What Is VA Pension?
A VA Pension is a benefit program based on the needs of certain Veterans. Essentially wartime Veterans who are 65 years old or older or have a permanent disability have limited income and net worth. Veterans who qualify under the eligibility with severe disability can get a VA Pension at the increased aid and attendance rates.
Eligible Veterans
- You were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND
- You served 90 days of active duty with at least one day during wartime, AND
- Your countable income is below the maximum annual pension rate, AND
- You meet net worth limitations AND
- You meet one of the following criteria:
- You are age 65 or older.
- You have a permanent and total non-service-connected disability.
- You are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.
- You are receiving Social Security disability benefits.
***IMPORTANT***
After September 7, 1980, veterans who entered active duty must serve at least 24 months of active-duty service. If the length of service is less than 24 months, the Veteran must have completed their entire tour of active duty.
Your Monthly VA Pension Pay
- VA determines the Maximum Annual Pension Rate or MAPR for your situation. Congress sets this amount.
- Next, VA determines your countable income. This is done by subtracting exclusions provided by law from your total annual income.
- VA then subtracts your countable income from the MAPR. This difference is your yearly pension entitlement.
- VA divides this amount by 12 and rounds to the nearest dollar. This is the approximate amount of your monthly pension payment.
VA deducts certain expenses you pay, such as unreimbursed medical expenses, from your annual household income. This will decrease your countable income and increase your monthly pension payment. Find a complete list of eligible costs in the Code of Federal Regulations, sections 3.261 and 3.262 of Title 38.
Where To Apply For Your Pension
Veterans can apply for pension by filling out the “Application for Pension,” VA Form 21P-527EZ.
Mail or fax the application to the Pension Management Center that is serving your state.
Philadelphia VA Regional Office
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention: Philadelphia Pension Center
O. Box 5206
Janesville, WI 53547-5206
Fax: 1-844-655-1604
Service States:
Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Milwaukee VA Pension Center
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention: Milwaukee Pension Center
O. Box 5192
Janesville, WI 53547-5192
Fax: 1-844-655-1604
Service States:
Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Paul VA Regional Office
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention: St. Paul Pension Center
O. Box 5365
Janesville, WI 53547-5365
Fax: 1-844-655-1604
Service States:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
For More Information, Call 1(800) 827-1000
