The VA Veterans Pension (also called Non-Service-Connected Pension) is a needs-based, tax-free monthly benefit for wartime veterans who are 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled, and who meet income and net worth limits. Unlike VA disability compensation (which requires service-connected conditions), the pension is based on financial need and wartime service.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Verify wartime service eligibility — You must have at least 90 days of active-duty service with at least 1 day during a wartime period (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War/post-9/11); if you entered ser...
- Confirm discharge status — You must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- Meet age or disability requirement — You must be 65 or older, permanently and totally disabled, receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), ...
- Calculate your countable income — Total household income including Social Security, retirement, investments, and any other sources; subtract unreimbursed medical expenses (prescriptions, insurance ...
- Check net worth limit — As of December 2024-November 2025, the net worth limit is $159,240 (adjusted annually); this includes assets plus annual income but excludes your primary residence and perso...
- Gather required documents — DD-214, Social Security number, income documentation, medical evidence (if claiming disability under age 65), unreimbursed medical expense records, marriage certificate ...
- Apply for the pension — Submit VA Form 21P-527EZ online at va.gov, by mail to the Pension Management Center for your state, or in person at a VA Regional Office
- Wait for VA processing — Average processing time varies; the VA may request additional evidence or schedule an examination
- Receive monthly payments — Pension rates vary by dependency status and whether you qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound enhancements
- Report income changes annually — The VA sends an Eligibility Verification Report (EVR) that must be completed to continue receiving benefits
Common Mistakes
- Confusing pension with disability compensation
- Not deducting unreimbursed medical expenses
- Transferring assets to qualify
- Overlooking Aid and Attendance
- Not applying because of partial income
Pro Tips
- Unreimbursed medical expenses are the key to eligibility
- Aid and Attendance substantially increases payments
- Surviving spouses may also qualify
- Apply as early as possible
- Consider a VA-accredited claims agent