How to Apply for Aid and Attendance as a Surviving Spouse
Start with a free accredited county VSO so the pension, DIC, and Aid and Attendance questions are handled together.
Start here
Call Brevard County Veteran Services at 321-633-2012 and ask for an appointment to review Survivors Pension, DIC, and added Aid and Attendance. Aid and Attendance is generally an increased amount added to an eligible pension or compensation benefit; it is not a separate stand-alone pension.
What to have in front of you
- Veteran’s DD214 or other separation papers
- Long-form death certificate showing cause of death
- Marriage certificate and divorce decrees for prior marriages
- VA claim/file number and Social Security information—bring securely, never email through this site
- Income, net-worth, Social Security, and unreimbursed medical-expense records
- VA Form 21-2680; VA Form 21-0779 may apply for nursing-home care
What to say when someone answers
“I am the surviving spouse of a wartime Veteran and need a complete review for Survivors Pension, DIC, and Aid and Attendance. Please tell me which benefit path fits, which forms apply, and exactly how you want medical and expense evidence organized.”
Small but useful: Write down the person’s name, the date, the exact next step, and when you should call again.
Do this in order
- 1
Book free help with an accredited county Veteran Service Officer. Do not pay someone merely to file the claim.
- 2
Ask the VSO to compare DIC and Survivors Pension eligibility before treating Aid and Attendance as the main claim.
- 3
Gather service, marriage, death, financial, and medical evidence and keep copies of everything submitted.
- 4
Ask how unreimbursed medical expenses and care costs should be documented and updated.
What happens next
VA reviews the Veteran’s service, the survivor relationship, income and net worth for pension, and medical evidence for Aid and Attendance. DIC has different eligibility rules tied to the Veteran’s death or service-connected status.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
If one record is missing, ask the VSO whether the claim should be started while records are requested. If VA asks for evidence, respond by the stated deadline and keep proof of submission.
Official sources
- Brevard County Veteran Services
- VA evidence for pension, DIC, and accrued claims
- VA Survivors Pension and DIC
Checked August 5, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.