VA Pensions for Veterans and Survivors With a Low Income
Wartime veterans with a low income and their survivors may qualify for a tax-free pension. These monthly payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are based on financial need.
Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension Eligibility
Both pensions base eligibility on the veteran’s service time, financial need, and age or status of the veteran or survivor.
How to Calculate VA Pensions
The amount for both pensions is the difference between the recipient’s "countable" income and the annual pension limit set by Congress.
How to Apply for a VA Pension
See how to apply for a veterans pension, including online.
See how to apply for a survivors pension.
Aid & Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits
If you receive a VA pension, you may also qualify for Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits. You can only get one of them. Each has its own qualifications.
Veterans Pension Versus Military Retirement
Some people confuse military retirement benefits with a VA pension. Here are two ways to tell the difference:
Veterans Pension Versus Disability Compensation
In some cases, veterans can receive disability compensation. It's not the same as the VA pension. Here’s a way to tell the difference:
Disability compensation is for an illness or injury that happens because of or was made worse by your military service. It’s not income-based and war service is not required.
A VA pension is for war veterans with a low income and who may have a disability that is not service-related.