VA Aid and Attendance is a pension benefit that adds money to a veteran's monthly payment when they need regular help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating. For a veteran with a spouse, the benefit can reach $2,874 per month ($34,488/year). It's one of the most underused VA benefits. Many Texas veterans and surviving spouses qualify but never apply because they don't know it exists.
This guide covers who qualifies, how much you can receive, how to apply, and where to get free help with the process in Texas.
In This Guide
- Key Takeaways
- What Is Aid and Attendance?
- Do You Qualify?
- VA Aid and Attendance Rates in Texas (2026)
- The Net Worth Limit and 3-Year Lookback
- How to Apply
- Free Help in Texas
- How A&A Works with Medicaid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Next Steps
What Is Aid and Attendance?
Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an enhanced pension benefit for wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who need help with everyday activities. It's not a separate program. It's an additional amount added to the base VA pension.
You may qualify if you need help with activities like:
- Bathing or showering
- Dressing and undressing
- Eating or preparing meals
- Using the toilet
- Adjusting prosthetic devices
- Protecting yourself from daily hazards
You can also qualify if you're bedridden, spend a large part of the day in bed due to illness, live in a nursing home, or have severely limited eyesight (5/200 or less in both eyes).
A&A is tax-free. The money can be used for any purpose, including paying for home care, assisted living, or nursing home costs.
Not sure if your parent qualifies for Aid and Attendance? Ask Brevy's chatbot to check eligibility.
Do You Qualify?
To receive Aid and Attendance, you must meet all of these requirements:
1. Wartime service. The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military duty with at least 1 day during a recognized wartime period. Qualifying periods include World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War (which includes all post-9/11 service). Gulf War veterans need 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period they were called to active duty.
2. Age or disability. The veteran must be 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled.
3. Need for assistance. The veteran (or surviving spouse) must need regular help with daily activities, be bedridden, be in a nursing home, or have severely limited eyesight as described above.
4. Net worth under $163,699. This is the 2026 limit. It counts your assets plus annual income combined. Your primary home, personal vehicle, and basic household items are excluded.
Surviving spouses also qualify. If the veteran has passed away and the surviving spouse needs assistance with daily activities, they can apply for Survivors Pension with Aid and Attendance.
VA Aid and Attendance Rates in Texas (2026)
The VA calculates your payment as the difference between your countable income and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) for your category. If your income is low enough, you receive the full amount.
| Category | Annual Rate | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran, no dependents | $29,093 | $2,424 |
| Veteran with spouse | $34,488 | $2,874 |
| Two veterans married to each other (both A&A) | $46,143 | $3,845 |
| Veteran, no dependents (Housebound) | $21,313 | $1,776 |
| Veteran with spouse (Housebound) | $26,710 | $2,226 |
| Veteran, no dependents (basic pension) | $17,441 | $1,454 |
| Each additional child | +$2,984 | +$249 |
How the math works: If a veteran with a spouse has $12,000 in annual countable income and qualifies for A&A, the VA pays the difference: $34,488 - $12,000 = $22,488/year ($1,874/month). Medical expenses you pay out of pocket can reduce your countable income, which increases your benefit.
The Net Worth Limit and 3-Year Lookback
The 2026 net worth limit is $163,699. This combines your assets (savings, investments, property other than your home) with your annual income.
What counts: Bank accounts, stocks, bonds, investment property, IRAs, and other financial assets plus your annual income.
What doesn't count: Your primary residence (the home you live in), one personal vehicle, and basic household items.
The 3-Year Lookback Rule
The VA reviews any assets you transferred for less than fair market value in the 3 years before filing your claim. If you gave away or sold assets below market value to get under the net worth limit, the VA may impose a penalty period of up to 5 years during which you won't receive pension benefits.
This rule exists to prevent people from simply giving away their savings to qualify. If you're considering transferring assets, talk to a VA-accredited attorney or elder law attorney first. The penalty can be severe.
Have questions about the net worth limit or asset rules? Chat with Brevy for guidance.
How to Apply
The application requires two forms and a medical examination:
Step 1: Get a medical examination. Your doctor fills out VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance). The doctor documents which daily activities you need help with and why. Be thorough here. The more detail about specific limitations, the stronger the claim.
Step 2: Complete the pension application. If you're not already receiving VA pension, submit VA Form 21P-527EZ (Application for Veterans Pension). This covers your service history, income, net worth, and medical conditions.
Step 3: Submit everything. You can file online at va.gov, mail the forms, or submit through an accredited representative. Filing online lets you save your progress and track the claim.
Step 4: Wait for a decision. The VA processes claims in the order received. In practice, expect 3 to 6 months or longer. Having a complete application with strong medical documentation speeds things up. Incomplete submissions are the most common reason for delays.
Gather These Documents Before You Start
- DD-214 (discharge papers) showing wartime service dates
- Medical records documenting the need for daily assistance
- Income documentation (Social Security statements, pension statements)
- Asset information (bank statements, investment accounts)
- Marriage certificate (if claiming as a veteran with spouse)
- Death certificate (if applying as a surviving spouse)
Free Help in Texas
Don't pay anyone to file a VA claim. Free, accredited help is available throughout Texas.
Texas Veterans Commission (TVC)
The TVC is the state's designated agency for veteran benefit assistance. Their claims counselors provide free help filing and appealing VA benefits, including Aid and Attendance. TVC counselors are located in VA Regional Offices, VA medical facilities, VA clinics, and military installations across the state. The TVC helps distribute over $1.5 billion in annual VA compensation and pension to Texas veterans and their families.
County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs)
Most Texas counties have a Veterans Service Office staffed by trained officers who help with benefits counseling, claims filing, and appeals. Services are free and you can walk in during business hours with no appointment at most offices.
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
National organizations like the VFW, American Legion, DAV, and Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars have accredited representatives who file claims for free. These groups have deep experience with A&A claims specifically.
Warning: Be cautious of companies that charge fees to help with VA claims. VA-accredited attorneys may charge fees for appeals, but the initial claim filing should be free through TVC, CVSOs, or VSOs.
Need help finding a veteran service officer near you? Ask Brevy's chatbot for a local referral.
How A&A Works with Medicaid
Aid and Attendance benefits and Texas Medicaid can work together, but there are rules to understand:
- A&A income doesn't automatically disqualify you from Medicaid. VA pension income is counted when determining Medicaid eligibility, but medical expenses (including home care costs) can be deducted from income for VA purposes.
- If your loved one is on STAR+PLUS and also receives A&A, the combination can fund more hours of home care than either program alone.
- A&A can pay for services Medicaid doesn't cover, such as assisted living room and board costs. Medicaid may cover the care services in an assisted living facility, while A&A covers the room and board.
- Talk to a benefits counselor who understands both programs before applying. The wrong timing or application order can affect eligibility for one or both programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The maximum monthly benefit depends on your situation. A veteran alone gets up to $2,424/month. A veteran with a spouse gets up to $2,874/month. Your actual payment is reduced by your countable income. Out-of-pocket medical expenses can lower your countable income and increase your benefit.
Yes. Many Texas veterans receive both. VA Aid and Attendance income is counted for Medicaid eligibility purposes, but unreimbursed medical expenses can be deducted. The programs can complement each other, with A&A covering costs that Medicaid doesn't (like assisted living room and board).
Typically 3 to 6 months, though it can take longer for complex claims. The most common cause of delays is incomplete applications. Have your doctor be as detailed as possible on Form 21-2680, and submit all supporting documents with your initial application.
No. A&A is a pension benefit, not a reimbursement. Once approved, you receive a monthly payment that you can use for any purpose. Most families use it toward home care, assisted living, or medical expenses.
Next Steps
- Check eligibility first. Review the wartime service and net worth requirements above to see if the veteran in your family may qualify.
- Get your medical documentation ready. Ask the veteran's doctor to complete VA Form 21-2680 with detailed descriptions of daily limitations.
- Get free help filing. Contact your county's Veterans Service Officer (walk in, no appointment needed) or the Texas Veterans Commission.
- Don't pay for help. Free, accredited claim assistance is available throughout Texas.
- For other VA benefits, see our guide to VA benefits for Texas seniors and learn about the VA Caregiver Support Program for family members who provide care.
Find personalized guidance on veteran benefits at brevy.com.
The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Medicaid rules vary by state and change frequently. Always verify eligibility and benefits with your state Medicaid agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.