What is VA Aid and Attendance, and how much does it pay?
This benefit is federal and identical everywhere in the country, including New York and the Buffalo metro — it isn't a state program, so there's no separate "New York VA benefit" to look for. The VA compares your countable income against a maximum annual pension rate; unreimbursed medical expenses (including assisted living, memory care, or in-home caregiver costs) above a small threshold can be deducted from countable income, which often unlocks or increases the benefit. There's also a net worth limit ($163,699 through November 2026, excluding your primary home and one vehicle). Apply directly through va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound — be cautious of third parties charging a fee to "help" file, since the application itself is free.
