VA Aid and Attendance, 2026
VA Aid and Attendance is a federal pension benefit for wartime veterans (and surviving spouses) who need help with daily activities. Unreimbursed medical expenses, including senior care costs, offset countable income, which is how moderate-income veterans often still qualify. VA
| Situation | Maximum annual rate | Approximate monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran, no dependents, Aid and Attendance | $29,093 | $2,424 per month |
| Veteran, no dependents, Housebound | $21,313 | $1,776 per month |
| Veteran with 1 dependent, Aid and Attendance | $34,488 | $2,874 per month |
| Two veterans married to each other, both Aid and Attendance | $46,143 | $3,845 per month |
| Surviving spouse, no dependents, Aid and Attendance | $18,697 | $1,558 per month |
| Surviving spouse, no dependents, Housebound | $14,298 | $1,191 per month |
Net worth limit: $163,699 (both pension types)
VA Aid and Attendance is a federal pension benefit for wartime veterans (and surviving spouses) who need help with daily activities. Unreimbursed medical expenses, including senior care costs, offset countable income, which is how moderate-income veterans often still qualify. VA pays the gap between countable income and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) -- MAPR is a ceiling, not a flat payment.
Monthly figures above are approximate (annual rate divided by 12). These rates are federal and apply nationwide -- not specific to New York or Staten Island. A 3-year look-back applies, with penalty periods up to 5 years, running parallel to but separate from Medicaid's look-back. Rates effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026 (2.8% COLA).
Source: VA veterans pension rates
Source: VA survivors pension rates
