El Paso Senior AdvisorWhat is VA Aid and Attendance, and how much can it pay?
Aid and Attendance is an increased VA pension rate for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities or live in a protected setting; from December 1, 2025, the maximum is $29,093 a year (about $2,424 a month) for a veteran with no dependents.
| Household | Maximum annual pension rate | About per month |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran, no dependents | $29,093 | about $2,424 |
| Veteran with one dependent | $34,488 | about $2,874 |
| Two veterans married, both eligible | $46,143 | about $3,845 |
| Veteran, no dependents, Housebound | $21,313 | about $1,776 |
| Surviving spouse, no dependents | $18,697 | about $1,558 |
| Surviving spouse, one dependent child | $22,304 | about $1,859 |
VA pension rates effective December 1, 2025. Monthly figures are the annual maximum divided by twelve. VA publishes these rates annually, not monthly.
It is not a flat check. VA pays the difference between countable income and the maximum rate, so the amount depends on income and care costs.
How can a veteran with income still qualify?
Unreimbursed medical expenses, including assisted living care charges and paid home care, are deducted from countable income, so a veteran whose care costs are high can qualify for some pension even with moderate Social Security or retirement income.
The net worth limit for December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026 is $163,699, counting assets and annual income together, and VA looks back three years at asset transfers. Keep receipts for every care expense and get the facility or agency to complete VA's forms describing the care provided.
Who is eligible for VA pension in El Paso?
Generally, a veteran who served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period (with later-era rules for those who entered after September 1980), was not dishonorably discharged, and is 65 or older or permanently disabled, plus their surviving spouses, subject to the income and net worth limits.
Many El Paso families have Fort Bliss service in their history, and surviving spouses are often overlooked. Pension is separate from VA disability compensation; a veteran receiving compensation may still be eligible for pension if it pays more.
Where do El Paso veterans get help applying?
Apply through VA.gov or with an accredited representative; El Paso County's veterans service office and accredited veterans service organizations help for free, and the El Paso VA Health Care System can address health care needs alongside the pension claim.
Be cautious of anyone who charges to file a pension claim or suggests moving assets to qualify; VA penalizes transfers within the look-back period and only accredited agents may charge in limited circumstances. The Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home and VA contract programs are other options for veterans who need nursing care.
Can Aid and Attendance be combined with other programs?
Yes, in many cases: a veteran can use Aid and Attendance with private savings to pay for assisted living, and can receive VA health care alongside Medicare; Medicaid counts VA pension as income, and VA rules can change the pension when a veteran on Medicaid enters a nursing facility.
Because interactions are complicated, ask a veterans service officer before applying for Medicaid, and ask an elder law attorney if both programs are in play.
Side by side
| Aid and Attendance is | Aid and Attendance is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit | An increased VA pension rate based on need | A separate flat monthly check |
| Income | Reduced by unreimbursed care costs | Available regardless of income |
| Assets | Subject to a $163,699 net worth limit | Unaffected by recent transfers |
| Help | Free through accredited representatives | Something you must pay a company to file |
Sources: Texas Health and Safety Code chapters 142, 242 and 247; 26 Texas Administrative Code chapters 553, 554, 558 and 559; HHSC program handbooks; CareScout, CMS and VA rate tables, as cited above. See our editorial standards.
