Provo Senior AdvisorWhat is VA Aid and Attendance?
Aid and Attendance is an increase to the 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 pension rate rather than arriving as a separate check.
VA pays the difference between that higher Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) and the household's countable income. Unreimbursed care costs, such as assisted living or home care fees, reduce countable income, which is how many Utah County families qualify even with a modest pension or Social Security check.
How much is Aid and Attendance in 2026?
For December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026, the maximum annual pension 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 rate | About per month |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Rates effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026. Source: VA pension rate tables.
These are maximums. The actual payment depends on countable income after care costs are deducted.
Is there an asset limit for the VA pension?
Yes. The VA pension net worth limit is $163,699 for the current rate period, counting assets plus annual income, with the primary home generally excluded.
The VA also applies a look-back to asset transfers. Use a VA-accredited representative, available free through veterans service organizations, rather than anyone who charges to file the claim.
Is there a state veterans home in Utah County?
Yes. The Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson is licensed by DLBC as a nursing care facility, with 108 licensed beds, 24 of them secure, on the state's record.
The Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson is a state veterans home licensed by DLBC as a nursing care facility. Admission is for eligible veterans and, in some cases, spouses; ask the home about current eligibility and waiting times. See the Utah County nursing home list for its state record.
How should a Utah County family start a VA claim?
Gather the veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), marriage and death certificates for a survivor's claim, income and asset records, and receipts for care costs, then work with a free VA-accredited representative.
Veterans enrolled in VA health care may also qualify for MAG's Veterans Directed home care program; see MAG in-home programs.
Side by side
| Aid and Attendance is | Aid and Attendance is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | An increase to the VA pension | A separate benefit check |
| Who | Wartime veterans and surviving spouses with care needs | Limited to combat veterans |
| Money | Income after unreimbursed care costs | Paid regardless of income |
| Help | Free through accredited representatives | Something you must pay to file |
Sources: Utah Admin. Code R432-270, Utah DHHS and DLBC pages, MAG Aging & Family Services, CareScout and VA rate tables as cited; see our editorial standards.
