What Is VA Pension?

Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible if:

· you were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND

· you served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time*, AND

· your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law, AND

· you are permanently and totally disabled, OR

· you are age 65 or older.

*Note: Anyone who enlists after September 7, 1980, generally must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty. Service from August 2, 1990 to present is considered to be a period of war (Gulf War) in addition to other periods of war such as World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

Family Income Limits (effective December 1, 2008)
*If you are a...*	*Your yearly income must be less than...*
Veteran with no dependents	$11,830
Veteran with a spouse or a child	$15,493
(Veterans with additional children: add $2,020 to the limit for each child)
Housebound veteran with no dependents	$14,457
Housebound veteran with one dependent	$18,120
Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has no dependents	$19,736
Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has one dependent	$23,396
*Note:* Some income is not counted toward the yearly limit (for example, welfare benefits, some wages earned by dependent children, and Supplemental Security Income.)

How Much Does VA Pay?

VA pays you the difference between your countable family income and the yearly income limit that describes your situation (see chart above). This difference is generally paid in 12 equal monthly payments rounded down to the nearest dollar. Call the toll-free number below for details.

Note: Certain expenses (i.e., medical expenses, education expenses, or expenses related to the last illness or burial of a dependent) paid by you are taken into consideration when arriving at your countable family income.

How Can You Apply?

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension. If available, attach copies of dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates) and current medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports). You can also apply online through our web site at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.

Related Benefits

Vocational Rehabilitation Program

Medical Care

For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000

or Visit the VA Web Site at www.va.gov.

Compensation and Pension Service – December 2008

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