VA Aid and Attendance Benefits
Quick answer
Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an extra monthly amount added to a VA pension for Veterans and surviving spouses who need another person’s help with daily activities, are bedridden, live in a nursing home because of lost mental or physical abilities, or have very limited eyesight. You must qualify for VA pension first, then ask VA to add A&A using VA Form 21-2680.
Who Aid and Attendance is for
A&A is not a standalone benefit. VA describes it as monthly payments “added to the amount of a monthly VA pension.” That means the Veteran or surviving spouse must meet the VA pension rules (wartime service, income and net worth limits) before A&A can be added.
According to VA, you may be eligible if you receive (or qualify for) a VA pension and at least one of these is true:
- You need another person to help you with daily activities such as bathing, feeding and dressing.
- You have to stay in bed, or spend a large part of the day in bed, because of illness.
- You are a patient in a nursing home because of the loss of mental or physical abilities.
- Your eyesight is limited to 5/200 or less in both eyes, or your visual field is 5 degrees or less.
Help with daily activities (often called activities of daily living, or ADLs) is usually the center of an A&A claim, so the medical evidence should describe what help is needed, how often, and why. Pension also requires wartime service; see pension and financial benefits for service-period and income rules, and the VA benefits overview for how pension fits with other programs.
2026 maximum annual pension rates with A&A
VA pays pension up to a Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR), reduced by countable income. These are the VA figures effective December 1, 2025:
| Veteran household | Basic pension | With Housebound | With Aid and Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| No dependents | $17,441 | $21,313 | $29,093 |
| One dependent | $22,839 | $26,710 | $34,488 |
The pension net worth limit for December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026 is $163,699. Survivors Pension has its own rate table on VA.gov.
Rates are reviewed every year when VA announces its cost-of-living adjustment. Always confirm the current figure on VA.gov before making financial decisions.
Aid and Attendance vs Housebound
Housebound is a smaller add-on for people who spend most of their time at home because of a permanent disability. VA is clear that you cannot receive Aid and Attendance and Housebound at the same time; you receive the one that fits your situation.
| Aid and Attendance | Housebound | |
|---|---|---|
| Main test | Needs help from another person with daily activities, bedridden, nursing home, or severe vision loss | Substantially confined to the home because of a permanent disability |
| Added to | VA pension | VA pension |
| Both at once? | No | No |
How to apply
- Confirm pension eligibility. Review wartime service dates, income and net worth against current VA rules.
- Get the medical form completed. VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) is completed with a physician.
- Add the nursing home form if it applies. If the Veteran or survivor lives in a nursing home, VA also asks for VA Form 21-0779.
- Submit with the pension claim or separately. VA accepts these online, by mail to the Pension Intake Center, or in person at a regional office.
Common mistakes
- Applying for A&A without first meeting pension income and net worth rules.
- Medical statements that name a diagnosis but do not describe the daily help actually needed.
- Leaving out recurring care costs that may reduce countable income.
- Assuming A&A and Housebound can be combined.
- Giving up after a denial instead of using a decision review.
Working with someone on your claim? Learn what a VA-accredited representative is and how to verify one before you sign anything.
Common questions
Can a surviving spouse get Aid and Attendance?
Yes. VA allows the A&A add-on for surviving spouses who qualify for Survivors Pension and meet the same care or disability criteria. Surviving spouses receiving DIC may also qualify for a DIC Aid and Attendance add-on.
Do I have to live in a nursing home to qualify?
No. Living in a nursing home because of lost mental or physical abilities is one way to qualify, but needing another person’s help with daily activities at home can also qualify.
Which VA form is used for Aid and Attendance?
VA Form 21-2680 is the medical examination form for both Aid and Attendance and Housebound. VA Form 21-0779 is also needed when the claimant is in a nursing home.
Can I get Aid and Attendance and Housebound together?
No. VA states you cannot receive both at the same time.
Is Aid and Attendance the same as Special Monthly Compensation?
No. A&A described here is added to VA pension. Veterans with service-connected disabilities who need aid and attendance may instead be considered for Special Monthly Compensation.