Veterans Non-Service-Connected Pension
Program Description
Veterans Pension is a needs-based benefit paid to eligible wartime Veterans who meet certain age or non-service connected disability requirements.
General Program Requirements
Veterans may be eligible if he or she:
How Much Does VA Pay?
VA calculates annual pension by first determining for your particular circumstances that Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR), an amount set by Congress. For example, if you are a Veteran with no dependents, the MAPR is $12,868. Next, VA determines your countable income. VA determines countable income by subtracting from your total income received in a particular 12-month period, the amount of those exclusions provided by law. VA subtracts your countable income from the MAPR; the difference is your annual pension entitlement. VA divides this amount by 12 and rounds down to the nearest dollar, this is the approximate amount of your monthly pension payment. VA deducts certain expenses paid by you, e.g., unreimbursed medical expenses, from your annual household income, which will decrease your countable income and increase your monthly Pension and Fiduciary payment. A complete list of these exclusions is provided in section 3.272 of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations are available at the Government Printing Offices website.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this program.
Application Process:
- To complete an application, use VA Form 21-526 (PDF), "Veteran's Application.
- For Compensation and/or Pension or VA Form 21-527EZ (PDF), Application for Pension."
- You can also complete VA Form 21-526 online.
For more specific information, download the Fact Sheets.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions:
Visit the Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS) website to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask a question on-line
Program Description
Veterans Pension is a needs-based benefit paid to eligible wartime Veterans who meet certain age or non-service connected disability requirements.
General Program Requirements
Veterans may be eligible if he or she:
- was discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND
- served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time or if you entered service after September 7, 1980 at last 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty with at least 1 day during a period of wartime, AND
- has countable family income that is below the amount set by Congress (unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income), AND net worth is not excessive, AND
- is age 65 or older, OR
- has a permanent and total non-service connected disability(ies), OR
- is a patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care, OR
- is receiving Social Security disability benefits.
How Much Does VA Pay?
VA calculates annual pension by first determining for your particular circumstances that Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR), an amount set by Congress. For example, if you are a Veteran with no dependents, the MAPR is $12,868. Next, VA determines your countable income. VA determines countable income by subtracting from your total income received in a particular 12-month period, the amount of those exclusions provided by law. VA subtracts your countable income from the MAPR; the difference is your annual pension entitlement. VA divides this amount by 12 and rounds down to the nearest dollar, this is the approximate amount of your monthly pension payment. VA deducts certain expenses paid by you, e.g., unreimbursed medical expenses, from your annual household income, which will decrease your countable income and increase your monthly Pension and Fiduciary payment. A complete list of these exclusions is provided in section 3.272 of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations are available at the Government Printing Offices website.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this program.
Application Process:
- To complete an application, use VA Form 21-526 (PDF), "Veteran's Application.
- For Compensation and/or Pension or VA Form 21-527EZ (PDF), Application for Pension."
- You can also complete VA Form 21-526 online.
For more specific information, download the Fact Sheets.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions:
Visit the Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS) website to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask a question on-line
- Call 1-800-827-1000
- Call 1-800-829-4833, if you are hearing impaired