VA Survivors Pension
Your next step
File an Intent to File first
This locks in your effective date while you gather documents, which protects months of back pay.
Save this application
Save it to your account to check off documents, add dates, and get renewal reminders. Free, and we take no referral fees.
The steps
- Not started
- Intent to file submitted
- Gathering evidence
- Application submitted
- Agency review
- Decision
- Approved, with back pay
Documents to gather
- The veteran's discharge papers (DD-214 or equivalent)
- The veteran's death certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Income records for you and your household
- Asset and net worth information
- Records of unreimbursed medical and care costs
- Form 21-2680, completed by a physician
- Form 21-0779, nursing home information
Do not type Social Security, bank, or Medicare numbers here. This checklist is only a reminder of what to gather for the agency.
How to apply
- Survivors Pension on VA.gov Open
- Free filing help from Washington veterans service officers 1-800-562-2308
County and state veterans service officers file these claims at no charge.
- VA benefits hotline 1-800-827-1000
- Form 21P-534EZ Open
Mail to Department of Veterans Affairs, Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365.
- Nearest VA regional office Open
Talk to a person
Free help is available. These lines are staffed by people who do this every day.
- Washington Department of Veterans Affairs and county veterans service officers: 1-800-562-2308
- Community Living Connections: 1-855-567-0252
- SHIBA, free Medicare help: 1-800-562-6900
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. The agency that runs each program makes the final decision.