VA NON-SERVICE CONNECTED PENSION

The VA gives money each month to certain veterans who are older or have a disability not related to their military service. This program is called VA Pension, and it helps veterans who don’t have a lot of money.

Who Can Get VA Pension: Veterans can get VA Pension if they meet some conditions:

• They left the military with a good record.
• They served during a time of war (like World War II or Vietnam).
• They don’t make much money or have a lot of valuable stuff.
• They are either 65 or older, have a serious disability not connected to their service, live in a nursing home, or get Social Security disability benefits.

Wartime Periods: The VA considers specific times as wartime, like during World War II or the Vietnam era.

How Much Money You Get: The amount of money you get depends on how much money you make. If your income is below a certain limit, the VA pays you the difference. This limit changes every year.

Countable Income: Countable income is how much money you and your family make. It includes things like Social Security, investments, and other earnings. Some medical expenses can be subtracted from your income if they are not covered by insurance.

Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR): The MAPR is the highest amount the VA will pay. It depends on your family situation and if you have special needs.

Net Worth Limit: Net worth is all the money and valuable things you own. The VA looks at your net worth to see if you qualify. As of December 1, 2019, the limit is $129,094, but it goes up a bit every year.

Example: Let’s say you’re a veteran with a spouse, and you both get a combined yearly income of $10,000. The MAPR for your situation is $27,195. The VA would then pay you $17,195 for the year, or about $1,432 each month.

Remember, these rules can change, so it’s always good to check the latest information with the VA.