Pensions
What is the VA Veterans Pension Program?
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers Veterans Pension benefits that provide tax-free supplemental income to eligible low-income wartime veterans and, in some cases, surviving spouses, helping them manage financial challenges and cover essential day-to-day expenses. Eligibility is based on a review of military service, discharge status, and financial information, including income and net worth requirements. Generally, veterans must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a recognized wartime period, or, if entering service after September 7, 1980, at least 24 months or the full period ordered to active duty, and must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Qualifying Wartime Service
Generally, a veteran must have served at least 90 days of active-duty service, with at least one day during a recognized wartime period, to qualify for a pension. If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, you must generally have served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty, with at least one day of wartime service. Veterans must also have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Get Expert Assistance Applying for Pension Benefits
Our dedicated Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) can assist you in gathering evidence, preparing your claim, and advocating for your pension benefits.
Who Is eligible?
You may be eligible for the Veterans Pension program if you meet these requirements:
Both of these must be true:
- You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and
- Your yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress. Your net worth includes all personal property you own (except your house, your car, and most home furnishings), minus any debt you owe. Your net worth includes the net worth of your spouse.
And at least one of these must be true about your service:
- You started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime, or
- You started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions) with at least 1 day during wartime, or
- You were an officer and started on active duty after October 16, 1981, and you hadn’t previously served on active duty for at least 24 months
And at least one of these must be true:
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- You’re at least 65 years old, or
- You have a permanent and total disability, or
- You’re a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability, or
- You’re getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income
How do deductible expenses factor into benefits rates?
The VA may increase your benefit rate if you provide information on deductible expenses. Your benefit amount depends on your income, and certain medical and dental expenses can be deducted.
We’ll help you report any out-of-pocket costs for yourself or a household member (such as a spouse, grandchild, or parent) for whom you have not been or do not expect to be reimbursed. Include the following examples of deductible expenses, if applicable:
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Hospital expenses
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Doctor’s office fees
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Dental fees
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Prescription and non-prescription drug costs
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Vision care costs
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Medical insurance premiums
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Nursing home costs
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Hearing aid costs
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Home health service expenses
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Transportation expenses to medical facilities
How does representation work?
Our VSOs guide you through the necessary steps and ensure that your representative is properly appointed to manage your claims and benefits.