VA Pension vs. Military Retirement: Understanding the Difference
A VA pension is distinct from a military retirement pension. Military retirement is typically for those completing a full career (usually 20 years). A VA pension, however, is for eligible wartime veterans with low income and doesn't require a long military career. While they can be received concurrently in certain situations, they are separate programs.
Veterans Pension Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a VA pension, veterans must meet specific service, financial, and age or disability criteria. This benefit is for veterans with low income and is not related to service-connected disabilities.
- Service Requirements: Requires active duty service, including at least one day during a recognized wartime period. Those who entered active duty after September 7, 1980, typically need 24 months of service.
- Discharge Status: Must have a discharge other than dishonorable.
- Financial Need: Annual family income and net worth must be within limits set by Congress. Countable income includes most earnings, and net worth excludes a primary home and vehicle. A three-year look-back period exists for asset transfers.
- Age or Disability: Must be age 65 or older, have a permanent and total non-service-connected disability, be in a nursing home, or receive Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income.
Enhanced VA Pension Benefits
Veterans with certain conditions may receive higher monthly payments through enhanced benefits, known as Special Monthly Pension.
- Aid and Attendance (A&A): For those requiring daily help with tasks like bathing or dressing, or who are blind or bedridden.
- Housebound: For veterans significantly confined to their homes due to a permanent disability.
Survivors Pension for Spouses and Children
The Survivors Pension provides monthly payments to qualified low-income, un-remarried surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of deceased wartime veterans who met the VA pension service and discharge requirements.
- Spouse Eligibility: Surviving spouses must meet the same income and net worth limits as the Veterans Pension, with specific VA rules regarding marriage length, cohabitation, and remarriage.
- Child Eligibility: Unmarried children may be eligible if they are under 18, under 23 and attending a VA-approved school, or became permanently disabled before age 18.
Comparison of Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension
| Feature | Veterans Pension | Survivors Pension (Death Pension) |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiary | Eligible wartime veteran with limited income | Low-income surviving spouse or unmarried child of a deceased wartime veteran |
| Income & Net Worth | Must meet federally set limits for the veteran and their dependents | Must meet federally set limits for the survivor and any dependents |
| Discharge Condition | Must have a discharge other than dishonorable | Deceased veteran must have had a discharge other than dishonorable |
| Service Requirement | Generally 90+ days active duty with 1+ day during wartime; longer for post-1980 service | Deceased veteran must have met the same wartime service requirements |
| Health Criteria | Veteran must be 65+, permanently disabled, or in a nursing home | No specific health requirement for the surviving spouse |
| Enhanced Benefits | Aid and Attendance or Housebound available | Aid and Attendance or Housebound available for eligible survivors |
How to Apply for a VA Pension
Applying involves gathering documents and submitting VA Form 21P-527EZ for Veterans Pension or VA Form 21P-534EZ for Survivors Pension. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. Filing a Fully Developed Claim with all evidence is recommended. Veterans service organizations, like the DAV, offer free assistance. Required documents include military discharge papers (DD214), medical history (if under 65 for disability), and financial information.
Conclusion
The VA pension program provides vital supplemental income for low-income wartime veterans and their families. Eligibility depends on specific military service, financial, and age or disability criteria for veterans, and similar conditions for surviving spouses and children. Enhanced benefits like Aid and Attendance are available for those with significant health needs. Veterans and their families should carefully review the requirements and use available resources, such as the VA website or veterans service organizations, to ensure a complete application.
