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VA Aid and Attendance, 2026

Current maximum annual pension rates, the net worth limit, and why care costs can make a veteran eligible despite moderate income.

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VA Aid and Attendance, 2026

Short answer

VA Aid and Attendance is a needs-based pension add-on for wartime veterans (and their surviving spouses) who need help with activities of daily living. The VA compares the applicant's countable income to a Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR); unreimbursed medical expenses (includi

SituationMaximum annual rateApproximate monthly
Veteran needing Aid and Attendance (no dependents)$29,093/year$2,424/month per month
Surviving spouse needing Aid and Attendance (no dependents)$18,697/year$1,558/month per month

Net worth limit: $163,699 (effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026); excludes primary residence and one vehicle

VA Aid and Attendance is a needs-based pension add-on for wartime veterans (and their surviving spouses) who need help with activities of daily living. The VA compares the applicant's countable income to a Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR); unreimbursed medical expenses (including assisted living, memory care, or in-home caregiver costs) above 5% of the MAPR threshold can be deducted from countable income, which often increases or unlocks the benefit.

Rates above are the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) divided into an approximate monthly figure; actual payment equals MAPR minus the applicant's countable annual income, paid out monthly. VA pension and Aid & Attendance rates are federal and identical nationwide — they do not vary by state, including Minnesota. Rates effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA increase applied for the December 1, 2025–November 30, 2026 rate year).

Source: VA veterans pension rates

Source: VA survivors pension rates

Questions families ask

Does Medicaid pay for the full cost of assisted living in Minnesota?

No. Medical Assistance, through the Elderly Waiver, pays only for the care-services portion delivered inside a licensed assisted living facility, never the room-and-board charge. Minnesota does not have a broad state subsidy that covers private-pay room and board, though very-low-income residents in certain licensed settings may qualify for a separate, narrower Housing Support benefit to help offset it.

What are Minnesota's income and asset limits for nursing home Medical Assistance in 2026?

Minnesota is a '209(b) medically needy' state with no fixed income cap — income above the Medically Needy Income Limit (commonly cited around $1,305/month for an individual in 2026) must be spent down on medical or care costs each budget period. Countable assets are generally limited to around $3,000 for a single applicant and $6,000 for a couple both applying, though these specific dollar figures are third-party sourced and should be reconfirmed against DHS's Eligibility Policy Manual before relying on them for a specific case.

How much can a healthy spouse keep if their partner needs Medicaid-covered nursing home care in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota's Community Spouse Asset Allowance (Minn. Stat. 256B.059), a non-applicant spouse can generally protect between $32,532 and $162,660 in assets (2026 federal figures), plus a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance of income ranging from about $2,705 to $4,066.50 per month, depending on their own income and housing costs.

What is Minnesota's Medical Assistance Estate Recovery Program, and can the state take my parent's house?

Minnesota's Estate Recovery Program (MERP), under Minn. Stat. 256B.15, lets the state file a claim after a Medical Assistance recipient's death (and, if married, generally after the surviving spouse's death too) to recover what MA paid for long-term services and supports. Minnesota's program can reach beyond the probate estate to jointly held property, life estates, transfer-on-death deeds, and revocable trusts, so common probate-avoidance planning doesn't automatically shield a home.

What is Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) and who qualifies?

MSHO is Minnesota's voluntary integrated managed-care program for people 65+ who are enrolled in both Medical Assistance and Medicare Parts A & B — it combines Medicaid, Medicare, and Part D benefits into one coordinated plan with a single care coordinator. Plan availability varies by county and by year, so families should confirm which MSHO health plans currently serve their specific Twin Cities county.

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