Each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day, the United States pauses to recognize and honor the men and women who stand beside our service members as military spouses. In 2026, Military Spouse Appreciation Day falls on May 8th.
Military spouses carry a burden that is rarely seen and too often unacknowledged. They manage households alone during deployments, uproot their lives with every relocation, put their careers on hold, and provide constant emotional support — all while their veteran serves. The VA recognizes this sacrifice, and has put in place a number of benefits that military spouses may qualify for, even while their veteran is still living.
This Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we want to make sure military spouses know what may be available to them.
A Brief History of Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Military Spouse Appreciation Day was first established on May 23, 1984, when President Ronald Reagan issued a formal proclamation recognizing the contributions of military spouses. Reagan honored those who had “made countless personal sacrifices to support the Armed Forces” — frequently leaving their own careers behind, relocating their families, and serving as representatives of America in communities around the world.
In 2017, President Donald Trump renewed the observance, calling for recognition of the “exceptional women and men who have shared their loved ones with our country.” Today the day is marked with events and tributes at installations and military communities across the United States and abroad.
VA Benefits Available to Spouses of Living Veterans
Many military spouses are not aware that certain VA benefits extend to them directly — not just to their veteran. The programs below are available to spouses of veterans who are still living, depending on the veteran’s service history, disability rating, and the family’s circumstances.
Aid & Attendance — When the Spouse Needs Care
The Aid & Attendance benefit is one of the most valuable — and least known — programs available to military spouses. If the spouse of a living wartime veteran needs regular help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility, eating, or toileting, they may qualify for this tax-free monthly benefit even while the veteran is still alive.
The benefit can help pay for in-home care provided by a family member, friend, or professional caregiver — no license required — as well as adult day care, board and care homes, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities.
To qualify, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a recognized wartime period, and the household must meet income and net worth requirements. The net worth limit for 2026 is $163,699, though the primary residence and vehicle are excluded. For a complete overview, visit our Aid & Attendance Fact Sheet.
Important: The veteran does not need a disability rating for the spouse to qualify for Aid & Attendance. Eligibility is based on wartime service, the spouse’s care needs, and the household’s financial situation.
CHAMPVA — Health Care for Spouses of Disabled Veterans
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive health insurance program for spouses and dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition. CHAMPVA covers inpatient care, outpatient care, mental health services, prescription medications, and emergency care.
Under CHAMPVA, enrollees pay a $50 annual deductible per person, and CHAMPVA covers 75% of most covered services. The maximum annual out-of-pocket cost per family is $3,000. CHAMPVA is available to spouses who do not qualify for TRICARE — meaning it primarily serves spouses of veterans who are rated permanently and totally disabled but who did not retire from the military.
TRICARE — Health Care for Spouses of Active Duty and Retired Service Members
TRICARE is the military’s comprehensive health care program, available to spouses of active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and retirees. TRICARE covers health plans, dental plans, vision plans, prescription medications, and special needs programs. To qualify, the spouse must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
TRICARE and CHAMPVA serve different populations — TRICARE is for spouses of active duty and retired military, while CHAMPVA fills in for spouses of disabled veterans who did not retire from service. A spouse who qualifies for TRICARE is generally not eligible for CHAMPVA.
VA Home Loan Benefit
While the VA home loan benefit is tied to the veteran’s service, military spouses benefit directly from its advantages when purchasing a home together. VA loans offer no down payment requirement, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. The loan can be used to purchase a home, build a new home, refinance an existing mortgage, or fund home improvements. The VA home loan benefit can be used multiple times throughout the veteran’s lifetime, allowing military families to take advantage of the benefit each time they relocate.
GI Bill Transfer — Education Benefits for Spouses
Veterans who are currently serving on active duty or in the Selected Reserve may be eligible to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to their spouse. A transferred benefit can be used by the spouse for tuition, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies — providing real financial support for military spouses who want to pursue a degree, certification, or career training while the veteran is still serving.
Eligibility for transfer depends on the veteran’s length of service and branch requirements. The veteran must agree to serve an additional period of service as a condition of the transfer. Once transferred, the spouse can use the benefit at any time — including after the veteran separates from service.
MyCAA Scholarship: The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for military spouses to pursue portable career licenses, certifications, or associate degrees. MyCAA is available to spouses of service members in pay grades E-1 through E-5, W-1 through W-2, and O-1 through O-2 who are on active duty or activated from the Guard or Reserve.
VA Caregiver Support Program
Many military spouses serve as the primary caregiver for their veteran, especially when the veteran has service-connected disabilities or conditions requiring ongoing care. The VA’s Caregiver Support Program offers resources and services to help. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) provides a monthly stipend, health care coverage through CHAMPVA (if not otherwise covered), mental health services, respite care, and other support to caregivers of eligible post-9/11 veterans with serious service-connected conditions.
The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) is available to caregivers of veterans of all eras and offers education, peer support, coaching, and other assistance — even if the caregiver does not qualify for the more comprehensive program.
How Patriot Angels Helps Military Spouses
At Patriot Angels, our focus is on the Aid & Attendance benefit — one of the most meaningful and underutilized programs available to veterans and their spouses. If a wartime veteran’s spouse needs help with daily care and the household meets the financial requirements, they may qualify for a significant tax-free monthly payment regardless of whether the veteran is living or has passed.
Our Benefit Specialists work under the guidance of our VA-accredited attorney to help families understand their eligibility, gather documentation, and submit a complete application. Call us at (844) 757-3047 or start a free consultation online.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Military Spouse Appreciation Day and VA benefits available to military spouses.
When is Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 2026?
Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 2026 falls on Friday, May 8th. It is observed annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day.
Can the spouse of a living veteran receive VA benefits?
Yes. Spouses of living veterans may qualify for several VA benefits depending on the veteran’s service and disability status, including the Aid & Attendance benefit, CHAMPVA health insurance, TRICARE, VA home loan benefits, transferred GI Bill education benefits, and the VA Caregiver Support Program.
Can the spouse of a living veteran qualify for Aid & Attendance?
Yes. If the spouse of a living wartime veteran needs help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility, eating, or toileting, they may qualify for Aid & Attendance. The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with one day during a qualifying wartime period, and the household must meet income and net worth requirements.
What is CHAMPVA and who qualifies?
CHAMPVA is a VA health insurance program for spouses and dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition. It covers inpatient and outpatient care, mental health services, prescriptions, and emergency care. Enrollees pay a $50 annual deductible and CHAMPVA covers 75% of most services, with a $3,000 annual out-of-pocket maximum per family.
Can a veteran transfer their GI Bill benefits to their spouse?
Yes. Veterans currently serving on active duty or in the Selected Reserve may be eligible to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse. The benefit can cover tuition, a monthly housing allowance, and a book stipend. The veteran must agree to an additional period of service as a condition of the transfer.
How does Patriot Angels help military spouses?
Patriot Angels specializes in helping veterans and their spouses apply for the VA Aid & Attendance benefit. Our Benefit Specialists work under the guidance of our VA-accredited attorney to guide families through eligibility and the application process. Call (844) 757-3047 to get started.
