Financial assistance · federal
VA Survivors Pension
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Survivors Pension offers monthly tax-free payments to qualified unmarried surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime veterans, subject to income and net worth limits set by Congress. May be supplemented by Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits if the survivor needs help with daily activities or is housebound.
Who qualifies
Surviving spouse: not remarried after the veteran's death; the deceased veteran did not receive a dishonorable discharge; veteran's service meets at least one of the wartime-period thresholds (≥90 days active duty with ≥1 wartime day if pre-Sep 8 1980; ≥24 months or full ordered period with ≥1 wartime day if post-Sep 7 1980; officer post-Oct 16 1981 with no prior 24 months); and your yearly family income and net worth meet congressional limits (net worth excludes house, car, most home furnishings, minus debt). Surviving child: unmarried, AND under 18; OR under 23 and attending a VA-approved school; OR unable to care for self due to disability that began before age 18. Recognized wartime periods are the same as for Veterans Pension.
What it covers
Monthly tax-free survivors pension payments. Higher amounts may be available with a qualifying dependent child. Survivors who need help with daily activities or are housebound may also qualify for Aid and Attendance / Housebound supplements. A surviving spouse entitled to DIC isn't entitled to additional benefits for a child over age 18 who is receiving DIC themselves.
Cost
No cost to apply. Payment amount is set by VA's MAPR tables, which change yearly. See VA pension rate tables for current dollar amounts, the page does not state specific income/net-worth limits.
How to apply
Four ways: (1) with the help of an accredited attorney, claims agent, or VSO representative; (2) online via the DIC/Survivors Pension/accrued benefits online tool; (3) by mail using VA Form 21P-534EZ to Department of Veterans Affairs, Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365; (4) in person at a VA regional office. Consider filing an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) first to secure an earlier effective date.