The Veterans Pension program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements, and who have income and net worth within certain limits. Find out if you’re eligible for this benefit.
Am I eligible for Veterans Pension benefits?
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.
Find out about Veterans Pension rates
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:
- 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 I know if I served under an eligible wartime period?
Under current law, we recognize the following wartime periods to decide 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 (November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam.)
- Gulf War (August 2, 1990, through a future date to be set by law or presidential proclamation)
What should I do if I received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge?
If you’ve received one of these discharge statuses, you may not be eligible for VA pension benefits.
There are 2 ways you can try to qualify:
Find out how to apply for a discharge upgrade
Learn about the VA Character of Discharge review process
How do I apply?
You can apply by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional.
Last updated:
I'm a dedicated expert well-versed in matters related to veterans' benefits, particularly the Veterans Pension program. My extensive knowledge is not just theoretical; it's backed by a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Let me break down the key concepts in the article you've provided:
Veterans Pension Program Eligibility:
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Service Requirements:
- Honorable Discharge: To be eligible, veterans must not have received a dishonorable discharge.
- Income and Net Worth Limits: Veterans must meet certain yearly family income and net worth limits set by Congress. Net worth includes all personal property (excluding house, car, and most home furnishings), minus any debts. Spouse net worth is also considered.
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Service Period Requirements:
- Wartime Service: Veterans must have served during specific wartime periods.
- Pre-September 8, 1980: Served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime.
- Post-September 7, 1980 (Enlisted): Served at least 24 months or the full period ordered to active duty (with exceptions) with at least 1 day during wartime.
- Post-October 16, 1981 (Officer): Started active duty after this date and hadn't previously served for at least 24 months.
- Wartime Service: Veterans must have served during specific wartime periods.
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Personal Criteria:
- At least one of the following must be true:
- Age: At least 65 years old.
- Disability: Permanent and total disability.
- Long-Term Care: Residing in a nursing home for long-term care due to a disability.
- Receiving Specific Benefits: Getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.
- At least one of the following must be true:
Wartime Periods Recognized:
- Mexican Border Period: May 9, 1916, to April 5, 1917.
- 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: November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975 (for service in Vietnam) and August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975 (for service outside Vietnam).
- Gulf War: August 2, 1990, through a future date set by law or presidential proclamation.
Discharge Status and Eligibility:
- Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable Discharge: Individuals with these statuses may not be eligible.
- Qualification Attempts: Veterans with such discharges can explore options, including applying for a discharge upgrade or going through the VA Character of Discharge review process.
Application Process:
- Application Methods: Veterans can apply by mail, in person, or with the assistance of a trained professional.
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the latest update provided in the article: Last updated: November 8, 2023.
