How Can I Apply for Veterans Pension?
The federal government administers three kinds of veterans' pensions: military retirement pay, for those who have completed 20 or more qualifying years of military service; disability compensation, awarded to veterans who have experienced a disability as a result of military service; and the disability pension, which is paid to low-income veterans who are disabled and unable to make significant income through work. Military retirement pay is administered by the Department of Defense, while the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the two disability pensions. Only the disability pension is properly referred to as a "veteran's pension." It is means-tested, meaning that only veterans of limited income and assets qualify.
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Instructions
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Download VA Form 21-526, "Application for Veterans Compensation and/or Pension." The form, available from the VA website, is used to apply for disability compensation and/or the disability pension.
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Attach a copy of your marriage certificate, if applicable, and any records, such as birth certificates, that establish the number of dependents you claim. A veteran with dependents receives more disability compensation than one who is single with no dependents.
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Complete the application form for the disability pension. Return the completed form to the VA center that serves your community.
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Tips & Warnings
You may wish to apply for aid and attendance, a separate compensation for a veteran who cannot provide for his own needs and maintenance but requires assistance in conducting day-to-day activities. A veteran can apply for housebound compensation if he is limited to the immediate area or is 100-percent disabled, with a second disability that is at least 60-percent disabling. To apply, request it in writing from the VA office that handles your case. Include any supporting medical or other documentation. You cannot receive aid-and-attendance assistance and homebound assistance at the same time.
To be eligible for VA pension benefits, you must be a wartime veteran who is aged 65 or older; a wartime veteran under the age of 65 is eligible if he is disabled. You must have limited income and no excessive net worth, although there is no specific limit on your allowable net worth.
