VA Housebound benefits provide extra monthly pension to veterans and survivors who are largely confined to home. Here is how they work.
What are VA Housebound benefits?
Housebound benefits are an enhanced VA pension paid to wartime veterans and surviving spouses who are substantially confined to their immediate premises because of a permanent disability. Like Aid and Attendance, the Housebound benefit is added on top of the basic pension and is tax-free. The key difference is the qualifying condition: Aid and Attendance focuses on needing help with daily activities, while Housebound focuses on being unable to leave home. A person cannot receive both the Housebound and Aid and Attendance rates at once and should claim whichever pays more. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to compare the two.
Who qualifies for Housebound benefits?
To qualify, you must first be eligible for the VA pension as a wartime veteran or surviving spouse, then show that a single permanent disability keeps you substantially confined to your home, or that you have one permanent disability rated 100 percent plus another disability rated 60 percent or more. You must also meet the VA's income and net-worth limits. Because the medical documentation requirements are specific, claims often benefit from professional help. A licensed advisor at 1-800-MEDIGAP can help you understand whether Housebound or Aid and Attendance is the better fit.