About the VA Pension Calculator
This VA pension calculator estimates the tax-free Veterans Pension a wartime veteran with limited income can receive. The pension is the difference between the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) for your household and your countable family income, after subtracting unreimbursed medical expenses above 5% of the basic MAPR. It uses the MAPR table effective December 1, 2025, including the higher Housebound and Aid and Attendance rates and the $2,984 added for each additional child.
It is for veterans, surviving family members helping a parent apply, and accredited representatives checking a claim. The medical expense deduction often makes the biggest difference — assisted living, in-home care, health insurance premiums (including Medicare Part B) and other out-of-pocket costs can reduce countable income to zero and unlock the full rate.
To qualify, the veteran generally must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period (24 months for service after September 7, 1980), have a discharge other than dishonorable, and be 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled, receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI, or living in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability. Net worth (assets plus annual income) must not exceed $163,699. This is an estimate — VA decides the exact award.
With the default inputs, the estimated monthly pension is $414.08. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the va pension calculator
- 1Choose whether the veteran has a spouse or dependent child, and add any extra children.
- 2Pick the care level: basic, Housebound or Aid and Attendance.
- 3Enter yearly countable income for the veteran and dependents.
- 4Enter yearly unreimbursed medical and care expenses.
- 5Enter assets other than your home and car, then review the estimated pension.
Formula and method
VA starts with the Maximum Annual Pension Rate for your situation — veteran alone or with a dependent, plus $2,984 for each additional child, and the higher Housebound or Aid and Attendance rate if applicable. Unreimbursed medical expenses are deductible only to the extent they exceed 5% of the basic MAPR ($872 for a veteran alone, $1,141 with a dependent). Countable income after that deduction is subtracted from the MAPR, and the result is paid in 12 monthly installments.
Net worth — assets (excluding your primary home on up to two acres, vehicle and personal effects) plus countable annual income — must be no more than $163,699. Rates and the limit are those effective December 1, 2025. VA pays whole-dollar monthly amounts, so the actual payment may be a few cents lower than shown.
- MAPR
- Maximum Annual Pension Rate for your household and care level
- Income
- Countable yearly family income
- Medical
- Yearly unreimbursed medical expenses
Worked examples
Single veteran, $14,000 income, $2,400 medical
Medical costs above $872 are deductible: $2,400 − $872 = $1,528. Countable income becomes $14,000 − $1,528 = $12,472. The basic MAPR of $17,441 minus $12,472 leaves $4,969 a year, about $414 a month.
Married veteran needing Aid and Attendance, $30,000 income, $24,000 care costs
With a spouse and Aid and Attendance the MAPR is $34,488. Care costs above $1,141 ($22,859) are deducted, leaving $7,141 countable income. The pension is $34,488 − $7,141 = $27,347 a year, about $2,279 a month.
Veteran with $170,000 in savings
Net worth is $170,000 in assets plus $10,000 income = $180,000, above the $163,699 limit, so no pension is payable even though income alone would allow one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VA pension MAPR for 2026?+
From December 1, 2025 the basic MAPR is $17,441 for a veteran with no dependents and $22,839 with one dependent. Housebound rates are $21,313 and $26,710, and Aid and Attendance rates are $29,093 and $34,488. Add $2,984 for each additional child.
What is the VA pension net worth limit?+
For December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026 the limit is $163,699. Net worth is your assets plus annual income; your home, car and household goods are excluded, and assets given away in the previous 3 years can trigger a penalty.
What medical expenses can reduce countable income?+
Health and long-term care insurance premiums (including Medicare Part B), in-home care, assisted living care costs, nursing home fees, prescriptions, hearing aids, dental and other unreimbursed costs. Only the part above 5% of the basic MAPR counts.
What is the difference between VA pension and VA disability compensation?+
Disability compensation pays veterans for service-connected conditions regardless of income. Pension is a needs-based benefit for low-income wartime veterans who are 65+ or disabled from any cause. You receive whichever is higher, not both.
Who qualifies for Aid and Attendance?+
Pension recipients who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing or eating, are bedridden, live in a nursing home due to disability, or have severely limited eyesight. Housebound applies if you are mostly confined to home because of a permanent disability.
Is the VA pension taxable?+
No. Veterans Pension payments, including Aid and Attendance and Housebound allowances, are not taxable income for federal tax purposes.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.