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Veterans' Pension Benefits

A full list of benefit rates for veterans can be found at the VA Pension Rate Table

Many figures used to calculate Veteran’s Pension benefits are revised annually by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the federal agency that administers the program. These figures are usually updated in October and can be found in the November issue of the Federal Register, the official government publication for administrative changes. The figure can also be found on the VBA website or by calling 1-800-827-1000 or TDD 1-800-829-4833 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. local time.

Eligibility

Generally, you must have 90 days or more of service of which at least 1 day must have occurred during a period of war, and you must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

You must be 65 or older, or have a non-service related disability that VA evaluates as permanent and total. For VA pension purposes, permanent and total means it is not likely that you will be able to maintain a substantially gainful job. Unemployability and age are factors also considered in VA's eligibility decision.

For more information see the Department of Veteran's Affairs Pension Fact Sheet.                                    

Income Eligibility

Your income must be below the amount of benefits you could receive as listed below.  Benefit amounts are reduced by other income.

Apply at

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension. If available, attach copies of dependency records (marriage and children's birth certificates) and current medical evidence (doctor and hospital reports). You can also apply on the internet at the Department of Veteran Affairs Online Application Website (VONAPP)

Appeals

A description of the appeals process for Veteran's Administration

Source of Funds

 Federal tax revenues

Sources of Law

Federal Law:  Pension for non-service connected disability

Federal regulations: 38 CFR Part 3, especially section 3.4

Other

For more information, you can visit the United States Department of Veteran's Affairs or the Maryland Department of Veteran's Affairs.

Originally posted by Anonymous on Aug 16, 2010, last updated by Anonymous on Nov 20, 2012
Tags: Government Benefits & Services > Veterans' Services

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