Aid and Attendance is a monthly amount added to a VA pension for veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). For a veteran with no dependents, the maximum annual pension rate with Aid and Attendance is $29,093. The payment is that limit minus income for VA purposes (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
The rates below apply through November 30, 2026. The VA adjusts them on December 1 each year.
Who may qualify
A person must get a VA pension and meet at least one of these (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs):
- They need another person's help with daily activities, such as bathing, feeding and dressing.
- They have to stay in bed, or spend a large portion of the day in bed, because of illness.
- They are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability.
- Their eyesight is limited: even with glasses or contact lenses, 5/200 or less in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.
Maximum annual pension rates
| Situation | No dependents | 1 dependent |
|---|---|---|
| Basic pension | $17,441 | $22,839 |
| With Housebound | $21,313 | $26,710 |
| With Aid and Attendance | $29,093 | $34,488 |
For veterans. Add $2,984 for each additional dependent. Separate tables apply to two married veterans and to survivors. See va.gov.
Estimate the payment
An estimate only. It does not apply medical expense deductions, and only the VA can decide eligibility and the amount.
How income and net worth count
- Income for VA purposes includes earnings, Social Security, investment and retirement payments, and income from dependents. Medical expenses you are not reimbursed for may reduce it (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
- Net worth limit: $163,699, counting assets and income. The primary residence and car are not counted as assets.
- Look-back: the VA reviews asset transfers in the 3 years before the claim. Transfers below fair market value that would have put net worth over the limit can bring a penalty period of up to 5 years without pension benefits.
How to apply
You can apply online, by mail or in person at a VA regional office. By mail, use VA Form 21-2680, with the examination section completed by a medical examiner. A person in a nursing home also needs VA Form 21-0779 (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
The services of an accredited Veterans Service Organization representative on a VA claim are always free. Accredited attorneys and claims agents can charge fees (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). Your local Area Agency on Aging can be reached through the Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living).
Common questions
Can someone get Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits together?
No. The VA says you cannot get both at the same time.
Does the home count toward net worth?
The VA says assets do not include your primary residence, your car, or basic home items such as appliances.
What form do we need?
VA Form 21-2680, with the examination section completed by a medical examiner. A person in a nursing home also needs VA Form 21-0779.
Related guides
How to pay for assisted living
The ways families pay for assisted living, from personal funds to Medicaid, VA benefits and long-term care insurance, side by side.
VA burial benefits
The VA burial allowance amounts for deaths on or after October 1, 2026, who can claim, the 2-year time limit and the free burial and headstone benefits.
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Medicaid can pay for some care services in assisted living in some states, but not for room and board. Here is how it works.
Sources
- Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Checked November 8, 2026.
- Current pension rates for Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Checked November 8, 2026.
- Get help from a VA accredited representative or VSO, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Checked November 8, 2026.
- Eldercare Locator, U.S. Administration for Community Living. Checked November 7, 2026.
This guide explains general rules. It is not medical, legal or financial advice for your situation. Program rules and amounts change, usually each January (Medicare and Medicaid) and each October (VA). Confirm details with the agency or a qualified professional before you decide. See our editorial policy.