VA Aid & Attendance Benefit Calculator
Estimate your monthly VA Aid & Attendance pension benefit based on veteran status, marital status, and medical expenses.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
VA Aid & Attendance is a pension benefit for wartime veterans (or surviving spouses) who need help with activities of daily living. It can pay up to $2,431/month for a single veteran and is one of the most under-utilized benefits for senior care funding.
The Formula
IVAP = Annual Income − Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
Annual Benefit = Max Annual Rate − IVAP (if IVAP < Max)
Annual Benefit = Max Annual Rate − IVAP (if IVAP < Max)
Variables
- IVAP — Income for VA Purposes (income minus qualifying medical expenses)
- Max Rate — Maximum annual pension rate based on veteran/spouse status
- Assets — Countable assets must be below $150,538 (2024 limit)
Worked Example
Married veteran with $24,000 income and $30,000 medical expenses: IVAP = $0 (medical exceeds income). Full benefit = $2,881/month = $34,572/year.
Practical Tips
- Assisted living and in-home care costs count as unreimbursed medical expenses for IVAP calculation.
- The asset limit ($150,538) excludes your primary residence and one vehicle.
- There is a 3-year look-back period on asset transfers — plan ahead.
- Apply through your local VA regional office or accredited veterans service organization.
- Processing typically takes 6-12 months — apply as early as possible.