How much is VA Aid and Attendance in 2026?
For December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026, the maximum annual pension rate with Aid and Attendance is $29,093 for a veteran with no dependents (about $2,424 a month) and $18,697 for a surviving spouse with no dependents (about $1,558 a month).
| Situation (Dec 1, 2025 - Nov 30, 2026) | Maximum annual rate | About per month |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran with no dependents, Aid and Attendance | $29,093 | $2,424 |
| Veteran with one dependent, Aid and Attendance | $34,488 | $2,874 |
| Two veterans married to each other, both A&A | $46,143 | $3,845 |
| Surviving spouse, no dependents, Aid and Attendance | $18,697 | $1,558 |
| Veteran with no dependents, Housebound | $21,313 | $1,776 |
How does Aid and Attendance actually get paid?
Aid and Attendance is not a separate check: it raises the veteran's maximum annual pension rate, and VA pays the difference between that rate and countable income, after subtracting unreimbursed medical expenses such as assisted living or home care fees.
That is why a veteran with a comfortable Social Security check can still qualify once care costs are counted. The net worth limit for the period is $163,699, counting assets plus annual income. VA also has a three-year look-back for assets transferred to get under the limit.
Who qualifies for VA pension with Aid and Attendance?
Generally a wartime veteran with qualifying service, or a surviving spouse, who meets the net worth limit and needs help with daily activities, is bedridden, lives in a nursing home because of disability, or has limited eyesight.
Assisted living and SCALF residents frequently qualify on the help-with-daily-activities test. A physician's statement on VA's forms documents the need. Accredited veterans service officers help for free; be wary of anyone charging to file, which federal rules restrict.
Where do Birmingham-area veterans get help applying?
County veterans service officers with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs help file pension claims at no charge, and the area agencies on aging can point families to the nearest office.
The Birmingham VA Medical Center on ADPH's hospital roster serves health care needs; pension is a separate benefits claim. Gather the DD-214, marriage certificate for a surviving spouse, income and asset statements and a year of care invoices before the appointment.
At a glance
| VA pension with A&A | VA pension with A&A is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | A higher pension rate, paid monthly | A separate stand-alone check |
| Use | Can offset assisted living and home care costs | Limited to VA facilities |
| Eligibility | Wartime service, need for help, net worth under $163,699 | Automatic for every veteran |
| Help | Free from accredited service officers | Something you should pay to file |
Sources: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (Alabama release, March 2, 2026); Alabama Medicaid Agency 2026 income limits; Ala. Admin. Code chapter 560-X-25; Alabama Department of Senior Services; VA pension rate tables. See our editorial standards.
