Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents

Benefit Programs (continued) >>

Benefit Programs (continued)

Pension

Improved Pension | Protected Pension Programs | Medal of Honor Pension

Veterans with low incomes who are permanently and totally disabled, or are age 65 and older, may be eligible for monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war. Generally, veterans who entered active duty on or after Sept. 8, 1980, or officers who entered active duty on or after Oct. 16, 1981, may have to meet a longer minimum period of active duty. The discharge from active duty must have been under conditions other than dishonorable. The permanent and total disability must be for reasons other than the veteran's own willful misconduct. Payments are made to qualified veterans to bring their total income, including other retirement or Social Security income, to a level set by Congress. Unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income. Veterans of a period of war who are age 65 or older and meet service and income requirements are also eligible to receive a pension, regardless of current physical condition.

Improved Pension

The Improved Pension program provides for the maximum annual rates listed in the "Tables" section of this booklet. The payment is reduced by the amount of the countable income of the veteran and the income of the spouse or dependent children. When a veteran without a spouse or a child is furnished nursing-home or domiciliary care by VA, the pension is reduced to an amount not to exceed $90 per month after three calendar months of care. The reduction may be delayed if nursing-home care is being continued for the primary purpose of providing the veteran with rehabilitation services.

Protected Pension Programs

Pensioners entitled to benefits as of Dec. 31, 1978, who do not elect to receive a pension under the Improved Pension program, continue to receive pension benefits at the rate they were entitled to receive on Dec. 31, 1978, as long as they remain permanently and totally disabled, do not lose a dependent, a dependent pensioner retains surviving spouse or child status, net worth limitations are not exceeded, and their incomes do not exceed the income limitation, adjusted annually.

Medal of Honor Pension

VA administers pensions to holders of the Medal of Honor. Congress set the monthly pension at $1000 effective Sept. 1, 2003.

Benefit Programs (continued) >>
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