Surviving Spouses & VA Benefits: What Widows and Widowers Need to Know

One of the most important — and most overlooked — facts about VA Aid & Attendance is this: you don’t have to have served in the military yourself to qualify. If your spouse served and has since passed away, you may be eligible for a monthly VA benefit that can significantly help cover the cost of your own senior care.

What Is the Surviving Spouse Benefit?

The VA Aid & Attendance benefit for surviving spouses (also called the “Death Pension”) is a tax-free monthly payment to help cover care costs for the widow or widower of a qualifying veteran. For 2024, the maximum benefit for a surviving spouse is approximately $1,478 per month.

This benefit is paid directly to the surviving spouse and can be used toward assisted living, memory care, in-home care, or other qualified care costs.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify as a surviving spouse, you generally must:

• Have been married to the veteran at the time of their death
• Not have remarried (with some exceptions)
• Have a need for assistance with daily living activities OR be in a care setting
• Meet the VA’s income and asset requirements

The veteran themselves must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period, and been discharged honorably.

Wartime Periods Recognized by the VA

• World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946)
• Korean Conflict (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955)
• Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975)
• Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – present)

How to Apply

The application process involves gathering the veteran’s DD-214 (discharge papers), your marriage certificate, death certificate, medical documentation, and financial records. Working with a VA-accredited claims agent or a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) is strongly recommended — they assist at no cost and can significantly improve your chances of approval.