Quick answer
The VA Aid and Attendance pension provides monthly payments to wartime veterans and surviving spouses who meet medical and financial rules. The 2026 maximum is $2,424/month for a single veteran, $2,874 with one dependent. Free accredited help is available through the Missouri Veterans Commission VSOs in every county.
VA Aid and Attendance Pension
- Overview
- VA Aid and Attendance pension. For wartime-era veterans and surviving spouses who meet VA's service, need and financial rules, it can add well over a thousand dollars a month, VA lists the maximum at $2,424 a month for a veteran alone and $2,874 with one dependent (rates effective December 1, 2025). We explain what the benefit is; we never file claims or charge for claims help. Free, accredited help filing: the Kansas Office of Veterans Services (kovs.ks.gov) or a veterans service organization.
How to apply
Accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) file VA claims for free. In Missouri, the Missouri Veterans Commission has VSOs in nearly every county: call 1-800-839-8387 or visit mvc.dps.mo.gov to find the office nearest you.
Bring a copy of the DD-214, marriage and death certificates as needed, and a list of income and assets. The VSO handles the rest for free.
Medical requirement
Aid and Attendance requires a need for help with daily activities due to a physical or cognitive limitation. Your doctor completes a form as part of the application. The benefit can pay toward assisted living, home care, or nursing home costs.
VA vs. Medicaid
VA Aid and Attendance and MO HealthNet can run together if you qualify for both, but the VA pension counts as income for the Medicaid calculation. Talk to a Missouri elder law attorney or an accredited VSO before making decisions about assets or applying. We do not give legal advice.
Questions about VA benefits?
Call us at (800) 614-8388. We explain how the benefit works and connect you with free, accredited help — we never charge for claims help.