Aid and Attendance — A&A
A VA pension benefit that provides an additional monthly payment to veterans and surviving spouses who require the help of another person to perform daily.
Official source: va.gov
Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a benefit from the VA that provides extra monthly payments to veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. To qualify for A&A, a person must already be eligible for VA Pension, which is based on financial need and not linked to military service.
To meet the criteria, a veteran or spouse must have difficulty dressing, undressing, or taking care of personal needs. They may be bedridden or living in a nursing home or assisted living facility. In 2026, the maximum monthly A&A pension for a surviving spouse (no dependents) is around $1,558 (the annual MAPR is $18,697, effective December 1, 2025).
This benefit is often used to help pay for costs related to memory care, assisted living, or in-home care. A common pitfall is not providing enough documentation to prove the need for assistance, which can delay or deny the claim. It is important to gather all necessary medical records and evidence of daily care needs when applying.
In real life
- A veteran who needs help dressing and bathing each day may get this extra payment.
- Someone whose doctor says they must stay at home because of sickness might get this benefit.
- A surviving spouse who cannot move around easily and needs help with daily tasks could receive this extra money.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Aid and Attendance
What is Aid and Attendance?+
A VA pension benefit that provides an additional monthly payment to veterans and surviving spouses who require the help of another person to perform daily activities or who are housebound. Requires the veteran to already qualify for VA Pension (need-based, not service-connected).
Who qualifies for Aid and Attendance?+
Veterans (and in some cases their dependents or survivors) who meet the program's specific service, discharge, and eligibility rules. Use the BK Calculator and Filing Success Score to check your situation.
How do I apply for Aid and Attendance?+
Apply at va.gov (search for the program by name) or work with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see what VA benefits you may have missed, or talk with a free accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through your state VA office.
Source: va.gov