Tulsa 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 is not a separate check but a higher Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR).
VA pays the difference between the MAPR and the person's countable income, and unreimbursed care costs such as assisted living or home care fees reduce countable income, which is why the benefit often helps families paying for care.
| 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.
Who qualifies for VA pension with Aid and Attendance?
Generally a veteran with qualifying wartime service and an other-than-dishonorable discharge, or a surviving spouse, who meets the medical need and whose net worth is under the VA limit of $163,699 for this rate year.
The limit counts assets plus annual income, and VA has a three-year look-back on asset transfers. Accredited veterans service officers help with applications for free.
Is there a state veterans nursing home near Tulsa?
Yes. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs operates the Claremore Veterans Center, which OSDH licenses as a nursing home in Rogers County; admission goes through ODVA rather than directly to the home.
Our nursing home roster lists it with its state license and bed count.
How long does a VA pension application take?
It varies, often several months, so families paying for care should apply as soon as the veteran or surviving spouse qualifies, since benefits can be paid back to the effective date once approved.
Gather the discharge papers (DD-214), a physician's statement of care needs, and proof of care costs such as an assisted living contract before you start.
Can a surviving spouse receive Aid and Attendance?
Yes; a surviving spouse of a wartime veteran can qualify for Survivors Pension with Aid and Attendance, with a maximum of $18,697 a year for a surviving spouse with no dependents in the current rate year.
The same rule applies: unreimbursed care costs reduce countable income.
At a glance
| Aid and Attendance is | Aid and Attendance is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | An increase to the VA pension rate | A separate check |
| Who | Wartime veterans and surviving spouses with care needs | Limited to service-connected disability |
| Use | Any care setting, including home | Restricted to VA facilities |
Sources include the Oklahoma Administrative Code (chapters 310:663, 310:680, 310:673, 310:675 and 310:605), OSDH, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Oklahoma Human Services, the Oklahoma Attorney General, CareScout, CMS and the VA, as cited above; see our editorial standards.
