Extra monthly income for veterans and surviving spouses who need care support.
A&A = Aid and Attendance. MAPR = Maximum Annual Pension Rate (the income ceiling Congress sets). SMC = Special Monthly Compensation (different from this — see Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Explained). DIC = Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
⚠️ Important distinction: This is the pension-based Aid and Attendance benefit — for wartime veterans with limited income who need care help. It is DIFFERENT from SMC-L (which is disability-based and not income-tested). You may qualify for one or both.
What It Is
The VA offers a pension program for wartime veterans (and their surviving spouses) with limited income who need help with daily activities or are housebound. This pension can be increased with Aid and Attendance or Housebound add-ons.
The VA pays the difference between the veteran's income and the MAPR (Maximum Annual Pension Rate set by Congress). Current MAPR for a single veteran with no dependents, effective Dec 1, 2025:
|
Annual |
Monthly (÷12) |
| Basic pension |
$17,441 |
$1,453 |
| Housebound |
$21,313 |
$1,776 |
| Aid and Attendance |
$29,093 |
$2,424 |
Rates are higher with a dependent spouse or child. VA pays the difference between this ceiling and your countable income — not the full MAPR amount unless your countable income is zero.
💡 Rates change annually. These are current as of the Dec 1, 2025 COLA adjustment — check va.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates/ for the current figures if it's been a while.
Who Qualifies for the Base Pension
- Served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period (World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War). If entered service after September 7, 1980, generally need at least 24 months of service.
- Discharged other than dishonorably.
- Age 65 or older, OR permanently and totally disabled, OR in a nursing home, OR receiving Social Security disability benefits.
- Income and net worth must be below VA limits. Net worth limit for Dec 1, 2025 – Nov 30, 2026 is $163,699 — check current limit at va.gov as this changes annually.
Aid and Attendance Enhancement
Added to base pension if ANY of these are true:
- Needs another person to help with bathing, dressing, feeding, or other daily activities.
- Must spend most of the day in bed due to illness.
- Is a patient in a nursing home due to disability.
- Has very limited eyesight (5/200 or less in both eyes even with glasses).
Housebound Enhancement
Added to the base pension if the veteran has a permanent disability and spends most of their time at home because of it.
Cannot receive both A&A and Housebound at the same time — the VA pays whichever is higher.
How to Apply
- Confirm wartime service and discharge. Check your DD-214 for service dates and verify they overlap with a qualifying wartime period.
- Gather documentation. DD-214. Current income and asset information (bank accounts, investments, property). Medical records documenting care needs or disability. If applying for Aid and Attendance: VA Form 21-2680 completed by your doctor documenting the need for daily care assistance.
- File VA Form 21P-527EZ. Application for Veterans Pension. Submit to your nearest VA regional office or online at va.gov. Get VSO help — this application can be complex and an error can delay benefits significantly.
💡 Non-reimbursable medical expenses (medical costs your insurance does not cover) can be deducted from your income for VA purposes, which may make you eligible even if you think your income is too high. Report all out-of-pocket medical costs.
⚠️ The VA has a 3-year look-back period for asset transfers. Gifting money or property to family members in the 3 years before applying can result in a penalty period of ineligibility up to 5 years. Talk to a VSO before transferring assets if you are considering applying for this pension.
Surviving spouses of wartime veterans may qualify for the Survivors Pension (also called the Death Pension) plus Aid and Attendance or Housebound enhancements, using VA Form 21P-534EZ. The same income and care-need criteria apply.
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