Quick answer: Aid and Attendance is an added VA pension benefit for veterans who need help with daily activities. For Dec 1, 2025–Nov 30, 2026, it raises the Maximum Annual Pension Rate to $29,093/year ($2,424/month) for a single veteran. The benefit is tax-free and added on top of basic pension.
Key takeaways
- Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a higher VA pension rate for veterans who need help with daily living or are housebound.
- For the 2026 period, the A&A MAPR is $29,093/year ($2,424/month) for a single veteran.
- With a spouse or child, the A&A MAPR rises to $34,488/year ($2,874/month).
- A surviving spouse can receive an A&A survivors pension of $18,697/year ($1,558/month).
- You must already qualify for VA pension and show a medical need for daily assistance.
What is Aid and Attendance?
Aid and Attendance is not a separate program — it is an enhanced level of VA pension paid to veterans or survivors who need regular help with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications. It also covers those who are bedridden or living in a nursing home because of a disability. Because it raises your MAPR, it can significantly increase your monthly payment.
To understand the underlying pension program, start with our VA Pension Eligibility 2026 guide.
Who qualifies in 2026?
To qualify for Aid and Attendance in 2026, you must first be eligible for VA pension (which requires wartime service and meeting income and net-worth limits). On top of that, you must show that you need help with daily activities, are largely confined to bed, live in a nursing home due to disability, or have very limited eyesight.
A physician typically documents your need on VA Form 21-2680. The same 2026 net-worth limit of $163,699 that applies to basic pension also applies here. For the full benefits overview, see our Veterans Benefits 2026 Guide.
How much does Aid and Attendance pay in 2026?
Aid and Attendance raises your MAPR. Your actual payment is the A&A MAPR minus your countable income, so out-of-pocket medical expenses can lower your countable income and increase your benefit. The table below shows the 2026 A&A maximums.
| Situation | 2026 A&A MAPR (per year) | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone | $29,093 | $2,424 |
| Veteran with a spouse or child | $34,488 | $2,874 |
| Surviving spouse | $18,697 | $1,558 |
Because your payment depends on your income and expenses, your check may be lower than the maximum. Confirm the current figures and your eligibility at VA.gov.
How to apply for Aid and Attendance
You can apply for Aid and Attendance at the same time as your pension claim or add it later. Submit VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance), completed by your doctor, along with your pension application. You can file online, by mail, or in person, and a free Veterans Service Officer can help.
For broader filing instructions, read our How to Apply for VA Benefits guide. Surviving spouses should also review our VA Survivor Benefits 2026 guide.
People Also Ask
How much is Aid and Attendance in 2026?
For the 2026 period, the Aid and Attendance MAPR is $29,093/year ($2,424/month) for a single veteran and $34,488/year ($2,874/month) with a dependent. A surviving spouse can receive $18,697/year ($1,558/month). Your actual payment is the MAPR minus your countable income.
Who qualifies for VA Aid and Attendance?
You qualify if you are eligible for VA pension and also need help with daily activities, are bedridden, live in a nursing home due to disability, or have very limited eyesight. A physician documents this need on VA Form 21-2680. You must also meet the pension income and net-worth limits.
Is Aid and Attendance separate from VA pension?
No. Aid and Attendance is an enhanced level of VA pension, not a standalone program. You must first qualify for pension, then the A&A benefit raises your Maximum Annual Pension Rate. This increases your monthly payment to help cover the cost of daily care.
Can a surviving spouse get Aid and Attendance?
Yes. A surviving spouse who qualifies for a survivors pension and needs help with daily activities can receive Aid and Attendance. For the 2026 period, the surviving spouse A&A rate is $18,697/year ($1,558/month). The payment is the MAPR minus countable income.
Does Aid and Attendance count out-of-pocket medical costs?
Yes. Unreimbursed medical expenses, such as the cost of in-home care or a nursing facility, can reduce your countable income. Lower countable income generally means a higher Aid and Attendance payment, up to the MAPR. Keep detailed records of these expenses when you apply.
Official sources
- VA veterans pension rates (VA.gov)
- VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound (VA.gov)
- VA pension overview (VA.gov)
Reviewed by the Guru Gazette Editorial Review Team · Last reviewed June 2026. Figures are verified against official government sources; see our Fact-Checking Policy.