Honolulu Senior AdvisorHow much does VA Aid and Attendance pay in 2026?
For December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026, VA's maximum annual pension rate with Aid and Attendance is $29,093 for a veteran with no dependents (about $2,424 a month), $34,488 with one dependent and $18,697 for a surviving spouse with no dependents.
| Situation | 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 |
VA pension rates effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026.
How does Aid and Attendance actually work?
Aid and Attendance is not a separate check; it raises the maximum annual pension rate, and VA pays the difference between that rate and the claimant's countable income, where unreimbursed medical and care expenses such as care home or home care fees are subtracted from income.
That subtraction is why a veteran with a pension and Social Security can still qualify: if a care home costs most of their income, countable income drops near zero and VA pays close to the maximum. The claimant must also be a wartime-era veteran (or surviving spouse) meeting service requirements and need help with daily activities, be bedridden, be in a nursing home for incapacity, or have limited eyesight. The 2026 net worth limit is $163,699.
What is the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home?
The Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home in Kapolei is a CMS-certified nursing home for eligible veterans; ask the home for its current admission criteria, which can include some family members of veterans. It appears in our directory with its CMS ratings and inspection data.
CMS lists it with None certified beds and an overall rating of Not rated by CMS. See its directory page for inspections and staffing.
Where do Oahu veterans get help applying?
Veterans and surviving spouses on Oahu can get free help with VA pension claims from accredited veterans service officers, including the Hawaii Office of Veterans' Services, and should be wary of anyone who charges to file a pension claim.
Federal rules prohibit charging for help preparing an initial claim. Bring the DD-214, income and asset records, and receipts or contracts showing care costs. VA can take months to decide; ask about intent to file, which can protect the start date.
At a glance
| VA pension with A&A is | VA pension with A&A is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | A maximum rate minus countable income | A flat monthly payment |
| Care costs | Reduced by unreimbursed care expenses | Limited to nursing home costs |
| Eligibility | For wartime-era veterans and surviving spouses with care needs | Automatic with any discharge |
| Help | Free through accredited service officers | Something you should pay a consultant to file |
Sources include Hawaii Administrative Rules chapters 11-100.1, 11-90 and 11-800, HRS 321-481 and 321-1.8, Office of Health Care Assurance rosters and pages, the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines, CMS, CareScout and VA rate tables as cited above; see our editorial standards.
