Financial assistance · federal
VA Veterans Pension
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Pension program provides monthly tax-free payments to wartime veterans who meet age or disability requirements and have income and net worth within limits set by Congress. Pension may be supplemented by Aid and Attendance or Housebound allowances when the veteran needs help with daily activities or is confined to home.
Who qualifies
Both of these must be true: you didn't receive a dishonorable discharge; AND your yearly family income and net worth meet limits set by Congress (net worth excludes house, car, most home furnishings, minus debts; includes spouse's net worth). At least one of these must be true about service: (a) active duty began before September 8, 1980, with at least 90 days active duty including 1 day during a wartime period; OR (b) enlisted active duty after September 7, 1980, with at least 24 months or full ordered period (with exceptions) including 1 wartime day; OR (c) officer beginning active duty after October 16, 1981, with no prior 24 months active duty. AND at least one of these: you are 65+; have a permanent and total disability; are a nursing-home patient for long-term care due to disability; or receive SSDI or SSI. Recognized wartime periods include Mexican Border (1916-1917), WWI, WWII, Korean conflict, Vietnam War era, Gulf War (August 2, 1990 to a future date set by law or presidential proclamation).
What it covers
Monthly tax-free pension payments. Higher amounts available if you have a qualifying dependent (spouse, child under 18, child 18-23 in school, or adult child permanently incapable of self-support). May be combined with Aid and Attendance or Housebound supplements.
Cost
No cost to apply. Benefit amount is set by VA's Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) tables, which change yearly. Current figures (Dec 1, 2025 to Nov 30, 2026): net worth limit $163,699; MAPR with no dependents $17,441/year; MAPR with one dependent $22,839/year; Aid and Attendance with no dependents $29,093/year. See va.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates/ for full rate tables.
How to apply
Apply online using VA Form 21P-527EZ (Application for Veterans Pension); by mail; in person at a VA regional office; or with a trained accredited representative or VSO. Submit VA Form 21-0966 to file an Intent to File and lock in an earlier effective date. Use VA Form 21P-0969 to report income/asset details and VA Form 21P-8416 to report unreimbursed medical expenses.