VA Pension Rates 2026

The VA adjusts pension rates annually based on cost-of-living increases. For the 2026 benefit year (December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026), the Aid and Attendance tier pays up to $2,874 per month for a married veteran — the highest non-service-connected pension rate available.

Here are the complete rate tables and how to calculate what your family would actually receive.

2026 Maximum Annual Pension Rates (MAPR)

Veteran Rates

Surviving Spouse Rates

Each additional dependent child adds $2,984 annually (approximately $249 per month) to any category.

How Your Actual Payment Is Calculated

The VA doesn't automatically pay the maximum rate. Your monthly payment is calculated using this formula:

Monthly Payment = (Annual MAPR − Countable Income) ÷ 12

Countable income is your household's gross annual income from all sources — Social Security, private pensions, investment returns, wages — minus allowable unreimbursed medical expenses.

A Real Calculation

A married veteran receives $28,000 per year in Social Security and a small pension. His wife has $6,000 in annual income. Gross household income: $34,000.

They pay $3,500 per month for assisted living ($42,000 annually) and $200 per month in prescriptions ($2,400 annually). Total unreimbursed medical expenses: $44,400.

The 5% deductible floor for a veteran with one dependent is $1,141. Deductible medical expenses: $44,400 − $1,141 = $43,259.

Countable income: $34,000 − $43,259 = −$9,259 → recorded as $0.

With countable income at $0, the veteran receives the full MAPR of $34,488 per year — $2,874 per month.

The 5% Medical Deductible Floor

Only medical expenses exceeding 5% of the basic pension rate count as deductions. The deductible floor for 2026:

The basic MAPR (not the A&A or Housebound rate) is always used for this calculation, regardless of which tier the veteran qualifies for.

When Payments Start

If you file an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) before submitting the full application, payments are retroactive to the first day of the month after the Intent to File date. Without an Intent to File, payments start from the application date.

Processing takes 2 to 3 months through the Fully Developed Claim program, or 8 to 12 months through the standard process. All months between the effective date and the approval date are paid as a lump sum.

Pension vs. Disability Compensation

VA pension (including Aid and Attendance) is for non-service-connected conditions. If your parent has a service-connected disability rated 70% or higher, they may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation instead, which often pays more and has different eligibility rules. You cannot receive both pension and disability compensation — the VA pays the higher amount.

The Veterans' Benefits for Elder Care Toolkit includes a net worth calculator and medical expense tracker to estimate your family's actual monthly benefit before you file.