VA Aid & Attendance Washington: Rates, Eligibility & How to Apply (2026)
VA Aid & Attendance (A&A) is an enhanced VA pension add-on for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. It pays tax-free cash directly to the recipient — usable for in-home care, an adult family home, assisted living, or a nursing home. Unlike Medicaid, there is no restriction on which setting or provider you use, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Rates effective December 1, 2025 – November 30, 2026. Confirm with VA.gov before applying.
2026 Maximum Monthly Rates
| Recipient | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Veteran alone | ~$2,424/mo |
| Veteran with a spouse | ~$2,874/mo |
| Surviving spouse of a veteran | ~$1,558/mo |
The actual payment equals the maximum minus countable income. Care costs count as unreimbursed medical expenses (UMEs) that reduce countable income — which often unlocks eligibility for someone who appears over-income on paper. See the eligibility section below.
Who Qualifies for VA Aid & Attendance?
All of the following must be met:
Military Service Requirements
- Wartime service: At least 90 days of active duty with at least 1 day during a recognized wartime period (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War era, etc.)
- Discharge: Other than dishonorable
- Age: Age 65 or older, OR permanently and totally disabled
- Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible
Care Need
The veteran or surviving spouse must need help with at least one activity of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring) or be housebound or in a nursing home.
Financial Limits — 2026
| Net worth limit | $163,699 (2026) — includes assets and annual income |
| 3-year lookback on transfers | Transfers below fair market value within the 3 years before applying can trigger a penalty; consult a VA-accredited advisor before transferring assets |
| Countable income | Actual payment = maximum minus countable income. Unreimbursed medical expenses (UMEs) — including care facility costs — reduce countable income dollar-for-dollar, often bringing an apparently over-income applicant into eligibility. |
Using VA A&A in Washington Care Settings
VA Aid & Attendance is cash — recipients can use it at any licensed care setting. Browse our Washington directory to find facilities:
The Catches — Critical Interactions
Veterans who are in a nursing home and receive both VA Aid & Attendance and Washington's Nursing Home Medicaid (Apple Health) will have their VA pension reduced to approximately $90/month. The full A&A rate does not stack with Medicaid in a nursing home. If Medicaid is paying for the nursing home, VA A&A adds only a small supplement.
In contrast, veterans in assisted living or adult family homes receiving COPES can often receive a larger portion of the VA benefit. Confirm your specific situation with a VA-accredited claims agent or attorney.
Unlike Medicaid's 60-month lookback, VA has a 36-month (3-year) lookback on asset transfers below fair market value. Transfers within that window can trigger a penalty period. Always consult a VA-accredited advisor before transferring assets.
VA claims processing can take 6–12+ months. File as early as possible, and consider working with a VA-accredited claims agent (free) or attorney to maximize the initial rating.
How to Apply
- Gather the DD-214 — This is the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Essential for any VA claim.
- Complete VA Form 21-2680 — Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance. A physician completes the medical portion.
- File at VA.gov or with a VSO — Submit online at VA.gov ↗ or work with a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), which is free.
- Document unreimbursed medical expenses — Facility invoices, care costs, and other UMEs reduce countable income and can make a significant difference in the final benefit amount.
Rules and rates adjust annually. Confirm current figures with VA.gov ↗ or a VA-accredited advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does VA Aid and Attendance pay in 2026?
The 2026 maximum monthly VA Aid & Attendance rates (effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026) are: veteran alone — up to about $2,424/month; veteran with a spouse — up to about $2,874/month; surviving spouse of a veteran — up to about $1,558/month. The actual payment equals the maximum minus countable income. Care costs count as unreimbursed medical expenses that reduce countable income, often making someone who appears over-income on paper actually eligible.
Who qualifies for VA Aid and Attendance?
To qualify, a veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least 1 day during a recognized wartime period, have a discharge other than dishonorable, and be age 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled. The applicant must need help with activities of daily living or be in a nursing home. Net worth must be at or below $163,699 (2026). Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible. Apply using VA Form 21-2680 plus DD-214 at VA.gov.
Can VA Aid and Attendance be used with Medicaid in Washington?
Yes, but with an important catch: veterans in a nursing home who receive both Nursing Home Medicaid (Apple Health) and VA Aid & Attendance will see the VA pension reduced to approximately $90/month. The full A&A rate does not stack with nursing home Medicaid. Veterans in assisted living or adult family homes receiving COPES may be able to receive a larger portion of the VA benefit. Always confirm the interaction with a VA-accredited advisor for your specific situation.
How do I apply for VA Aid and Attendance?
File VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) along with your DD-214 at VA.gov or through a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), which is free. A physician must complete the medical portion of the form. Document all unreimbursed medical expenses, including care facility costs — these reduce countable income and can significantly increase the benefit amount. Processing can take 6–12+ months; apply as early as possible.