VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) is one of the most underused benefits available to America's senior veterans and their surviving spouses. This guide explains who qualifies, what it pays, and how to apply.
What is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit?
VA Aid and Attendance is an increased monthly pension paid on top of the VA's basic pension for wartime veterans and their surviving spouses. It is designed for those who need another person's help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications, or who are bedridden, in a nursing home, or have very limited eyesight. Aid and Attendance is not a standalone program; you must first qualify for the VA pension, then receive A&A as an enhancement. The benefit is tax-free and can be used however the recipient chooses, including paying family caregivers, home aides, or facility bills. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP to talk through your situation.
Who qualifies for Aid and Attendance in 2026?
To qualify, a veteran generally must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a VA-recognized wartime period, and received a discharge other than dishonorable. The applicant must also meet age or disability rules (typically 65+ or permanently disabled), pass income and net-worth limits, and demonstrate a care need, such as requiring help with daily activities or being housebound. Surviving spouses of qualifying wartime veterans may also be eligible. Because the rules combine service, financial, and medical criteria, many families benefit from guidance. A licensed advisor at 1-800-MEDIGAP can help you understand where you stand.
How much does Aid and Attendance pay?
Aid and Attendance amounts are set each year by the VA as a Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) and adjusted by any countable income. For 2026, a single veteran with Aid and Attendance can receive a higher maximum than basic pension, with married veterans and two-veteran couples receiving more, and surviving spouses receiving a lower tier. The actual monthly check equals the MAPR minus your countable income, divided by 12, so lower income generally means a larger benefit. Unreimbursed medical and care expenses can reduce countable income and increase your payment. See our 2026 rates page or call 1-800-MEDIGAP for current figures.
What can Aid and Attendance money be used for?
Because Aid and Attendance is paid as cash pension, recipients can spend it on whatever care best fits their needs. Common uses include paying for in-home caregivers, assisted living community fees, memory care, adult day programs, medical supplies, and out-of-pocket health costs. Many families use A&A to help a parent stay at home longer or to bridge the gap between Social Security and the true cost of assisted living. The benefit is not restricted to VA facilities. To map your care costs against the benefit and other senior programs, call 1-800-MEDIGAP.
How does Aid and Attendance fit with Medicare and Medigap?
Aid and Attendance is a VA pension benefit, separate from Medicare. Most senior veterans use both: Medicare and a Medigap plan cover doctors, hospital stays, and medical bills, while A&A provides cash to help pay for long-term and custodial care that Medicare does not cover. Coordinating VA benefits, Medicare, and a Medigap policy can dramatically reduce a veteran's out-of-pocket costs. As the trusted toll-free number for all things senior in America, 1-800-MEDIGAP can help you align VA Aid and Attendance with the right Medicare and Medigap coverage in one call.