What are the 2025 VA pension MAPR amounts for veterans?

Veterans MAPR for 2025: No dependent $16,965; With one dependent $22,216; Housebound $20,732/$25,982; Aid & Attendance $28,300/$33,548 (no dep/with one dep).

What are the 2025 Survivors Pension MAPR amounts?

Survivors MAPR for 2025: Surviving spouse no dep $11,380; Housebound $13,908; Aid & Attendance $18,187; With one dependent $14,893 (HB $17,414; A&A $21,696).

What is the VA pension penalty period rate for 2025?

For 2025 the penalty period rate is $2,795. Covered assets divided by this rate estimate the number of ineligibility months, capped at 60.

Which medical expenses are deductible for VA pension in 2025?

Unreimbursed medical costs—such as premiums, long-term care, home care, copays, and prescriptions—are deductible, but only the amount above 5% of the applicable MAPR.

Can I receive both Aid & Attendance and Housebound?

No. You can qualify for one or the other, but not both at the same time.

The 2025 VA Pension updates are modest but important: a 2.5% COLA increased annual MAPR limits, the net-worth cap is $159,240, and the penalty period rate is $2,795. The 3-year look-back rule and the 5% medical expense threshold still apply. Below, see exactly what changed and how to calculate your payment. Veterans Affairs+1

What changed for 2025

COLA +2.5% raised MAPR amounts effective Dec 1, 2024 → Nov 30, 2025. Veterans Affairs
Net-worth limit: $159,240 for both Veterans and Survivors Pension. Veterans Affairs+1
Penalty period rate: $2,795 (used to compute months of ineligibility for disallowed asset transfers during look-back). Veterans Affairs
Deduction rule unchanged: Only unreimbursed medical expenses above 5% of applicable MAPR count. Veterans Affairs+1

Bottom line: 2025 brings slightly higher limits and no structural rule changes—but the look-back/penalty framework and 5% medical deduction remain critical. Veterans Affairs+1

Who qualifies in 2025 (Veterans & Survivors)

Veterans Pension: For wartime veterans who meet age/disability criteria and fall under income + net-worth limits. Veterans Affairs
Survivors Pension: For certain surviving spouses/dependent children meeting income + net-worth limits. Veterans Affairs

Service & age/disability test (veterans):

Wartime service requirements (e.g., WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War—still open-ended).
Plus: age 65+ or permanent and total disability, nursing home, or SSDI/SSI. Veterans Affairs

Income + net-worth test (both programs):

Income for VA purposes (IVAP): wages, Social Security, retirement/annuity, dependent income; certain expenses reduce IVAP. Veterans Affairs+1
Net-worth limit: $159,240 (home, car, basic household items excluded). Veterans Affairs+1

The 3-year look-back & up-to-5-year penalty

VA reviews asset transfers within 36 months before a claim. If assets were moved for less than fair market value and would have pushed net worth over the limit, VA can impose a penalty period up to 5 years (no pension during this time). Veterans Affairs+1
Penalty period math uses the $2,795 rate (divide the amount of “covered assets” by $2,795 to estimate months of penalty, capped at 60 months). Veterans Affairs

Example: If $27,950 in excess assets were transferred below fair market value during look-back, $27,950 ÷ $2,795 ≈ 10 months penalty (rounded down). No pension payable during those 10 months. (Illustrative; VA makes the final determination.) Veterans Affairs

Bottom line: Avoid gifting or undervalued transfers within 36 months of filing; improper transfers can delay benefits for months or years. Veterans Affairs+1

2025 VA pension rates (MAPR) & how to calculate your payment

Key concept: Your yearly pension = MAPR − IVAP (if positive). Monthly amount ≈ (MAPR − IVAP) ÷ 12 (rounded to the nearest dollar). Veterans Affairs

2025 Veterans MAPR (effective Dec 1, 2024–Nov 30, 2025)

No dependents: $16,965
With 1 dependent: $22,216
Housebound (no dep): $20,732
Housebound (1 dep): $25,982
Aid & Attendance (no dep): $28,300
Aid & Attendance (1 dep): $33,548
Each additional child: +$2,902
Child’s wage exclusion (working child): up to $15,000
5% medical expense thresholds: $848 (no dep), $1,110 (1 dep). Veterans Affairs

2025 Survivors MAPR (effective Dec 1, 2024–Nov 30, 2025)

Surviving spouse—no dependent: $11,380
Housebound: $13,908
Aid & Attendance: $18,187
Surviving spouse—1 dependent (no HB/A&A): $14,893
Housebound (1 dep): $17,414
Aid & Attendance (1 dep): $21,696
Qualified surviving child: $2,902
SBP/MIW limitation: $11,380
Child wage exclusion (working child): up to $15,000
5% medical expense thresholds: $569 (no dep), $744 (1 dep). Veterans Affairs

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, last checked: September 21, 2025. Veterans Affairs+1

Comparison table: 2025 MAPR (Veterans vs Survivors)

Category	Veteran (No Dep)	Veteran (1 Dep)	Survivor (No Dep)	Survivor (1 Dep)
Basic MAPR	$16,965	$22,216	$11,380	$14,893
Housebound	$20,732	$25,982	$13,908	$17,414
Aid & Attendance	$28,300	$33,548	$18,187	$21,696
Add’l child (each)	—	+$2,902	—	+$2,902

Source: VA rates pages, last checked: September 21, 2025. Veterans Affairs+1

How to compute your 2025 monthly payment (step-by-step)

Identify your category (e.g., Veteran with 1 dependent + A&A). Find MAPR (here: $33,548). Veterans Affairs
Calculate IVAP (income for VA purposes). Include Social Security, pensions, annuities, etc. Subtract only allowable deductions (see below). Veterans Affairs
Deduct unreimbursed medical costs above 5% of your MAPR (thresholds given above). Veterans Affairs
Annual pension = MAPR − IVAP (if negative, $0). Monthly ≈ divide by 12 and round. Veterans Affairs

Example: Veteran, 1 dependent, A&A.

MAPR = $33,548.
Income = $25,000 (SSA + small pension).
Unreimbursed medical = $5,000.
5% threshold = $1,110 → deductible portion = $3,890. Veterans Affairs
IVAP = $25,000 − $3,890 = $21,110.
Annual pension = $33,548 − $21,110 = $12,438 → Monthly ≈ $1,036.

Bottom line: Your monthly pension depends on category MAPR, your countable income, and deductible medical costs—not everyone at the same rating gets the same dollar amount. Veterans Affairs

What counts as income, assets, and medical deductions in 2025

Income for VA purposes (IVAP)

Includes salary, bonuses, overtime, tips, Social Security, pensions/annuities, some dependent income.
VA may subtract educational and unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed the 5% threshold for your MAPR. Veterans Affairs+1

Net worth (what’s in, what’s out)

Counted: cash/savings/investments; non-primary real estate; valuable personal property.
Excluded: primary residence, one vehicle, and basic household items.
Limit for 2025: $159,240 (Dec 1, 2024–Nov 30, 2025). Veterans Affairs+1

Medical expenses you can deduct

Premiums (Medicare, Medigap, Part D), long-term-care insurance, assisted living or in-home care tied to ADLs, copays, prescriptions, and similar unreimbursed costs; only the amount above 5% of MAPR is deductible. Veterans Affairs+1

Bottom line: Track every eligible medical expense and keep receipts—crossing the 5% threshold can unlock thousands in annual pension. Veterans Affairs

Aid & Attendance vs Housebound (2025)

Aid & Attendance (A&A): For veterans/survivors who need help with daily activities, are bedridden, in nursing homes, or have severe vision limits; yields the highest MAPR tier. Veterans Affairs
Housebound (HB): For those substantially confined to the home by permanent disability; pays more than basic, less than A&A. Veterans Affairs
You cannot receive A&A and HB at the same time. Veterans Affairs

Bottom line: If your disability limits basic daily living, A&A may apply; if you’re largely confined at home, consider Housebound—each tier raises your MAPR. Veterans Affairs

How to apply in 2025 (forms, docs, timelines)

Ways to apply:

Online: VA Pension (Veterans) via VA Form 21P-527EZ; A&A/HB via VA Form 21-2680 when applicable. Survivors use the Survivors Pension process on VA.gov. Veterans Affairs
By mail: Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365 (per VA FAQ). Veterans Affairs
With help: Use accredited representatives (VSO/attorney/claims agent) listed on VA.gov. Veterans Affairs

Checklist: what to gather before you file

DD-214/service records (wartime dates).
Marriage/divorce/death certificates (if claiming dependents or survivors benefits).
Income docs: SSA award letters, pension statements, 1099-R.
Asset statements (bank/investments; exclude home/one car).
Medical expense proof (premiums, LTC, home care, ALF invoices; keep receipts).
Care-need evidence if A&A/HB (doctor’s report, VA Form 21-2680).
Banking info (for direct deposit).
Accredited rep contact info.

Bottom line: Submitting a complete, well-documented claim shortens timelines and maximizes allowable deductions. Veterans Affairs

Avoid errors & “pension poaching”

VA warns against unaccredited advisers who push asset transfers that violate look-back rules or charge predatory fees. Always verify representation is VA-accredited on VA.gov before signing. VA Benefits

Bottom line: Don’t jeopardize eligibility—get advice from VA-accredited reps and avoid schemes that promise “guaranteed approval.” VA Benefits

Mini-table: estimating a penalty period (2025)

Covered assets transferred (below FMV)	Divide by $2,795	Approx. penalty months*
$10,000	÷ 2,795	3 months
$27,950	÷ 2,795	10 months
$55,900	÷ 2,795	20 months
$167,700	÷ 2,795	60 months (cap)

*Illustrative only. VA makes the final determination. Penalty rate per VA: $2,795. Source: VA Veterans Pension rates page, last checked Sept 21, 2025. Veterans Affairs

Disclaimers

This article provides general information and is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Eligibility and payments are fact-specific; always confirm on VA.gov or with a VA-accredited representative.

Key takeaways & next steps

Takeaways

2025 MAPR increased ~2.5%, and the net-worth cap is $159,240 through Nov 30, 2025. Veterans Affairs+1
The 3-year look-back & up-to-5-year penalty rules still apply; the penalty rate is $2,795. Veterans Affairs
Deduct only unreimbursed medical expenses above 5% of your MAPR. Track everything. Veterans Affairs+1
A&A and Housebound tiers can significantly raise your MAPR—check eligibility. Veterans Affairs
Apply online or by mail, and consider accredited help to avoid mistakes. Veterans Affairs

Next steps

Verify your category & MAPR on VA.gov and list your 12-month income/expenses. Veterans Affairs
Gather documents from the checklist above.
If you’re close to the net-worth cap, review assets with an accredited adviser to avoid look-back issues. Veterans Affairs
File your claim and set a reminder to update medical expenses annually.

FAQs

Q: What is the VA pension net-worth limit in 2025?

The 2025 VA pension net-worth limit is $159,240 for Dec 1, 2024 through Nov 30, 2025 (primary home, one vehicle, and basic household items are excluded).

Q: How does the VA pension 3-year look-back work?

VA reviews asset transfers made within 36 months before filing. Transfers below fair market value that create eligibility can trigger a penalty period up to 5 years.

Q: Where do I apply for VA pension?

Apply online via VA Form 21P-527EZ for veterans or through the Survivors Pension portal. You can also mail your application to the VA Pension Intake Center.

Q1. What is the VA pension net-worth limit in 2025?
A: $159,240 from Dec 1, 2024–Nov 30, 2025 (home, one car, basic furnishings excluded). Veterans Affairs+1

Q2. What are the 2025 MAPR amounts for veterans?
A: No dep: $16,965; 1 dep: $22,216; Housebound: $20,732/$25,982; A&A: $28,300/$33,548 (no dep/with 1 dep). Veterans Affairs

Q3. What are the 2025 MAPR amounts for survivors?
A: No dep: $11,380; Housebound: $13,908; A&A: $18,187; With 1 dep: $14,893 (HB: $17,414; A&A: $21,696). Veterans Affairs

Q4. How does the 3-year look-back work?
A: VA reviews transfers made 36 months before filing; transfers below fair market value that create eligibility can trigger a penalty period up to 5 years. Veterans Affairs+1

Q5. What is the penalty period rate for 2025?
A: $2,795 (used to convert covered assets into months of ineligibility). Veterans Affairs

Q6. Which medical expenses are deductible?
A: Unreimbursed costs (premiums, LTC/home care, copays, meds, etc.) above 5% of your MAPR for the year. Veterans Affairs+1

Q7. Can I receive both A&A and Housebound?
A: No. You can qualify for one or the other, not both at the same time. Veterans Affairs

Q8. Where do I apply for VA pension?
A: Apply online via VA Form 21P-527EZ (veterans) or the survivors portal; you can also mail to the Pension Intake Center in Janesville, WI. Veterans Affairs

New VA Pension Rules & Rates for 2025 (What Changed)