PENSION INFORMATION

VA helps Veterans and their families cope with financial challenges by providing supplemental income through the Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension benefit programs. Veterans Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to low-income wartime Veterans.

Non-service connected pension is an income based program available to wartime veterans. The maximum rate is set by Congress, and all other income is considered when assessing the individual eligibility. However, VA also will allow income reduction through the use of out of pocket medical expenses. Additional amounts may be paid for eligible dependents.

Required Documents

  • DD214 (or Equivalent)

  • Proof of household income

  • Marriage Certificate (of all past marriages; veteran and spouse)

  • Death Certificate of veteran

  • Proof of Social Security Payment (if applicable)

Eligibility
Generally, a Veteran must have at least 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day during a wartime period to qualify for a VA Pension. If you entered active duty after September 7th, 1980, generally you must have 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 one day during a wartime period.

Eligible Wartime Periods

Under the current law, VA recognizes the following wartime periods to determine eligibility for VA Pension benefits:

  • World War I (April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918)

  • World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946)

  • Korean Conflict (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955)

  • Vietnam Era (February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; otherwise August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975)

  • Gulf War (August 2, 1990, – through a future date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation).

In addition to meeting minimum service requirements, the Veteran must be:

  • Age 65 or older OR

  • Totally and permanently disabled OR

  • A patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care OR

  • Receiving Supplemental Security Income

How does it work?

  • Monthly income, including social security, pension, interest, dividends and any other recurring monthly income are computed. Assets such as certificates of deposit, bank accounts, stock, bonds, etc are computed. Total assets are considered by the VA when they make the decision to grant or not to grant the benefit.

  • Medical expenses that are not covered by insurance are used to reduce the income total. Allowable expenses may include nursing home or assisted living facility expense, prescription drugs, medical supplies, etc.

  • VA will compute income and assets. A percentage of the allowable medical expenses will then be deducted from the income total. If the remaining income falls below the threshold set by Congress, the difference between the income and the threshold may be paid.

  • This is a complicated process. Let people who do this professionally do your claim. If your paperwork is not done right, and VA pays when they should not have, you will be in an “over-payment” situation and you will need to repay any money that was not due.

  • We are county employees – your county – paid for with your tax dollars. Everything we do for you is done at no charge, and is done professionally. We are accredited with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which means in effect, they have licensed us to do this work. We are trained and have been tested in accordance with VA regulations to obtain our accreditation. Our only goal is to provide you a service, at no charge, that you have earned.