Getting started.
Who this helps
Wartime Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable may qualify if their income and net worth meet VA limits and they meet VA's wartime service rules. They must also meet at least one age or disability condition: be 65 or older, have a permanent and total disability, need long-term nursing care because of a disability, or receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How to get started
VA reviews service, discharge, income, net worth, and age or disability status.
Check VA rules.
Review Veterans Pension eligibility on VA.gov, including wartime service, income, and net-worth rules.
Gather your information.
Have your Social Security number, military history, household income, assets, and unreimbursed medical expenses ready.
Choose how to apply.
Apply online on VA.gov, upload or mail VA Form 21P-527EZ, bring the form to a VA regional office, or get help from an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization representative.
How they can help.
VA checks wartime service, income, and net worth. Applicants also report unreimbursed medical expenses. Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits may add to pension payments for Veterans who qualify.
- Needs-based monthly pension payments
- Review of income, net worth, and unreimbursed medical expenses
- Additional monthly pension payments through Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits for qualifying Veterans
A few questions before you go.
Have your Social Security number, military history, household income, asset value, and unreimbursed medical expenses ready.
- Could my service qualify as wartime service?
- Could my income and assets meet VA limits?
- Could long-term nursing care or a disability affect my eligibility?
- Could Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits raise my payment?