Last verified: October 2026
How much is VA Aid and Attendance in 2026?
From December 1, 2025, the maximum annual pension rate with Aid and Attendance is $29,093 for a veteran with no dependents, $34,488 for a veteran with one dependent, and $18,697 for a surviving spouse with no dependents.
The pension pays the difference between that maximum and the household's countable income for VA purposes, so most families receive less than the maximum. For comparison, the basic pension without Aid and Attendance is $17,441 and the housebound rate $21,313 for a veteran alone.
Sources: VA pension rates.
What is the VA net worth limit for 2026?
The net worth limit for Veterans and Survivors Pension from December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2026 is $163,699, counting both assets and annual income; the primary residence and a car are not counted as assets.
VA also reviews asset transfers before an application, so the same caution that applies to ALTCS applies here: get advice before moving money.
How do care costs reduce countable income for VA?
Unreimbursed medical expenses, which can include assisted living care costs and in-home care in many cases, reduce countable income; only the amount above 5% of the maximum pension rate counts, which is $872 for a veteran with no dependents.
That is why a veteran with a seemingly high income can still qualify once monthly care bills are counted. Keep invoices from the facility or agency that show care charges separately from rent.
Who helps Tucson veterans apply?
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services has Veteran Benefits Counselors who help with applications for free (call (602) 535-1215), and the VA in Tucson can answer care program questions at (520) 207-4960.
Accredited counselors cannot charge to prepare a pension claim. If someone offers to help for a fee or to reposition assets as part of a package, check their VA accreditation first.
Sources: PCOA long-term care page.
Can a veteran use ALTCS and VA pension together?
Yes, a veteran can receive both, but VA pension counts as income for ALTCS, so the two interact; most families model both before choosing which to apply for first.
If the veteran's care needs are high and assets are low, ALTCS often covers more; if assets are moderate, the VA pension may bridge the gap until ALTCS makes sense.
VA pension with Aid and Attendance: what it is and is not
| It is | It is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | a monthly pension up to the MAPR, minus countable income | a direct payment to the facility |
| Eligibility | wartime service, need for help, net worth under the limit | for every veteran |
| Help applying | free from accredited counselors | a service you need to pay for |
