Pension Benefits

The VA’s Veterans Pension program provides monthly payments to eligible wartime veterans or their survivors who meet certain age or disability criteria, and certain income requirements. Unlike many other VA benefits, this benefit does not require an in-service injury.

This article will explain the eligibility requirements for Veterans Pension, and how to apply for the benefit.

WHO CAN RECEIVE A PENSION?

A veteran and/or survivor can receive a Veterans Pension if he or she meets the following four requirements:

1. The veteran did not receive a dishonorable discharge, AND
2. At least one of the following is true about the veteran’s military service, AND
   • The veteran started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime, or
   • The veteran started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions) with at least 1 day during wartime, or
   • The veteran was an officer and started on active duty after October 16, 1981, and hadn’t previously served on active duty for at least 24 months
3. At least one of the following is true about the veteran’s age or medical status, AND
   • The veteran is at least 65 years old, or
   • The veteran has a permanent and total disability, or
   • The veteran is a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability, or
   • The veteran is getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income
4. The veteran’s yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress.
   • Net worth includes all personal property you own (except your house, your car, and most home furnishings), minus any debt you owe. A veteran’s net worth includes the net worth of a spouse. The limits set by Congress change yearly and can be found here: Current Pension Rates For Veterans | Veterans Affairs. From December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, the net worth limit to be eligible for Veterans Pension benefits is $159,240. Importantly, any net worth calculation can be offset by out-of-pocket medical expenses.

The VA recognizes the following wartime periods for eligibility for VA Pension benefits:

• Mexican Border period (May 9, 1916, to April 5, 1917, for Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or in adjacent waters)
• World War I (April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918)
• World War II (December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946)
• Korean conflict (June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955)
• Vietnam War era for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam (November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975)
• Vietnam War era for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam (August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975)
• Gulf War (August 2, 1990, through a future date to be set by law or presidential proclamation)

HOW DO I APPLY FOR VETERANS PENSION?

Before you begin the application process for Veterans Pension, you must have the following information:

• Your Social Security number
• Your VA file number (if you have one)
• Your military history
• Your marital history (and if you’re married, your spouse’s marital history)
• Your work history
• Information about your dependents
• Your household’s gross monthly income
• The value of your household’s assets
• Your unreimbursed medical expenses
• If you’re under age 65, you’ll need a copy of your medical records

Once you have this information, you can apply using one of the following methods:

1. Apply online.
2. Upload the Application for Pension (VA Form 21P-527EZ) pdf and submit it online.
   • Then upload a copy of the completed form using the QuickSubmit tool through AccessVA.
3. Mail the Application for Pension (VA Form 21P-527EZ) to the pension management center (PMC):

Department of Veterans Affairs

Pension Intake Center

PO Box 5365

Janesville, WI 53547-5365

1. Submit the Application for Pension (VA Form 21P-527EZ) to your local VA Regional Office.
2. Apply with the help of a trained professional, such as an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative.

HOW MUCH WILL I RECEIVE IN BENEFITS?

Pension payments are calculated to be the difference between a person’s countable family income and the annual pension limits set by Congress. The “countable family income” can be decreased by certain factors, such as medical expenses. Be sure to provide the VA a list of out-of-pocket medical expenses, as those expenses will decrease your countable income and increase Pension payments.

ARE THERE ADDITIONAL PENSION BENEFITS?

Yes, VA “Aid and Attendance” or “Housebound” benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA Pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. A veteran or survivor may be eligible for these additional payments if the claimant spends most of his/her time in the home because of a permanent disability, has to stay in bed because of an illness, needs the assistance of another person to perform daily activities, has limited eyesight, or is a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities.

You can learn more about this benefit here: VA Aid And Attendance Benefits And Housebound Allowance.

To apply for this benefit, submit VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) in person at your local VA Regional Office or by mail:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Pension Intake Center

PO Box 5365

Janesville, WI 53547-5365

If you’re in a nursing home, you’ll also need to fill out the Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance (VA Form 21-0779).

WHAT IF MY PENSION BENEFITS APPLICATION IS DENIED?

If your request for a Veterans’ Pension has been denied, or if you believe that your benefits were miscalculated, you have the right to appeal. You can appeal using three decision review options: a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal.

It is common for claims to be denied at first. If your claim has been denied, you need knowledgeable representation on your side. Contact Vets National today, at 877-777-4021. Together, we can work toward securing the VA benefits that you deserve.