Rochester Senior AdvisorWhat is VA Aid and Attendance?
Aid and Attendance is an increase to the VA's needs-based Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension for a wartime veteran or surviving spouse who needs another person's help with daily activities, is bedridden, lives in a nursing home because of disability, or has very limited eyesight.
It is not a separate check. It raises the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR), and the VA pays the difference between that rate and the claimant's countable income after unreimbursed medical expenses, including assisted living and home care costs.
How much is Aid and Attendance in 2026?
For December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026, 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.
| Situation | Maximum annual rate | About per month |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran with no dependents, Aid and Attendance | $29,093 | $2,424 |
| Veteran with one dependent, Aid and Attendance | $34,488 | $2,874 |
| Two veterans married to each other, both A&A | $46,143 | $3,845 |
| Surviving spouse, no dependents, Aid and Attendance | $18,697 | $1,558 |
| Veteran with no dependents, Housebound | $21,313 | $1,776 |
VA pension rates effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026.
Because care costs count as medical expenses, a veteran paying New York's median assisted living rate of $7,110 a month can often reduce countable income to zero and receive the full rate.
What is the VA's net worth limit for pension?
The net worth limit for Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension is $163,699 for the year beginning December 1, 2025, counting assets plus annual income, but generally not the home or a vehicle.
The VA also has a three-year look-back for asset transfers made to qualify. That is a different rule from New York Medicaid's look-back, and the two can conflict, which is why families planning for both should get advice first.
Can Aid and Attendance pay for assisted living in the Rochester area?
Yes; the pension can be used for any care, and the cost of assisted living counts as an unreimbursed medical expense when the veteran needs the help with daily activities that the residence provides.
The VA itself does not pay the residence. The money goes to the veteran or survivor, who then pays the bill. The Canandaigua VA Medical Center also runs long-term care and community living programs for eligible veterans.
Who helps Rochester veterans apply?
Accredited veterans service officers help for free; Monroe County and each neighboring county has a veterans service agency, and national service organizations such as the American Legion and VFW have accredited representatives.
Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to prepare a pension application, which federal rules do not allow, or who pitches annuities or trusts as part of the claim.
At a glance
| Aid and Attendance is | Aid and Attendance is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | An increase to a needs-based pension | A separate VA benefit check |
| Use | Any care, including assisted living | Paid directly to a facility |
| Limit | $163,699 net worth | Unlimited |
| Help | Free from accredited service officers | Something to pay a fee for |
Sources include the N.Y. Social Services Law and Public Health Law, 18 NYCRR Parts 487-494, 10 NYCRR Parts 415 and 1001, Department of Health GIS messages, CMS, the VA and CareScout, as cited above; see our editorial standards.
