VA Veterans Pension: needs-based monthly income

The Veterans Pension is a tax-free monthly payment for low-income wartime veterans who are older or permanently disabled. It's a needs-based program — completely separate from VA disability compensation — and it's often missed by the veterans who could use it most.

Who qualifies

You generally need to meet all three: a qualifying discharge, wartime service, and income/net-worth under the limit — plus an age or disability condition.

Service

  • Entered active duty before Sept 8, 1980: at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period; or
  • Entered after Sept 7, 1980: generally 24 months of continuous active duty (or the full period you were called up), including a wartime day.

Age or disability (at least one)

  • Age 65 or older, or
  • Permanently and totally disabled, or
  • In a nursing home for long-term care due to disability, or
  • Receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) or SSI.

Income & net worth

Your countable family income and net worth must fall under the VA's limits. The net-worth limit (assets plus income) adjusts every year — it's roughly $159,000 for the current period; check VA.gov for the exact figure. The VA pays the difference between your countable income and a set maximum, so lower income means a higher payment.

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If you also need help with daily living or are housebound, you can add Aid & Attendance or Housebound for a higher monthly amount. A Survivors Pension exists for low-income surviving spouses and children of wartime veterans.

How to apply

File VA Form 21P-527EZ at VA.gov, or get free help from an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO).

Related: Aid & Attendance, VA health care, and survivor benefits.

General information; income and net-worth limits are set by the VA and adjust yearly. Confirm current figures at VA.gov. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Veterans Pension the same as VA disability compensation?

No. Disability compensation is for service-connected conditions regardless of income. The Veterans Pension is a needs-based, tax-free monthly payment for low-income wartime veterans who are 65+ or permanently disabled.

What are the service requirements?

Generally 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period (if you entered before Sept 8, 1980), or 24 months of continuous active duty including a wartime day (if you entered after Sept 7, 1980), plus an other-than-dishonorable discharge.

How do I apply for the Veterans Pension?

File VA Form 21P-527EZ online at VA.gov or with help from a free accredited Veterans Service Officer.