What is housebound allowance?
Housebound allowance is
an additional amount available to eligible veterans and dependents who are entitled to VA pension or VA compensation.
Who is eligible for the housebound allowance?
A
veteran, dependent spouse, or surviving spouse who
because of their physical limitations, is unable to walk or travel beyond their
home. This allowance may be granted for those that do not meet the requirements
of the greater aid and attendance allowance. If their disabilities are severe
enough to confine them to their immediate premises for the foreseeable future
they may be entitled to higher income limitations or additional benefits,
depending on the type of benefit received.
(Note:
If you currently receive pension under one of the
earlier pension laws, an election to Improved Pension would be required before
the housebound allowance could be included in your monthly payment.)
How Do I Apply?
You
should furnish a medical statement covering the findings, diagnosis and prognosis
of any recent medical treatment or examination. The doctor's statement or
medical report should describe how your ability to perform the personal
functions of daily living, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and attending to
the needs of nature, is limited by your medical condition. It should also
include the number of hours you spend in bed and describe your posture and
general appearance. You may also furnish any other information indicating that
you are unable to care for yourself or walk or travel beyond your home because
of your condition.
Note:
You are not required to incur the expense of the physical examination by a
private physician in order to receive consideration. If the detailed medical
information about your ability to care for yourself is not available from the
doctor's or hospital's current records, VA may arrange for a physical
examination.
Related Benefits
Aid and Attendance Compensation Pension
Death pension Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU MAY
CALL TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-827-1000