Veterans Pension
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
What is Veterans Pension?
Veterans Pension is a needs-based benefit paid to eligible wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements.
Administration
Veterans Pension is administered by Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).
Program Requirements
Veterans may be eligible if they meet all of the following:
- Were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions.
- Served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time; *or, if entered service after September 7, 1980, at least 24 months or the full period for whichcalled or ordered to active duty (a minimum of 90 days is required)with at least 1 day during a period of wartime.
- Have countable family income that is below the amount set by Congress (unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income).
- Net worth is not excessive.
- Are age 65 or older,OR have a permanent and total non-service connected disability(ies); are a patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care, OR; are receiving Social Security disability benefits.
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.
For more specific information, refer to the Veterans Pension factsheet.
Application Details
What is the application process for Veterans Pension?
To complete an application, you may visit VA.gov and apply online. You may also use VA Form 21P-527EZ (PDF), "Application for Pension", and mail it 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.