Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a VA pension benefit that provides monthly payments to veterans and surviving spouses who need help with activities of daily living. It is specifically designed to help cover the cost of paid care — whether in-home, in assisted living, in memory care, or in a nursing home. The benefit is tax-free and does not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits.

To qualify, a veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War era), been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, and have a medical need for assistance with daily activities. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible. Financial eligibility criteria also apply — income and assets are considered.

The VA recognizes the following wartime periods for pension eligibility: World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946); Korean War (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955); Vietnam Era (February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975); Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – present). Active duty service must overlap with at least one of these periods. The veteran does not need to have served in a combat zone.

In 2026, the maximum monthly A&A payments are: $2,727 for a veteran who is married; $2,295 for a single veteran; $1,478 for a surviving spouse. These are annual cost-of-living adjusted amounts. The actual benefit received may be lower based on the veteran’s countable income. Benefits are paid monthly, tax-free, directly to the veteran or surviving spouse.

The VA uses net worth to determine eligibility. For 2026, the net worth limit is $155,356 (inclusive of assets and net annual income). The primary home is excluded from this calculation if the veteran or surviving spouse resides there. Assets above this threshold must be spent down before benefits begin. This net worth limit was established as part of the 2018 pension reform regulations.

Aid and Attendance income is counted as income for Medicaid purposes. If a veteran is receiving A&A benefit and then applies for Medicaid nursing home coverage, the A&A income will factor into the Medicaid income calculations. This interaction is complex and should be reviewed by an elder law attorney who is knowledgeable about both VA and Medicaid rules to avoid unintended consequences.

Yes. Aid and Attendance can be used to pay for virtually any qualified care setting — in-home care, assisted living, memory care, adult day services, or nursing home care. There is no restriction on the type of care setting. The benefit is paid to the veteran or spouse, who then uses it to pay for care. It does not have to be paid directly to a facility.

Applications are submitted to the VA pension management center, either directly or through a VA-accredited claims agent or attorney. Required documentation includes: military discharge papers (DD-214), current medical documentation of care needs, financial information (income and assets), and if in a care facility, a letter from the facility. The application process typically takes three to nine months. Avoid companies that charge fees upfront to file claims.

Be cautious. VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents can charge fees, but they can only do so after benefits are awarded (and fees must be approved by the VA). “Benefit coordinators” at care facilities or for-profit companies that charge upfront fees to file a VA claim are not permitted to do so for basic claims. Free help is available through Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) like the DAV, VFW, or American Legion.

Processing time varies, but typically takes three to nine months. The VA has reduced backlogs in recent years, but complex cases or incomplete applications can take longer. Once approved, benefits are paid retroactively to the date of application. It is important to submit a complete, well-documented application to avoid delays from requests for additional information.

No. Aid and Attendance is paid to one person at a time. A veteran and surviving spouse cannot both receive the benefit simultaneously. If a veteran is receiving A&A and passes away, the surviving spouse can apply for the Survivor’s Pension with Aid and Attendance at the surviving spouse rate ($1,478 per month in 2026).

A senior placement agent can help identify whether a family member is likely eligible and can refer them to a VA-accredited attorney or VSO for application assistance. Some placement agents have specific expertise in veterans benefits. They can also help families identify care communities that accept Aid and Attendance benefit as part of a funding strategy for care.