Veterans Administration Benefits Information
 Pension VA Disability Pension is a benefit paid to
wartime veterans who have limited or no income, and who are 65 or older, or,
if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled due to non-service
connected conditions. VA Disability Pension is unlike traditional pensions
which are based on years of employment or service with a company or
organization. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for
increased benefits based on Aid and Attendance or being Housebound.
Widows/widowers and dependent children may also qualify for Death Pension
benefits, which is a needs based benefit paid to an unremarried surviving
spouse, or an unmarried child of a deceased wartime veteran.
Who is eligible?
Generally, you may be eligible if:
• You were discharged from service under conditions other
than dishonorable, AND
• You served at least 90 days of active military service
1 day of which was during a wartime period. If you entered active duty after
September 7, 1980, generally you 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
• You are age 65 or older. OR You are permanently and totally disabled,
not due to your own willful misconduct.
What is countable income for pension eligibility purposes?
Income received by the veteran and his or her dependents, if any, from most
sources and includes earnings, disability and retirement payments, interest and
dividends, and net income from farming or business.What is net worth?
Net Worth means the net value of the assets of the
veteran and his or her dependents. It includes such assets as bank accounts,
stocks, bonds, mutual funds and any property other than the veteran’s
residence and a reasonable lot area. There is no set limit on how much net
worth a veteran and his dependents can have, but net worth cannot be
excessive. The decision as to whether a claimant’s net worth is excessive
depends on the facts of each individual case. All net worth should be
reported and VA will determine if a claimant’s assets are sufficiently large
that the claimant could live off these assets for a reasonable period of
time. VA’s needs-based programs are not intended to protect substantial
assets or build up an estate for the benefit of heirs.
How does VA calculate your pension?
Total all countable income. Then subtract any deductions.
The remaining countable income is deducted from the appropriate annual
pension limit which is determined by the number of dependents, if any, and
whether or not you are entitled to Housebound or Aid and Attendance
benefits. This amount is then divided by 12 and rounded down to the nearest
dollar. This gives you the amount of your monthly payment. (See charts
below.)
What are Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits?
Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound are benefits paid
in addition to monthly pension. This benefit may not be paid without
eligibility for pension. Entitlement to A&A benefits exists when the
claimant requires the aid of another person in order to perform personal
functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing,
attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or
protecting himself/herself from the hazards of his/her daily living
environment. Entitlement also exists when the claimant is bedridden, a
patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity or blind.
Entitlement to Housebound benefits exists when the claimant is permanently
and substantially confined to his/her immediate premises due to medical
disability.
Nursing Home Care VA will provide nursing home care if you are a
veteran:
• Who requires nursing home care for a service-connected
(SC) condition; or
• With a service-connected disability rating of 70
percent or more; or
• Who is rated 60 percent SC and unemployable.
VA may provide nursing home care to other veterans if
space and resources are available. Veterans who have a service-connected
disability are given first priority for nursing home care.
How do I apply?
My firm can review individual qualifications and
provide advice and assistance in obtaining valuable VA benefits. Documents
to provide: Discharge papers, copies of marriage certificates, copies of
medical records and a detailed list of all recurring medical expenses. A
copy of the veteran’s death certificate is needed for a surviving spouse’s
application for benefits.
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