Eligibility map

• Qualifying wartime service and discharge status
• Age 65+, permanent/total disability, qualifying nursing-home status, or specified disability-benefit status
• Family income under the applicable Maximum Annual Pension Rate after allowable deductions
• Net worth within the current limit
• Dependency information and unreimbursed medical expenses

For December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026, VA currently lists the pension net-worth limit as $163,699. VA also applies a three-year look-back to specified asset transfers and can impose a penalty period when the regulatory requirements are met. Because the limit and MAPRs change, use the rate table for the period at issue.

Aid and Attendance / Housebound

These are increased pension rates for qualifying pension recipients. Aid and Attendance can apply when the claimant needs help with daily activities, is substantially bedridden, is in a nursing home because of disability, or meets specified visual-impairment criteria. Housebound is a separate increased rate; the two are not paid together.

• VA Form 21P-527EZ — pension application
• VA Form 21-2680 — A&A/Housebound medical examination
• Medical-expense records and VA Form 21P-8416 when applicable
• Income, asset, dependency, nursing-home and care-cost evidence

Official sources

• VA — Veterans Pension Eligibility
• VA — Pension Rates and Net Worth
• VA — Aid and Attendance / Housebound
• VA — Form 21P-527EZ

Source status: SRC-124; SRC-125; SRC-126; SRC-127; SRC-109 verified October 4, 2026. Benefit eligibility and effective dates are fact-specific; use the current VA decision and form instructions for the individual case.