Stamford 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 annual pension rate, and VA pays the difference between that rate and the person's countable income.
| 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.
It is not a separate check. Because unreimbursed medical and care costs, including assisted living care fees and home care, reduce countable income, a veteran whose income looks too high on paper may still qualify once Connecticut-level care costs are counted.
Who qualifies for the VA pension?
A veteran generally must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period, have a discharge other than dishonorable, meet the net worth limit of $163,699 for 2025-26 (assets plus annual income), and be 65 or older or permanently disabled.
VA looks back three years at asset transfers made to qualify. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans can receive a survivors pension with Aid and Attendance, at the lower rates shown in the table.
How does Aid and Attendance work with Connecticut assisted living costs?
At Connecticut's 2025 assisted living median of about $8,676 a month, care costs typically exceed a veteran's income, so the pension can pay up to the full maximum rate (about $2,424 a month for a single veteran) toward the bill.
That still leaves a large gap in Fairfield County. Combine it with the veteran's income and, where eligible, the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders for the assisted living services portion.
How do Fairfield County veterans apply?
Apply to VA with the pension application and a medical evaluation of the need for aid and attendance, ideally with help from an accredited veterans service officer, which is free; be wary of anyone charging a fee to file.
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs and accredited veterans service organizations help with claims at no cost, and many Fairfield County town veterans offices can point you to one.
At a glance
| Aid and Attendance is | Aid and Attendance is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | An increase to the VA pension | A separate check for care |
| Eligibility | Wartime service, need for help, net worth below $163,699 | Automatic for every veteran |
| Use | Any care setting, including at home | Limited to VA facilities |
Sources include the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (19-13-D105 and related sections), the Connecticut General Statutes as summarized by the Office of Legislative Research, DPH, DSS and Aging and Disability Services pages, CareScout and VA rate tables as cited above; see our editorial standards.
