Additional Allowances
Surviving spouses and children of wartime veterans with a net worth below $155,356 may also be eligible for VA survivors’ pension benefits. The amount a surviving spouse can get depends on their income and the number of dependents they have. However, the amount paid to a surviving child is fixed at $2,831 annually.
Qualified veterans and surviving spouses who are housebound or require the aid and attendance of another person due to mental or physical incapacity may be entitled to additional allowances and are typically assigned a higher MAPR. If you believe you qualify for additional allowances or survivor pension, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a VA veterans pension attorney to confirm your case and obtain the benefits you deserve.
Eligibility Criteria for VA Wartime Veterans Pension
In addition to meeting the net worth requirement stated in the previous section, you must also meet other conditions to qualify for this pension as follows:
- You received an honorable discharge.
- You meet the service requirements. That is, you:
- Commenced active duty before September 8, 1980, and served a minimum of 90 days with at least one day during a wartime period; or
- You began active duty as an enlisted individual after September 7, 1980, and served for a minimum of two years or the full period you were called/ordered to serve on active duty, with at least one day of service during wartime; or
- You were an officer who started on active duty after October 16, 1981 and had not previously served actively for at least 24 months.
- You are 65 or older, have a permanent and total disability, or get Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.
Common Misconceptions About VA Pension Eligibility
Many believe that for a wartime pension claim based on permanent and total disability to succeed, the disability must be service-connected or commenced after the veteran entered active duty, which isn’t the case.
Furthermore, it’s often misunderstood that this pension only provides financial support for wartime veterans in nursing home care or who require long-term care to offset the expensive healthcare costs. On the contrary, it applies to any veteran who meets the service, age, disability, and financial requirements.
It is important to eliminate any assumptions you might have about the program to avoid being deterred by them. At Elder Law Guidance, we stand ready to explain the facts about the VA wartime pension requirements and dispel any inaccurate notions about them so you don’t lose the benefits you are entitled to.
Application Process for VA Wartime Veterans Pension
The pension claim process involves
- Confirming your eligibility based on the stated requirements
- Completing the application form (VA Form 21P-527EZ)
- Submitting the form to the Department of Veterans Affairs by mail, online, in person, or through an accredited representative.
You’ll also need to obtain certain documents and include them in your application to support your claim. These documents may include
- Discharge papers
- Financial records
- Medical records if you are under 65
- Anything else that shows your eligibility for the pension
Tips for a Successful Application
Other than confirming your eligibility, the major factor that determines your eligibility for a VA pension is the accuracy and completeness of the information and documents provided during the application process. That’s why it is important to get professional help from experienced attorneys who can ensure that there are no mistakes in your application and that you’ve done all you’re required to do to fulfill the requirements.
Planning for the Future with VA Benefits
Before you apply for VA Pension, you may need to undergo long-term financial planning. This would allow you to assess your overall financial state, including your countable family income, and organize your assets to ensure they do not affect your eligibility.
Long-term financial planning also allows you to consider additional veterans benefits and how they interact with the pension. For example, you may qualify for both VA disability compensation and VA wartime pension. But you can’t get paid under both programs at the same time. If you apply for both, the VA will pay you the benefit with the larger amount. Therefore, when you qualify for several benefits, proper planning allows you to focus your efforts on those likely to yield the most results.
