• 1. What is VA pension for veterans?

Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for aid and attendance or housebound benefits. These are benefits that are paid in addition to the basic pension rate.

• 2. Who is eligible?

Generally, the veteran may be eligible if:

• They were discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable, And
• They served at least 90 days of active military service 1 day of which was during a war period. If they entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally they must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty (there are exceptions to this rule), And
• Your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law (the yearly limit on income is set by congress), And
• They are age 65 or older, or, they are permanently and totally disabled, not due to your own willful misconduct. There are a number of criteria that may affect their eligibility to pension benefits. If they are unsure if they meet all criteria, the va encourages them to go ahead and file an application, particularly if their countable income appears to be near the maximum pension amount. Va will determine if they are eligible and notify them. If they do not initially qualify, they may reapply if they have un-reimbursed medical expenses during the twelve month period after va receives their claim that bring their countable income below the yearly income limit. (these are expenses they have paid for medical services or products for which they will not be reimbursed by medicare or private medical insurance.)
  We caution them to discuss their situation with a knowledgeable attorney. If they follow the va?s direction Questions and Answers