VA Aid and Attendance for senior care
Aid and Attendance is an increased Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities or are in a nursing home. It is not a guaranteed monthly award. VA pays the difference between the applicable MAPR and countable income.
This is not a legal determination
families.care summarizes published VA rules for family planning. Confirm rates, net worth, and forms on VA.gov pension rates. Only a VA decision or a VA-accredited representative can apply the rules to a specific claim.
MAPR period December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026
Figures below are annual MAPR amounts from VA’s Veterans Pension rate table (2.8% COLA on December 1, 2025). Monthly amounts are the annual figure divided by 12, rounded. Actual payments are usually lower after countable income.
| Situation | Basic pension | Housebound | Aid and Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran, no dependents | $17,441 | $21,313 | $29,093 |
| Veteran, one dependent | $22,839 | $26,710 | $34,488 |
| Two veterans married to each other, both qualify for A&A | $22,839 | — | $46,143 |
Net worth limit for this period: $163,699. Source: VA.gov — current pension rates.
Aid and Attendance versus Housebound
Both are MAPR increases on Veterans Pension. You cannot receive Aid and Attendance and Housebound together. Aid and Attendance is for veterans who need regular help with daily activities, are bedridden, blind, or in a nursing home. Housebound is a lower increase for veterans substantially confined to their home.
Forms and official links
- Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits
- VA Form 21-2680 — examination for housebound status or regular aid and attendance
- VA Form 21-0779 — nursing home information for an aid and attendance claim
- How to apply for Veterans Pension
- Search VA-accredited representatives
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is VA Aid and Attendance a guaranteed monthly check?
- No. Aid and Attendance is an increased Maximum Annual Pension Rate, not a fixed award. VA pays the difference between that rate and your countable income after allowed deductions. Confirm current rules on VA.gov.
- Can I receive Aid and Attendance and Housebound at the same time?
- No. VA does not stack Aid and Attendance with Housebound. You may qualify for one increased MAPR, not both.
- What is the net worth limit for Veterans Pension?
- For December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026, the net worth limit is $163,699. Net worth is countable assets plus annual income. The primary residence, one vehicle, and household goods are typically excluded. Confirm the current limit on VA.gov.
- Which forms does VA use for Aid and Attendance?
- Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance is VA Form 21-2680. Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance is VA Form 21-0779 when nursing-home care applies.
- Do I need an accredited representative?
- You can apply yourself. Only VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, and VSOs may charge or officially represent you. Search accredited representatives on VA.gov.
- Does Medicare or Medicaid replace Aid and Attendance?
- No. Medicare does not pay long-term custodial care. Medicaid is a separate needs-based program. Aid and Attendance is a VA pension increase. Families often use more than one program; rules do not automatically stack.
- Where do I apply?
- Apply for Veterans Pension on VA.gov, by mail, or in person. Include medical evidence for the aid and attendance or housebound increase. Use current forms from VA.gov.
Recommended Caregiver Resources & Planning Tools
Sponsored Resources & Editorial Transparency: families.care evaluates tools that assist caregivers. If you choose to contact or purchase through select links below, we may receive compensation at zero extra cost to your family. This never influences our directory provider ratings or quality scores.
Medical Alert & Fall Detection Systems
24/7 Emergency Monitoring & Automatic Fall Detection
For seniors living independently or with early memory loss. In-home and GPS-enabled mobile alert systems with 24/7 certified response dispatch.
Features vetted cellular & GPS devices with no long-term contracts.
Compare Medical Alert Options →Elder Law & Medicaid Planning Consultations
Protect Family Assets & Qualify for Care Benefits
Connect with licensed elder law attorneys to structure Medicaid spend-downs, establish Miller trusts, and draft powers of attorney without losing the family home.
Consultations provided by state-licensed elder law attorneys.
Schedule an Elder Law Consult →Long-Term Care Insurance Policy Assessment
Maximize Existing Benefits or Explore Hybrid LTC Policies
Understand what existing life or long-term care insurance policies cover before paying out-of-pocket for assisted living or in-home caregiving.
Independent analysis of policy elimination periods and daily benefit caps.
Review Policy Coverage →How we research and verify this information
Our team compiles this listing from public records and provider data, and reviews it against authoritative sources. Read our editorial standards and research methodology.
- Cost of Care Survey (2025)Publisher: CareScout. Supports: General senior-care planning information. Last checked: 2026-08-15.
- Skilled nursing facility coveragePublisher: Medicare.gov. Supports: General senior-care planning information. Last checked: 2026-08-15.
- Medicaid coverage and eligibilityPublisher: Medicaid.gov. Supports: General senior-care planning information. Last checked: 2026-07-10.
- Long-term-care guidance for familiesPublisher: National Institute on Aging. Supports: General senior-care planning information. Last checked: 2026-07-10.
- VA pension rates (Aid & Attendance)Publisher: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Supports: General senior-care planning information. Last checked: 2026-08-15.