Little Rock Senior AdvisorWhat is VA Aid and Attendance?
Aid and Attendance is an increase to VA pension for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities, are bedridden, live in a nursing home or have limited eyesight; it raises the maximum annual pension rate rather than arriving as a separate check.
VA pays the difference between the maximum rate and the household's countable income, and unreimbursed care costs such as assisted living or home care fees reduce countable income. That is why the benefit often helps most once care has started.
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, about $2,424 a month, and $18,697 for a surviving spouse with no dependents.
| Household | Maximum annual pension rate | Monthly equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 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 in effect December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026.
The net worth limit, which counts assets plus annual income, is $163,699 for the same period.
Where do Little Rock veterans get VA health care?
The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, with the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock and the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center in North Little Rock.
VA health care and VA pension are separate programs with separate applications. A veteran can use VA health care without receiving pension, and the reverse.
How do we apply for Aid and Attendance?
File a pension claim with VA, with a physician's statement of care needs and proof of income, assets and care costs; accredited veterans service officers help with the forms for free.
Be cautious of anyone who charges to prepare the claim or suggests moving assets to qualify; transfers can trigger a VA look-back penalty, and they can also affect Medicaid later.
Side by side
| Aid and Attendance is | Aid and Attendance is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | An increase to VA pension | A separate monthly check |
| Who | Wartime veterans and surviving spouses who meet need and financial tests | Automatic for every veteran |
| Care costs | Deducted from countable income | Paid directly to a facility |
| Help | Free from accredited service officers | Something to pay a broker for |
Sources: Arkansas Office of Long Term Care assisted living rules, the Health Services Permit Agency's Bed Need Book, Arkansas DHS waiver and PACE fact sheets, CMS, CareScout and VA rate tables, each cited in the text. Our editorial standards explain how we check them.
