Estimate your monthly pension
2026 MAPR rates (effective Dec 1, 2025)
Maximum Annual Pension Rate = the most the VA can pay per year for your category. Your actual pension is MAPR minus countable income. 2026 rates reflect the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment. Net worth limit for 2026: $163,699.
| Category | Annual MAPR | Monthly max |
|---|---|---|
| Basic pension, no dependents | $17,441 | $1,453 |
| Basic pension, 1 dependent | $22,839 | $1,903 |
| Housebound, no dependents | $21,313 | $1,776 |
| Housebound, 1 dependent | $26,710 | $2,226 |
| Aid & Attendance, no dependents | $29,093 | $2,424 |
| Aid & Attendance, 1 dependent | $34,488 | $2,874 |
Each additional dependent child adds $2,984/year to the MAPR. Sources: VA pension rate tables via benefits.com; usmilitary.org; VA.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates/.
Eligibility checklist
Check each box that applies to you. All must apply for a pension claim to have a chance.
Frequently asked questions
How is the VA pension actually calculated?
The formula is simple: annual pension = your MAPR minus your countable annual income, divided by 12 for the monthly check. If your countable income is at or above the MAPR, no pension is payable. Medical expenses that exceed 5% of your MAPR reduce your countable income.
What counts as countable income?
Social Security, retirement payments, earnings, and most other income. Unreimbursed medical expenses (care costs, premiums, prescriptions) reduce it, but only the amount above 5% of your MAPR. Our estimator above simplifies this by subtracting all entered medical expenses.
What is the difference between Housebound and Aid & Attendance?
Housebound is for veterans substantially confined to their home by a permanent disability. Aid & Attendance requires more: regular help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating), being bedridden much of the day, nursing-home care, or severe vision loss. A&A pays the most. You cannot receive both at once.
Do I need a service-connected disability to get a VA pension?
No. The pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans; the disability does not need to be connected to service. This is different from VA disability compensation, which does require a service connection.
What is the net worth limit for 2026?
$163,699, effective December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026. Net worth means assets plus annual income. Your primary residence, one vehicle, and basic household items are excluded. There is a 36-month look-back on asset transfers made for less than fair market value.
Is the VA pension taxable?
No. VA pension payments are not taxable income.
Guides
A worked example showing how $24,000 in care costs can take countable income to zero.
The confinement test vs the daily-care test, and why qualifying for both means filing for A&A.