VA Aid and Attendance Benefit in Delaware 2026: Eligibility, Rates & How to Apply
VA Aid and Attendance in Delaware pays eligible wartime veterans up to $2,424 per month** (single) or **$2,874 per month (married with care needs) in 2026. Surviving spouses can receive up to $1,558 per month**. You must qualify for a VA pension first, need help with daily activities, and have net worth below **$163,699. Apply with VA Form 21-2680 through the Pension Intake Center or online at VA.gov. The Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office at 1601 Kirkwood Highway can assist in person.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Tax-free monthly cash payment added to VA pension for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily living |
| 2026 Rates | Single veteran: $2,424/mo; Married veteran with care needs: $2,874/mo; Surviving spouse: $1,558/mo |
| Eligibility | Must qualify for VA pension first, plus need aid with daily activities, bedridden, nursing home patient, or severely limited eyesight |
| Income Limits | MAPR limits apply; unreimbursed medical expenses reduce countable income |
| Net Worth Limit | $163,699 (Dec. 1, 2025 – Nov. 30, 2026). Excludes primary residence and one vehicle |
| Application | Online at VA.gov; by mail to VA Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365; or in person at Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805 |
| Required Forms | VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance); VA Form 21-0779 if in a nursing home |
| Processing Time | 60–120 days typical; can extend to 6–12 months; retroactive to filing date |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is VA Aid and Attendance?
VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a tax-free monthly cash benefit added to a VA pension for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need regular help with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, or dressing. It is not a separate program — it is a supplement that increases the monthly pension amount for those who qualify. You cannot receive A&A without first qualifying for the underlying VA pension.
The benefit is designed for veterans and surviving spouses who need assistance from another person to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), are bedridden, reside in a nursing home due to disability, or have severely limited eyesight. A&A helps cover costs for in-home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. The veteran or surviving spouse chooses the care provider — the benefit is not tied to VA-approved facilities.
Why this matters for Delaware veterans: Delaware is home to approximately 61,454 to 72,000 veterans, representing about 7% of the state’s total population. New Castle County (Wilmington area) and Kent County (Dover area) have the highest concentrations of veterans. The average cost of assisted living in Delaware exceeds $5,000 per month, and in-home care averages $25–$30 per hour. A&A can cover 68–85 hours of personal care per month at the maximum single veteran rate — meaningful support for families trying to keep a loved one safe at home.
What veterans should do next:Â If you already receive a VA pension and your care needs have increased, you may qualify for an A&A increase. Contact the Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office at (800) 827-1000 or the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs for guidance.
2026 VA Aid and Attendance Rates for Delaware Veterans
The 2026 A&A rates took effect December 1, 2025, following a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment. The VA publishes Maximum Annual Pension Rates (MAPR) that set the ceiling for pension payments, including A&A. Your actual payment depends on your countable income and unreimbursed medical expenses.
2026 Monthly Aid and Attendance Rates
| Status | Monthly Rate | Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Single veteran with A&A | $2,424 | $29,093 |
| Married veteran (with care needs) | $2,874 | $34,488 |
| Married veteran (spouse needs care) | $1,903 | $22,836 |
| Married veterans (both need care) | $3,845 | $46,140 |
| Surviving spouse with A&A | $1,558 | $18,697 |
These figures represent the maximum monthly payment at zero countable income. The VA subtracts your countable income from the MAPR to determine your actual payment. Unreimbursed medical expenses — including Medicare premiums, prescription copays, health insurance premiums, and care costs — reduce your countable income, often making veterans eligible even when their gross income appears too high.
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityExample:Â A single Delaware veteran receives $1,800 per month in Social Security and has $2,200 per month in unreimbursed medical expenses. The VA subtracts allowable medical expenses from income, resulting in zero countable income. The veteran would receive the full $2,424 monthly A&A rate.
What veterans should do next:Â Gather documentation of all recurring medical expenses before applying. Medical expenses can be the difference between a denial and approval.
Who Qualifies for VA Aid and Attendance in Delaware?
You qualify for A&A in Delaware if you meet all four of these criteria simultaneously:
1. Military Service Requirements
At least 90 days of active duty service
At least one day during a recognized wartime period (World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, or Gulf War era)
Honorable or general discharge (dishonorable discharge disqualifies)
Combat service is not required
2. VA Pension Eligibility
You must first qualify for a VA pension. The VA pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans who are age 65 or older or have a permanent and total non-service-connected disability. You cannot receive A&A without qualifying for the basic pension first.
3. Medical Need
At least one of the following must be true:
You need another person to help you perform daily activities like bathing, feeding, and dressing
You must stay in bed — or spend a large portion of the day in bed — because of illness
You are a patient in a nursing home due to loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability
Your eyesight is limited to 5/200 or less in both eyes, even with glasses or contact lenses, or you have concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less
4. Financial Requirements
| Financial Test | 2026 Limit |
|---|---|
| Net Worth Limit | $163,699 |
| Exclusions | Primary residence and one vehicle are excluded from net worth |
| Countable Income | Determined after subtracting unreimbursed medical expenses |
| 36-Month Lookback | VA reviews asset transfers from the previous 36 months for penalty purposes |
Do Surviving Spouses Qualify?
Yes. Un-remarried surviving spouses of wartime veterans may qualify for Survivors Pension with A&A. The surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran for at least one year, and the veteran must have met the wartime service requirements. The 2026 maximum monthly rate for a surviving spouse with A&A is $1,558.
Housebound vs. Aid and Attendance
| Benefit | Criteria | 2026 Single Veteran Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Need help with daily activities, bedridden, nursing home, or severe vision loss | $2,424/month |
| Housebound | Spend most of your time at home due to permanent disability | $1,777/month |
Important:Â You cannot receive A&A and Housebound benefits at the same time. If you qualify for both, the VA pays the higher rate.
What veterans should do next:Â If you receive a VA pension but have not been evaluated for A&A, request a medical examination using VA Form 21-2680. Your primary care provider can complete the examination section.
Income Limits and How the VA Counts Your Money
The VA uses a Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) system, not a hard income cutoff. This distinction is critical — many Delaware veterans assume they earn too much to qualify, but unreimbursed medical expenses can reduce countable income to zero.
How Countable Income Is Calculated
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Start with gross annual income | Social Security, pensions, wages, interest, dividends, rental income |
| 2. Subtract unreimbursed medical expenses | Medicare premiums, prescription copays, health insurance premiums, dental, hearing aids, eyeglasses, care costs |
| 3. Subtract the applicable MAPR | Based on marital status and dependents |
| 4. Result | If countable income is zero or negative, you receive the full MAPR rate |
What Counts as Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
Medicare Part A, B, C, and D premiums
Medigap premiums
Prescription medication copays
Over-the-counter medications prescribed by a physician
Health insurance premiums
Dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses
Transportation for medical care
In-home care costs
Assisted living and nursing home costs (non-reimbursed portions)
Example: A Delaware veteran’s gross annual income is $36,000. Medicare premiums total $2,200 per year. Prescription copays total $1,800. In-home care costs $18,000 per year. Total unreimbursed medical expenses: $22,000. Countable income after medical expenses: $14,000. The 2026 MAPR for a single veteran with A&A is $29,093. The veteran qualifies for the full $2,424 monthly rate.
What veterans should do next: Keep receipts and statements for all medical expenses. The VA will not automatically know your expenses — you must document them. Work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs representative to build your income documentation.
Delaware State Benefits for A&A Recipients
Delaware offers several state-level benefits that complement VA Aid and Attendance. These are administered by the state, not the VA.
Property Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans
Delaware provides a 100% credit against the non-vocational school-district portion of property tax on a disabled veteran’s primary residence. This is a school-tax credit only, not a full property-tax exemption. Veterans must be rated 100% disabled due to military service by the VA or its successor agency.
Eligibility:Â Veterans must have resided in Delaware for the five years leading up to the tax year sought for exemption. Veterans 100% disabled due to military service are exempt from this five-year residency requirement.
What to do:Â Apply through your county government. New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County each administer their own application process. Applications for new tax credits for Fiscal Year 2027 are due April 30, 2026, and new credits would go into effect no earlier than Fiscal Year 2028.
Military Pension Exclusion
Delaware allows a **$25,000 military pension exclusion** for taxpayers of any age. This exclusion finished phasing in under SB 201 (enacted 2022). Military retirement income up to $25,000 is subtracted from Delaware taxable income, reducing state tax liability for retired military veterans.
Delaware Veterans Education Benefits
The State of Delaware provides educational benefits for the children of deceased veterans of the U.S. military services, military service personnel held as prisoners of war, and military service personnel officially declared missing in action.
State Employment Veterans Preference
Delaware law provides preference to veterans of the Armed Forces in state employment. Persons under age 60 receiving pensions from employers may deduct up to $2,000 from their federal adjusted gross income.
Delaware Veteran ID Card
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles issues veteran ID cards. These cards can be used to access veteran discounts and benefits at participating businesses and state parks.
Paraplegic Veteran Pension
A paraplegic veteran eligible for benefits receives a pension from the State of Delaware of $3,000 per year, payable in equal monthly installments.
What veterans should do next: Contact the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs at (302) 739-2792 or visit veteransaffairs.delaware.gov to determine which state benefits you qualify for. The Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office can also provide guidance on coordinating federal and state benefits.
How to Apply for VA Aid and Attendance in Delaware
Applying for A&A involves four steps. The process is paperwork-intensive, and incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays lasting months or longer.
Step 1: File an Intent to File
Before gathering all documentation, file an Intent to File through VA.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000. An approved Intent to File locks in your filing date. If you submit the full application within one year, approved benefits will be retroactive to the Intent to File date rather than the date the completed packet arrives. This can mean thousands of dollars in back pay.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DD-214 or discharge papers | Proves military service and character of discharge |
| VA Form 21-2680 | Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance — must be completed by a medical examiner |
| VA Form 21-0779 | Request for Nursing Home Information — required only if the claimant is in a nursing home |
| Medical records | Documentation of care needs, diagnoses, and functional limitations |
| Income documentation | Social Security statements, pension statements, tax returns |
| Medical expense receipts | Medicare premiums, prescription copays, care costs |
| Bank statements and asset records | For net worth verification |
| Marriage certificate | For surviving spouse claims |
| Death certificate | For surviving spouse claims |
Step 3: Complete VA Form 21-2680
VA Form 21-2680 is the primary form for A&A claims. A medical examiner — physician, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or clinical nurse specialist — must complete the examination information section. The form documents your functional limitations and care needs.
If the claimant is in a nursing home, the nursing home official completes VA Form 21-0779 instead of the medical examination section.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Online: Apply through VA.gov using the online A&A application tool. This is the fastest submission method and can reduce processing time.
By mail:Â Send completed forms to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Pension Intake Center
PO Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
In person: Visit the Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office at 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805. The office is located on the left side of Montgomery Rd when arriving from Kirkwood Highway — it is the first campus building on the left. Call (800) 827-1000 for appointments.
What veterans should do next:Â Consider working with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO). The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs offers free benefits assistance. Organizations including the DAV, American Legion, and VFW also provide free assistance with A&A applications.
Processing Times and Payment
A&A claims are processed by the VA Pension Management Center that serves Delaware. Processing typically takes 60 to 120 days, though the full range can extend from 4 weeks to 12 months depending on claim complexity and VA backlog.
Current Processing Reality
| Factor | Impact on Timeline |
|---|---|
| Complete application | Shorter processing — 60–120 days |
| Incomplete application | Delays of months or longer |
| Intent to File on record | Locks in effective date for retroactive pay |
| Online submission | Faster than paper filing |
| Medical examination required | Additional 4–8 weeks if not already completed |
Retroactive Payments
Approved benefits are retroactive to the date the VA receives your application — or to your Intent to File date if that was filed first. If your claim takes 9 months to process, you will receive a lump-sum back payment for those 9 months, followed by monthly payments.
Payment Method
A&A payments are deposited directly into the veteran’s or surviving spouse’s bank account. The VA requires direct deposit. Set up direct deposit through VA.gov or by submitting VA Form 10091.
What veterans should do next: File your Intent to File immediately, even if you are still gathering documentation. This locks in your effective date. Do not wait until you have everything ready — the Intent to File costs nothing and protects your back pay.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny Delaware A&A Claims
1. Assuming you need a VA disability rating to qualify. Many A&A-eligible veterans have no disability rating. Wartime-era service and age or health status are often sufficient. A&A is a pension benefit, not a disability compensation benefit.
2. Believing your income is too high. Unreimbursed medical expenses reduce countable income. Many veterans who appear to exceed the MAPR qualify once medical expenses are documented. Do not self-disqualify.
3. Submitting an incomplete VA Form 21-2680. The medical examination section must be completed by a qualified medical examiner. Forms with blank sections are returned, causing months of delay. Ensure the examiner completes every section and signs the form.
4. Not filing an Intent to File first. Without an Intent to File, your effective date is the date the VA receives your complete application. With an Intent to File, your effective date is locked in earlier. This can mean thousands of dollars in back pay.
5. Forgetting to document all medical expenses. The VA will not automatically know your Medicare premiums, prescription copays, or in-home care costs. You must document every expense. Missing expenses can push your countable income above the MAPR and result in denial.
6. Assuming A&A and Housebound can be combined. You cannot receive both benefits at the same time. If you qualify for both, the VA pays the higher rate.
7. Confusing A&A with VA health care or VA disability compensation. A&A is a pension supplement. It is separate from VA health care enrollment and separate from VA disability compensation. You can receive A&A and VA health care simultaneously, but they have different eligibility rules.
8. Not reporting asset transfers. The VA has a 36-month lookback for asset transfers. If you transferred assets within the past three years, the VA may impose a penalty period during which you are not eligible for A&A.
9. Assuming the Delaware property tax credit is automatic. The Delaware school-tax credit for disabled veterans requires an application through your county government. It is not automatically applied. The deadline for new tax credits for Fiscal Year 2027 is April 30, 2026.
What veterans should do next:Â Work with an accredited VSO or Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs representative before applying. They can review your documentation and catch mistakes before submission.
Denials, Appeals, and Reconsideration
If your A&A claim is denied, you have options. The VA denial notice will explain the reason and your appeal rights.
Common Denial Reasons
Medical evidence does not clearly describe daily limitations
Countable income exceeds the MAPR
Net worth exceeds the limit
Asset transfers within the 36-month lookback period created a penalty
Incomplete VA Form 21-2680
Veteran did not qualify for the underlying VA pension
Appeal Options
| Option | When to Use | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995) | Submit new and relevant evidence | Within 1 year of decision for continuous review |
| Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996) | Request a senior reviewer to re-examine the decision; no new evidence | Within 1 year of decision |
| Board of Veterans’ Appeals (VA Form 10182) | Appeal directly to the Board | Within 1 year of decision |
Effective Dates on Appeal
If you file a Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review within one year of the decision, and the appeal is granted, the effective date remains the original filing date. This preserves your back pay.
What veterans should do next:Â If your claim is denied, request a copy of your claims file (also called a C-file) to understand the basis for the decision. Contact a Veterans Service Officer for free assistance with your appeal. The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs can connect you with an accredited representative.
Key Takeaways
VA Aid and Attendance is a pension supplement, not a separate benefit. You must qualify for a VA pension first.
**2026 rates: $2,424/month for a single veteran**, $2,874/month for a married veteran with care needs, $1,558/month for a surviving spouse with A&A.
The net worth limit is $163,699 (Dec. 1, 2025 – Nov. 30, 2026). Primary residence and one vehicle are excluded.
Unreimbursed medical expenses reduce countable income, often making veterans eligible even when gross income exceeds the MAPR.
You must need help with daily activities, be bedridden, reside in a nursing home due to disability, or have severely limited eyesight.
File an Intent to File immediately to lock in your effective date for retroactive back pay.
VA Form 21-2680Â is the primary application form. A medical examiner must complete the examination section.
Processing takes 60–120 days typically, but can extend to 12 months. Benefits are retroactive to the filing date.
Delaware offers a 100% school-tax credit for veterans rated 100% disabled due to military service. Applications for FY2027 are due April 30, 2026.
The Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office at 1601 Kirkwood Highway provides in-person assistance. The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs offers free benefits help at (302) 739-2792.
Common Questions
What is VA Aid and Attendance in Delaware?
VA Aid and Attendance is a tax-free monthly cash benefit added to a VA pension for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating. It helps pay for in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. The veteran chooses the provider.
How much does VA Aid and Attendance pay in 2026?
In 2026, a single veteran with A&A receives up to $2,424 per month. A married veteran with care needs receives up to $2,874 per month. A surviving spouse with A&A receives up to $1,558 per month. Actual payments depend on countable income after medical expense deductions.
Who qualifies for VA Aid and Attendance in Delaware?
You must have served at least 90 days of active duty with one day during wartime, qualify for a VA pension, need help with daily activities, and have net worth below $163,699. Combat service is not required. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
What is the net worth limit for A&A in 2026?
The net worth limit is $163,699 from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026. This includes assets plus countable annual income. Your primary residence and one vehicle are excluded from the calculation.
How do I apply for VA Aid and Attendance in Delaware?
File VA Form 21-2680 with a completed medical examination section. Apply online at VA.gov, by mail to the VA Pension Intake Center in Janesville, WI, or in person at the Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805. File an Intent to File first to lock in your effective date.
What is VA Form 21-2680?
VA Form 21-2680 is the Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance. A medical examiner — physician, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or clinical nurse specialist — must complete the examination section. The form documents your functional limitations and care needs.
How long does A&A processing take?
Processing typically takes 60 to 120 days, but can extend to 6–12 months depending on claim complexity and VA backlog. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays. Benefits are retroactive to your filing date or Intent to File date.
Can I get A&A if I don’t have a VA disability rating?
Yes. Many A&A-eligible veterans have no VA disability rating. A&A is a pension benefit, not a disability compensation benefit. Wartime service and age or health status are often sufficient to qualify.
Does Delaware offer additional benefits for A&A recipients?
Delaware offers a 100% credit against the non-vocational school-district portion of property tax for veterans rated 100% disabled due to military service. Delaware also allows a $25,000 military pension exclusion for taxpayers of any age. A paraplegic veteran eligible for benefits receives a state pension of $3,000 per year.
Can surviving spouses get A&A in Delaware?
Yes. Un-remarried surviving spouses of wartime veterans may qualify for Survivors Pension with A&A. The 2026 maximum rate is $1,558 per month. The surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran for at least one year and meet income and net worth limits.
What if my A&A claim is denied?
You can file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Filing within one year of the decision preserves your original effective date for back pay. Contact a Veterans Service Officer for free assistance.
Where can I get help with my A&A application in Delaware?
The Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs offers free benefits assistance. Call (302) 739-2792 or visit the office at 802 Silver Lake Blvd., Robbins Building Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904. The Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office at 1601 Kirkwood Highway provides in-person help. Accredited Veterans Service Officers with DAV, American Legion, and VFW also provide free assistance.
Official Resources
VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits — va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound
VA Pension Rates — va.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates
VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status) — va.gov/forms/21-2680
VA Form 21-0779 (Request for Nursing Home Information) — va.gov/forms/21-0779
VA Form 21P-527EZ (Veterans Pension Application) — va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21p-527ez
Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs — veteransaffairs.delaware.gov
Delaware Office of Veterans Services — 802 Silver Lake Blvd., Robbins Building Suite 100, Dover, DE 19904; (302) 739-2792
Wilmington VA Regional Benefit Office — 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805; (800) 827-1000
VA Pension Management Center — PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365
VA Intent to File — va.gov/decision-reviews/intent-to-file
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
