Under current law, we recognize the following wartime periods to decide eligibility for VA pension benefits:

• Mexican Border period (May 9, 1916, to April 5, 1917, for Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or in adjacent waters)

• World War I (April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918)

• World War II (December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946)

• Korean conflict (June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955)

• Vietnam War era (February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam.)

• Gulf War (August 2, 1990, through a future date to be set by law or presidential proclamation)

2026 VA Aid & Attendance Pension Rates (MAPR)

Effective dates: December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026.

These are the VA’s Maximum Annual Pension Rates (MAPR) and the maximum monthly benefit someone may receive if they qualify for VA Pension with Aid & Attendance. Your actual monthly payment may be lower depending on your countable income.

2026 Updated Rates

Veteran with No Dependents (Aid & Attendance)
• Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR): $29,093
• Maximum Monthly Benefit: $2,424

Veteran with One Dependent (Aid & Attendance)
• Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR): $34,488
• Maximum Monthly Benefit: $2,874

Surviving Spouse with No Dependents (Aid & Attendance)
• Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR): $18,697
• Maximum Monthly Benefit: $1,558

Two Veterans Married to Each Other (Both Qualify for Aid & Attendance)
• Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR): $46,143
• Maximum Monthly Benefit: $3,845

How the VA Calculates Your Monthly Pension Payment

The VA generally calculates the benefit like this:

Annual VA Pension = MAPR − Countable Income
Monthly VA Pension = Annual VA Pension ÷ 12

That means the “maximum” amounts listed above apply when a person’s countable income is low enough to receive the full benefit.

Important 2026 VA Pension Rules to Know

Net Worth Limit (2026):
For this rate period, the VA lists a net worth limit of $163,699. Net worth is based on certain assets plus income. The VA typically does not count your primary residence, a vehicle, and basic personal belongings.

3-Year Look-Back Rule:
The VA may review certain asset transfers made within the 3 years before you apply. Giving away assets or transferring them for less than fair value can create a penalty period where benefits are not paid.

Aid & Attendance vs. Housebound:
You generally cannot receive Aid & Attendance and Housebound at the same time.

Who May Qualify for Aid & Attendance?

Aid & Attendance is an added benefit for people who need help with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or who have significant mobility limitations, are in a nursing home due to disability, or have severe vision impairment. Eligibility also depends on VA service requirements, medical need, and financial qualifications.

Need Help Understanding Your Eligibility?

If you want help estimating your potential benefit, understanding countable income, or figuring out what documents to gather, we can walk you through it step-by-step and help you understand your options before you apply.

Here’s the latest news about Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits:

• Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): The increase in VA benefits is slightly less than expected for 2025. While the COLA was supposed to be 2.5%, the actual increase came in just under that amount.

• Surviving Spouse Benefits: There’s some good news for surviving spouses. Their benefit amounts are higher compared to others in the adjustment from 2024 to 2025.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Aid and Attendance benefits, effective December 1, 2024, through November 30, 2025.

The updated Maximum Annual Pension Rates (MAPR) and corresponding monthly benefit amounts are as follows:

Veteran with No Dependents

• MAPR $28,461

• Monthly Benefit $2,371

Veteran with One Dependent

• MAPR $34,091

• Monthly Benefit $2,841

Surviving Spouse with No Dependents

• MAPR $18,740

• Monthly Benefit $1,561

Two Veterans Married to Each Other

• MAPR $44,886

• Monthly Benefit $3,740

These adjustments ensure that veterans and their families receive adequate financial support to meet their needs.

The 2024 maximum annual pension rates (MAPR) for Aid and Attendance are as follows:

Veteran with No Dependents

• Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR): $27,767

• Monthly Benefit Amount: $2,313

Veteran with One Dependent (e.g., spouse)

• Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR): $33,260

• Monthly Benefit Amount: $2,772

Surviving Spouse with No Dependents

• Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR): $18,283

• Monthly Benefit Amount: $1,523

Two Veterans Married to Each Other

• Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR): $43,791 (both qualify for A&A)

You may be eligible for the Veterans Pension program if you meet the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true:

• You didn't receive a dishonorable discharge, and

• Your yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress. Your net worth includes all personal property you own (except your house, your car, and most home furnishings), minus any debt you owe. Your net worth includes the net worth of your spouse. Find out about Veterans Pension rates

And at least one of these must be true about your service. You:

• Started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime, or

• Started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions) with at least 1 day during wartime, or

• Were an officer and started on active duty after October 16, 1981, and you hadn't previously served on active duty for at least 24 months

And at least one of these must be true. You:

• Are at least 65 years old, or

• Have a permanent and total disability, or

• Are a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability, or

• Are getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income

DD214 Record

1. Obtain Your DD214: Receive it upon discharge or request a copy from the National Archives.

2. Review for Accuracy: Verify service details, discharge type, awards, and reason for separation.

3. Utilize Your DD214: Use it to apply for VA benefits, provide proof of service for employment, and keep it for personal records.

Filing an Intent to Claim VA Benefits

1. Obtain VA Form 21-0966 from the VA website or a VA office.

2. Complete the Form with your personal, contact, and service information, then indicate the benefits you intend to claim (Compensation, Pension, or Survivors Pension/DIC).

3. Submit the Form via mail, fax, or the VA's eBenefits portal to establish your effective date.

4. Prepare Your Claim: You have one year to gather and submit the necessary evidence and complete your formal claim.

• Asset Testing $150,538

• Allow car and house excluded generally

• If receiving partial disability rating, then those dollars would be subtracted or netted.

• Can not pay spouse but all others allowed.

• Complex and many are denied.

• About 1500 pages to VA manual and almost 800 pages are related to improved pension benefit.

• Forms for nearly everything and it must be done on VA forms. Example name personal representative.

• Three year look back rule when over assets

• Guidance along the changes.