VA Veterans Pension and Aid & Attendance

Quick Facts

Core benefit: Tax-free monthly pension for low-income wartime veterans and certain survivors. Payments fill the gap between countable income and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR).
Aid & Attendance (A&A): Adds up to $9,000+ annually for veterans or survivors who need help with activities of daily living, reside in nursing homes, or are bedridden.
Housebound supplement: Provides an intermediate increase for veterans who are substantially confined to their homes due to permanent disability.
Financial threshold: Combined net worth (assets plus annual income) must not exceed the VA limit ($155,356 for 2024) excluding a primary residence and personal vehicles.
Application channels: Apply online, by mail using VA Form 21P-527EZ or 21P-534EZ, or through accredited representatives such as Veterans Service Officers (VSOs).

Program Overview

The Veterans Pension program provides a safety net for wartime veterans age 65+ or totally disabled with limited financial resources. Payments are calculated by subtracting countable income from a statutory MAPR, which varies by family status and whether the veteran qualifies for Aid & Attendance or Housebound supplements. The Aid & Attendance add-on recognizes the high cost of caregiving, while Housebound targets veterans restricted to their homes. Survivors (spouses and dependent children) may qualify under the Survivors Pension with similar rules. The VA updates MAPR tables annually, so accurate budgeting requires checking current figures.

Eligibility Requirements

Service: At least 90 days of active duty with one day during a wartime period before September 8, 1980, or 24 months of continuous service if after that date (with exceptions for disability discharges). Qualifying wars include WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War (ongoing since August 2, 1990).
Discharge status: Must have received a discharge other than dishonorable.
Age or disability: Age 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled, or residing in a nursing home due to disability.
Income and net worth: Combined assets and annual income must be below the VA limit. The VA uses a three-year lookback to ensure assets were not transferred to qualify.
Aid & Attendance criteria: Requires assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, or needs a protected environment due to cognitive impairment. Alternatively, being bedridden or living in a nursing facility because of incapacity qualifies.
Housebound criteria: Substantially confined to the home due to permanent disability with limited ability to leave for work or community activities.

Calculating Pension Amounts

Determine MAPR: Review the latest MAPR table for your status (single veteran, with spouse, with dependent, surviving spouse). Add A&A or Housebound amounts if eligible.
Countable income: Include Social Security, retirement, annuities, and other recurring income. Exclude Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain needs-based benefits.
Deduct unreimbursed medical expenses (UMEs): Subtract out-of-pocket costs that exceed 5% of the MAPR, including Medicare premiums, caregiver payments, and assisted living fees.
Compute payment: (MAPR + A&A/Housebound supplement – countable income after UMEs) ÷ 12 = monthly pension.

Application Pathway

Gather evidence: DD214 or service records, marriage certificates, medical evidence, financial statements, and caregiver contracts.
Complete VA Form 21P-527EZ (veterans) or 21P-534EZ (survivors). Use the Fully Developed Claim lane when evidence is ready to shorten processing times.
Submit online: Use VA.gov pension application or mail to the Pension Intake Center in Janesville, WI. Fax is available via 844-655-1604.
Track status: Create a VA.gov account to monitor claim progress, or call 800-827-1000. Many applicants receive decisions within 90–120 days, but complex financial reviews can take longer.
Respond to VA requests: Provide any additional evidence within 30 days to preserve the original effective date.

Documentation Checklist

Discharge papers (DD214) showing wartime service.
Birth/marriage certificates for dependents or surviving spouses.
Physician statement (VA Form 21-2680) detailing need for Aid & Attendance or Housebound.
Nursing facility information (VA Form 21-0779) if applicable.
Financial statements listing assets, income, and unreimbursed medical expenses.
Caregiver agreements or invoices if paying family members for support (must be in writing).

Strategies for Success

Pre-claim financial review: Meet with a VSO or accredited attorney to analyze assets. Avoid disqualifying transfers within the three-year lookback; if necessary, document legitimate expenses or debts that explain asset reductions.
Track UMEs monthly: Keep receipts for home health aides, prescription co-pays, Medicare Advantage premiums, and medical mileage. Submitting a detailed UME log can significantly increase the deductible amount, raising monthly pension payments.
Coordinate with Medicaid planning: Aid & Attendance can help cover room and board in assisted living while preserving Medicaid eligibility. Discuss timing with an elder law attorney to avoid conflicting asset rules.
Use intent to file: If documentation is incomplete, submit VA Form 21-0966 to lock in an effective date while you gather evidence. You have one year to finalize the application.
Leverage VSOs: State and county VSOs have direct access to VA systems and can upload evidence securely, reducing mailing delays.

Tips and Tricks to Accelerate Approval

Complete VA Form 21-2680 thoroughly: Have the physician describe specific daily living limitations, frequency of care, and whether supervision for dementia is required. Detailed narratives carry more weight than checkbox forms.
Document caregiver payments: If paying a family member, use a written contract specifying hours, duties, and rate. Pay via check or electronic transfer so the VA can trace expenses.
Provide residency proof: For Housebound claims, include statements from neighbors, clergy, or care coordinators describing the veteran’s limited ability to leave home.
Upload digitally: Use the QuickSubmit portal on AccessVA to transmit PDFs. Electronic submissions timestamp your evidence immediately and avoid lost mail.
Schedule wellness exams: Up-to-date medical records showing chronic conditions, medication lists, and cognitive assessments support both pension and A&A claims.
Request expedited processing: Veterans over age 85, terminally ill, homeless, or experiencing financial hardship can ask for priority handling through their VSO or by calling the VA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a veteran receive both VA Pension and VA disability compensation? Generally, no. You cannot receive both for the same disability. However, you can elect the higher benefit. Some veterans receive disability compensation and a partial pension if the disability rating is low.

How does the three-year lookback work? The VA reviews asset transfers within 36 months prior to filing. Transfers for less than fair market value may result in a penalty period where pension is not payable. Keep records of large purchases, home repairs, or medical bills to demonstrate legitimate spending.

Are assisted living fees deductible? Yes, if a doctor certifies that the veteran or survivor needs aid and attendance. Include room, board, and care costs as UMEs to reduce countable income.