities, they may not be eligible.

Examples of ADLs include:

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Eating

• Toileting

• Transferring (e.g., getting in and out of bed or chairs)

A person who is independent in these areas and does not require significant assistance would not meet the primary requirement for Aid and Attendance.

3. Financial Disqualifications

Financial eligibility is a key factor in qualifying for the Aid and Attendance pension. The VA has both income and net worth limits that applicants must meet in order to qualify. If your financial situation exceeds these limits, you may be disqualified from receiving this benefit.

Income Limits

The VA considers your total income, including Social Security, pensions, wages, and other forms of financial support. The income limits are based on the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR), which varies depending on whether the applicant is a veteran or a surviving spouse, and whether they are applying for single or married status.

If your income exceeds the MAPR, you will likely not qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits. However, the VA will reduce your income if you have significant medical expenses (such as long-term care or in-home care), which can help you meet the income criteria.

Net Worth Limits

The VA also considers your net worth—which includes savings, real estate, and other assets—when determining eligibility. The VA has set a net worth limit, which is currently $138,489 (in 2025), including a home, car, and other personal property.

If your total net worth exceeds this limit, you may be disqualified from receiving Aid and Attendance benefits. However, certain assets like the primary residence or a car are generally excluded from this calculation.

4. Income Not Exceeding the Pension Limit

Even if your income is below the VA's pension limits, you still need to ensure that your income does not exceed the pension’s limits for Aid and Attendance. For example, if you are receiving other government benefits, income from a spouse, or other pensions, it might push you over the eligibility threshold, especially when combined with your medical expenses.

5. Not Following Proper Application Procedures

The process of applying for Aid and Attendance benefits can be complicated, and it is important to follow the correct procedures. Missing required documentation, failing to provide complete or accurate information, or not meeting all deadlines can result in a delay or denial of benefits.

To avoid disqualification due to procedural issues, applicants should:

• Gather all necessary documentation, including military service records, marriage certificates, income verification, and medical records.

• Complete the correct VA form (usually VA Form 21P-534EZ for surviving spouses or VA Form 21P-527EZ for veterans).

• Consider seeking help from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), who can guide you through the application process and ensure that everything is properly submitted.

7. Medicaid/Medicare Assistance

In some rare cases, veterans who are already receiving Medicaid or Medicare assistance may face disqualification, especially if the veteran’s care needs are covered by these programs. The VA generally doesn’t provide benefits if another government agency, such as Medicaid, is already covering the care needed.

However, if you are receiving care that is not fully covered by Medicaid or Medicare, you may still qualify for Aid and Attendance to help cover the difference.

8. Failure to Meet Health Care Needs

If a veteran or surviving spouse’s care needs do not justify the need for a caregiver or the level of assistance offered by Aid and Attendance, they might be disqualified. The VA generally evaluates the type and extent of medical needs through a formal process, and if the veteran or spouse does not meet the required threshold, they may not be approved for the benefit.

Final Thoughts

The Veteran Aid and Attendance pension is a valuable resource for veterans and their surviving spouses who need assistance with daily living activities or long-term care. However, disqualifications can occur if the applicant doesn’t meet specific eligibility criteria, including service requirements, income limits, or the level of care needed.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or have concerns about potential disqualifications, it’s always a good idea to reach out to a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). They can help you navigate the application process and provide guidance on ensuring that your application is accurate and complete.

Understanding the requirements ahead of time can help you avoid delays and increase your chances of receiving the benefits that you or your loved one may be entitled to.