VA NON-SERVICE CONNECTED PENSION:
VA pension benefits are available to some wartime Veterans and their survivors — Pension is a benefit paid to wartime Veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, under 65, and are permanently and totally disabled, or, a patient in a nursing home, or, are receiving Social Security disability payments. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. These are benefits that are paid in addition to the basic pension rate.
REQUIREMENTS
AT LEAST ONE OF THESE HAVE TO BE TRUE:
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You’re at least 65 years old
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You have a permanent and total disability
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You’re a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability
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You’re getting Social Security Disability Insurance
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Under current law the following wartime periods to decide eligibility for VA pension benefits:
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Mexican Border period (May 9, 1916, to April 5, 1917, for Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or in adjacent waters)
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World War I (April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918)
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World War II (December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946)
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Korean conflict (June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955)
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Vietnam War era for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam (November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975)
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Vietnam War era for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam (August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975)
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Gulf War (August 2, 1990, through a future date to be set by law or presidential proclamation)
BOTH OF THESE MUST BE TRUE:
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You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and Your yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress. Your net worth includes all personal property you own (except your house, your car, and most home furnishings), minus any debt you owe.
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Your net worth includes the net worth of your spouse.
AT LEAST ONE OF THESE HAVE TO BE TRUE ABOUT YOUR SERVICE:
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You started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime
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You started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions) with at least 1 day during wartime
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You were an officer and started on active duty after October 16, 1981, and you hadn’t previously served on active duty for at least 24 months.