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Key points
- VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound are monthly payments added to a VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors; service or marriage alone does not establish eligibility.[1]
- PCAFC generally requires a 70% or higher individual or combined VA disability rating, at least 6 months of continuous in-person personal-care needs, and VA health-care enrollment.[2]
- Primary and secondary caregivers receive different benefits, and VA's legacy PCAFC transition period currently extends through September 30, 2028, subject to exceptions.[2][3]
- Verify eligibility and application steps with VA or an accredited representative before sharing documents or paying anyone.[4]
There is not one universal Veterans Home Care Program that anyone who served—or any spouse—automatically receives. VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits are monthly payments added to a VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is a separate program with its own Veteran, caregiver, health-care, and service requirements.[1][2]
What are VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits?
VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits are pension supplements, not stand-alone home-care payments. You generally must already receive a VA pension and meet the applicable requirements. Aid and Attendance may apply when you need another person's help with daily activities, are substantially confined to bed, live in a nursing home because of loss of mental or physical abilities, or have qualifying limited eyesight. Housebound benefits may apply when a permanent disability keeps you mostly at home. You cannot receive both at the same time.[1]
Pension eligibility includes its own service, age or disability, income, and net-worth rules. Being a Veteran or a Veteran's spouse alone does not establish eligibility. Review the current VA page before applying, because VA decides each claim using the facts and evidence in that claim.[1]
Who may qualify for PCAFC caregiver support?
PCAFC is for a Veteran and a family caregiver who apply together. The Veteran must generally have an individual or combined VA disability rating of 70% or higher, be discharged from the military or have a medical-discharge date, need at least 6 months of continuous, in-person personal-care services, and be enrolled in VA health care. VA determines eligibility through its application and assessment process.[2]
- The caregiver must be at least 18 years old.
- The caregiver must be the Veteran's spouse, son, daughter, parent, stepfamily member, or extended family member, or live full time with the Veteran—or be willing to do so if designated.[2]
- Personal-care needs can involve everyday activities such as feeding, bathing, or dressing, or needs for safety, protection, or instruction in daily living.[2]
- A Veteran may designate 1 Primary Family Caregiver and up to 2 Secondary Family Caregivers.[2]
What benefits can caregivers receive?
Eligible primary and secondary caregivers may receive education and training, mental-health counseling, and certain travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran for care. An eligible primary caregiver may also receive a monthly stipend and, if not already eligible for care under another health plan, access to CHAMPVA. Primary caregivers may also receive at least 30 days of respite care per year. Confirm current benefits and conditions with VA; these are not identical benefits for every caregiver.[2]
The stipend is not a universal fixed amount. VA evaluates the Veteran's needs and applies its current rules. For the most current application instructions, use the VA PCAFC page and submit the joint application with the Veteran.[2]
How long do PCAFC rules last?
PCAFC transition rules for legacy participants and applicants change over time. VA's current caregiver support page says the legacy transition period extends through September 30, 2028, subject to exceptions. Check that page before relying on any date or historical service-era statement; this article was last reviewed October 11, 2026.[3]
Where can you get help applying?
Accredited VSO representatives provide claim assistance at no charge. VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees only under applicable rules and after the required decision, appointment, and fee-agreement steps. Verify accreditation through VA before sharing documents or paying anyone, and discuss fees and services in writing.[4]
- Check the right VA program Use the VA pension page for Aid and Attendance or Housebound questions, and the PCAFC page for caregiver eligibility. Do not treat a pension supplement as a general home-care entitlement.[1][2]
- Gather facts, not assumptions Confirm the Veteran's disability rating, discharge or medical-discharge information, VA health-care enrollment, personal-care needs, and the caregiver's relationship or co-residence status.[2]
- Verify current rules Review VA's current pages and ask questions before applying, especially about claim timing, effective dates, transition rules, and benefit conditions.[1][3]
If you are also comparing Medicare with VA health care, read our VA health care and Medicare guide or Veterans Medicare FAQ. Veterans Advantage Financial® is an independent insurance agency, not part of or endorsed by VA or any government agency. You can also book a call to discuss Medicare questions; our insurance guidance does not determine VA benefit eligibility.
Common questions
Do all Veterans qualify for VA home-care benefits?
No. Aid and Attendance and Housebound are pension supplements for qualified Veterans and survivors, and PCAFC has separate eligibility requirements. Service alone does not establish eligibility.[1][2]
Can a spouse apply for Veterans home-care benefits?
A spouse may be a survivor who qualifies for a VA pension supplement, or may meet the caregiver relationship requirement for PCAFC. The Veteran or survivor must still meet all applicable program rules.[1][2]
Does PCAFC require VA health-care enrollment?
Yes. Current VA guidance lists VA health-care enrollment among the Veteran's PCAFC requirements, along with a 70% or higher individual or combined disability rating, discharge or medical-discharge information, and at least 6 months of continuous in-person personal-care needs.[2]
Do secondary caregivers receive the same benefits as primary caregivers?
No. Eligible primary and secondary caregivers may receive education, training, counseling, and certain travel benefits. The monthly stipend, CHAMPVA access when applicable, and respite-care benefit are listed for eligible primary caregivers.[2]
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.” VA.gov, last updated May 8, 2026. va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.” VA.gov, last updated February 11, 2026. va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program. “VA Caregiver Support Program: PCAFC Announcements.” Last updated October 9, 2026. caregiver.va.gov/support/support_benefits.asp
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel. “VA accredited representative FAQs.” VA.gov, last updated August 8, 2024. va.gov/ogc/recognizedvsos.asp
Sources checked October 11, 2026. Dollar amounts are for 2026 unless noted.
This is general education, not personal advice, and it isn’t a recommendation of any specific plan. Veterans Advantage Financial® is a licensed insurance agency, not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Social Security, VA, TRICARE or any government agency. Plan availability, costs and benefits vary by plan, county and year. Check your own situation with the agency or plan before making changes.
Christopher Duncan
Christopher founded Veterans Advantage Financial® and has helped people with Medicare since 2006. He is a licensed insurance agent in all 50 states and DC (NPN 8613503). His dad, Wallace, is a Vietnam-era veteran.