Veterans and their surviving family members may qualify for a range of benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These include healthcare, monthly cash assistance for low-income wartime veterans, survivor benefits, education benefits, and more. Eligibility and dollar amounts vary by program and are reviewed annually.
This guide focuses on the benefits that most directly affect day-to-day finances for older veterans and their families: VA healthcare, the VA pension (including Aid and Attendance), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors, and the Survivors Pension.
VA Healthcare
VA healthcare provides comprehensive medical, mental health, and prescription coverage at VA facilities and through VA-approved community providers. Eligibility is based on your military service, discharge status, and a priority-group system that considers service-connected conditions, income, and other factors.
Most veterans who served on active duty and were not dishonorably discharged are eligible to apply. You can have VA healthcare alongside Medicare, employer coverage, or other insurance — they often work together rather than replacing each other.
What VA healthcare typically covers
- Primary care, specialty care, and preventive services
- Prescription drugs at low copays (often $0 to $11 per 30-day supply for most veterans)
- Mental health services, including counseling and substance use treatment
- Hospital and outpatient surgical care
- Long-term care for some eligible veterans (nursing home, home-based care)
VA Pension (Low-Income Wartime Veterans)
The VA pension is a monthly tax-free payment for wartime veterans with limited income who are age 65 or older, or who are permanently and totally disabled. Service does not have to be combat-related — the requirement is service during a recognized wartime period.
Annual income and net worth must fall below VA limits. The exact threshold changes each year and depends on whether you have a spouse or dependents and whether you qualify for higher rates (see Aid and Attendance below).
Aid and Attendance and Housebound
These are additional monthly amounts on top of the basic pension for veterans who need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating) or who are largely confined to their home. They can substantially increase the monthly payment and are widely underused — many eligible veterans never apply because they don’t know the program exists.
Survivor Benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
A tax-free monthly payment for surviving spouses, children, or parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected illness or injury. The rate is set by Congress and adjusted annually.
Survivors Pension
A monthly payment for low-income surviving spouses and unmarried children of deceased wartime veterans. Like the VA pension, it has annual income and net worth limits and can include Aid and Attendance for survivors who need daily care.
Other Benefits Worth Knowing About
- VA home loans — no-down-payment mortgages with no PMI for eligible veterans
- GI Bill education benefits — tuition, housing, and books for school or training
- Vocational rehabilitation — job training and education for veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Burial benefits — burial in a national cemetery and a burial allowance for some veterans
- State veterans benefits — many states offer additional property tax exemptions, free or reduced college tuition, hunting/fishing licenses, and other benefits
How to Apply
- Gather your DD-214 (or other discharge papers) and medical records
- Apply online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office
- For help with the application, contact an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) — they help for free. Local VSOs are listed on VA.gov
- Be prepared for the process to take several months for pension and disability decisions
Important: Never pay anyone to help you apply for VA benefits. Accredited VSOs from organizations like the VFW, American Legion, DAV, and state veterans agencies provide application help for free. Be cautious of companies offering paid “pension planning” or trust strategies — VA rules around asset transfers and pension eligibility have tightened, and aggressive planning can disqualify you.
Educational only — not legal or financial advice. VA program rules, income limits, and payment amounts change annually. Confirm current details on VA.gov or with an accredited Veterans Service Officer before applying.