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.
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.
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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.