Survivors Pension
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
What is Survivors Pension?
Survivors Pension is a tax-free benefit payable by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a low-income, un-remarried surviving spouse and unmarried dependent child(ren) of a deceased wartime Veteran.
Administration
Survivors Pension is administered by Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).
Program Requirements
To be eligible for this benefit, the claimantmust be the eligible surviving spouse and/or child(ren) of a deceased wartime Veteran, who meets specific income and net worth requirements. Children may be eligible if they are any of the following:
- Under the age of 18.
- Between the ages of 18 and 23 and enrolled in a VA-approved educational/training institution.
- Permanently incapable of self-support prior to the age of 18.
Wartime Service Requirements:
• 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 or within 12 nautical miles as outlined in PL11-23. 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
Income and net worth limits apply. Higher income limits may apply if the Veteran is severely disabled. In addition, unreimbursed medical expenses paid by the Veteranmay help to reduce the Veteran's countable income.
Income and net worth limits apply. Higher income limits may apply if the surviving spouse is severely disabled or has custody of the Veteran's dependent children. In addition, unreimbursed medical expenses paid by the survivor may help to reduce the survivor's countable income.
For information regarding VA survivor pension rates, visitva.govsurvivors pension ratespage.
Application Details
What is the application process for Survivors Pension?
To complete an application, you may visit va.gov survivors pension. You may also use VA Form 21P-534EZ "Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits", and mail to:
Department of Veterans Affairs Pension Intake Center PO Box 5365 Janesville, WI 53547-5365.You may also visit your local regional benefit office and turn in your application for processing. Find your nearest VA regional office.