Can someone receiving DIC also get Aid and Attendance?
Last verified September 6, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Details
- This benefit is authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 1311(c) and evaluated under the criteria in 38 CFR § 3.351 and § 3.352.
- It is a survivor Aid and Attendance allowance added to DIC, not Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) — SMC is a veteran's own benefit and the two programs use different statutory authority.
- A Housebound allowance ($197.22 as of December 1, 2025) is a separate, lower add-on for spouses who are substantially confined to their home due to disability but do not meet the Aid and Attendance criteria; a survivor generally cannot receive both at the same time.
- Medical evidence documenting the need for regular aid and attendance — from a physician or other qualified examiner — is typically required to support the claim.
- DIC rates, including add-ons, are adjusted periodically; the figures above reflect the rate effective December 1, 2025, and should be confirmed against VA's current published rate tables.
Related
This is general educational information about VA claims — not legal or medical advice. Individual outcomes depend on the record. Oakridge Claims is a private VA-Accredited Claims Agent practice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.