--- title: "VA Pension for Older Veterans: Eligibility and Rates" description: "The VA Veterans Pension for older veterans: who qualifies, wartime service rules, the net worth limit, current MAPR rates, and how to apply." url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/veterans-pension/ updated: 2026-10-09 site: Senior Transition Assistance --- Veterans # VA pension for older veterans: who qualifies and how much it pays The VA pension is a monthly, needs-based payment for wartime veterans with limited income who are 65 or older or disabled. It's also the base for Aid and Attendance. Talk it through with a person[ (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388) Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide. Quick answer The Veterans Pension pays wartime veterans with limited income and net worth who are 65 or older, or have a permanent and total disability, or are in a nursing home, or get SSDI or SSI. The payment is the difference between countable income and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR). Effective December 1, 2025, the MAPR for a veteran with no dependents is $17,441 a year, or $29,093 with Aid and Attendance, and the net worth limit is $163,699. Unreimbursed medical expenses, including care costs, can reduce countable income. **Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently. **On this page** 1. [ Who qualifies](#g-who-qualifies) 2. [Maximum annual pension rates (effective December 1, 2025)](#g-maximum-annual-pension-rates-effective-d) 3. [How the payment is figured](#g-how-the-payment-is-figured) 4. [Net worth and look-back](#g-net-worth-and-look-back) 5. [How to apply](#g-how-to-apply) 6. [Questions](#g-faq) ## Who qualifies **Service:** not dishonorably discharged, and, for example, if you started active duty before September 8, 1980, at least 90 days of active duty with at least 1 day during a wartime period. Later service has different rules. **And at least one of these:** - Age 65 or older. - Permanent and total disability. - In a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability. - Getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. **And:** yearly family income and net worth within the limits. ## Maximum annual pension rates (effective December 1, 2025) | Situation | No dependents | 1 dependent | |---|---|---| | Basic pension | $17,441 | $22,839 | | With Housebound | $21,313 | $26,710 | | With Aid and Attendance | $29,093 | $34,488 | Add $2,984 for each additional dependent. Source: VA.gov Veterans Pension rates. ## How the payment is figured VA subtracts your parent's countable yearly income from the MAPR. Medical expenses above 5% of the MAPR (for example, $872 for a veteran with no dependents) can be deducted from income, which can raise the payment. ## Net worth and look-back The net worth limit is $163,699 (December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2026). It excludes the primary residence and car. VA looks back 3 years at asset transfers for less than fair market value; a penalty period of up to 5 years can apply. ## How to apply Apply online, or with VA Form 21P-527EZ by mail to the Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365, or at a regional office. An accredited Veterans Service Organization can help for free. If your parent needs help with daily activities, see [how to apply for Aid and Attendance](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/how-to-apply-aid-and-attendance/). ### Planning care for a veteran parent? We'll help you understand benefits and find care near Kansas City. Free. [ (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form) ## Questions families ask ### How much is the VA pension now? The MAPR for a veteran with no dependents is $17,441 a year, effective December 1, 2025. The payment is the MAPR minus countable income. ### Do you have to be 65 to get a VA pension? No. Veterans under 65 may qualify with a permanent and total disability, nursing home care, or SSDI or SSI. ### Is the house counted in net worth? No. The primary residence isn't counted. ### Can a surviving spouse get a pension? Yes. VA has a Survivors Pension with its own rates. ## Sources - [VA.gov: Veterans Pension eligibility](https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/) - [VA.gov: Veterans Pension rates (effective December 1, 2025)](https://www.va.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates/) - [VA.gov: How to apply for a VA pension as a Veteran](https://www.va.gov/pension/how-to-apply/) - [VA.gov: Find an accredited representative (VSO, attorney or claims agent)](https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/) ## Related guides - [Veterans](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/) - [Aid and Attendance](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/aid-and-attendance/) - [How to apply](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/how-to-apply-aid-and-attendance/) - [VA benefits for assisted living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/assisted-living/) - [Veterans homes](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/veterans-homes/) - [VA caregiver program](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/va-caregiver-program/) --- Canonical page: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/veterans/veterans-pension/