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The PACT Act and your VA benefitsLearn what this law means for Veterans and their survivors.
Fully Developed Claims programUse this program to get a faster decision by submitting evidence along with your claim.
GI Bill® Comparison ToolLearn about education programs and compare benefits by school.
VA for VetsGet help transitioning to a civilian career and matching your skills and experiences to VA job opportunities.
Get your pension payments electronicallySign up for direct deposit or a pre-paid debit card.
National Call Center for Homeless VeteransFind out how we can help you or a Veteran you care about connect with VA and local resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn how to apply for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)VALife is our new life insurance program for Veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Find National Cemetery Administration InformationLocate a grave, search for cemeteries, and find benefits information and resources.
Confirm your VA benefit statusDownload letters like your eligibility or award letter for certain benefits.
- Service member benefits
- Family member benefits
Agency Financial ReportView the FY 2024 report that includes VA accomplishments with taxpayer dollars and the challenges that remain.
- Find a VA Location
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Outreach and Transition Programs
- Compensation
- Education & Training
- Veteran Readiness & Employment
- Home Loans
- VA Home Loans
- Mortgage Assistance
- Foreclosure Avoidance
Purchase & Cash-Out Refinance Loan
- Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan
- Temporary Buydown
- Native American Direct Loan
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)
- Appraisers/SARs
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- Real Estate Professionals
- Servicers
- Training
- Technology Knowledge Center
- Life Insurance
- Life Insurance Home
- Access My Policy Online
- SGLI: Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance
- VGLI: Veterans' Group Life Insurance
- FSGLI: Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance
- TSGLI: SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection Program
- S-DVI: Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance
- VALife: Veterans Affairs Life Insurance
- VMLI: Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance
- Beneficiary Financial Counseling and Online Will
- Accelerated Benefits Option
- Other VA Life Insurance
- Pension
- Appeals Modernization
- Services
- Applying for Benefits
- Locations
- VBA Performance
- Media and Publications
- About VBA
According to the 2015-2019 American Community Survey, the Veteran population ages 65 or older numbered in excess of 18.2 million. These Veterans served in conflicts around the world including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even in the Persian Gulf War. As Veterans age, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide benefits and services that address a variety of issues including the changing health risks they face and financial challenges through VA benefits.
VA Benefits
Elderly Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, Veteran Readiness and Employment, and burial. See our Veterans page for an overview of the benefits available to all Veterans.
VA Benefits for Elderly Veterans
Two VA programs provide certain elderly Veterans with an additional monetary amount if you are eligible for or receiving a VA Pension benefit.
Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an increased monthly pension amount paid if you meet one of the conditions below:
- You require help performing daily functions, which may include bathing, eating or dressing
- You are bedridden
- You are a patient in a nursing home
- Your eyesight is limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less
Housebound is an increased monthly pension amount paid if you are substantially confined to your immediate premises because of a permanent disability.
Learn more about these benefits on the Aid & Attendance Housebound benefits page.
VA Health Care for Elderly Veterans
Geriatrics is health care for elderly Veterans with complex needs. Extended care - also known as long term care - is programs for Veterans of all ages who need daily support and assistance. Elderly Veterans can receive geriatric and long term care programs at home, at VA medical centers, or in the community.
- Geriatrics Program
- Long Term Care
- Eligibility for Long Term Care
- Home Based and Community Services
- Nursing Home and Residential Care
- Geriatrics Research
Deciding where to spend the golden years is one of the most important decisions anyone will make, and it’s important to know that each state classifies assisted living and nursing homes in a different way, and has different rules and regulations to follow to ensure senior health. The Federal and State Nursing Home & Assisted Living Regulations provides detailed information for all 50 states. Topics include how each state defines assisted living, admission and retention policies and square feet requirements.
How to Apply
The specific VA benefit or program web page will provide tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.
- Apply online using eBenefits, OR
- Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
- Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page.
- File your claim by mail using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ). Print the form, fill it out and send it to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
