The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides two need-based pension programs for wartime veterans and their eligible family members. Monthly benefit payments from the Veterans Pension and the Survivors Pension are tax-free and amounts vary according to income and family criteria. In 2025, maximum annual benefit amounts range from $16,965 to $22,216 for a veteran and $11,380 to $14,893 for a surviving spouse. Those who meet certain criteria may qualify for increased pension amounts. While various benefits are available to veterans and their families through the VA and the Department of Defense, this article focuses on the VA Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension.
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The VA Veterans Pension is for low-income wartime veterans who have not been dishonorably discharged from the military.
To qualify, a veteran must meet at least one of the following criteria:[01]
Eligible veterans must also meet one of the following service criteria:[01]
See the VA’s recognized wartime periods in the graphic below.
Lastly, an eligible veteran’s total net worth can’t exceed $159,240.[02] Net worth includes income and all personal property, minus a veteran’s primary home, one car, most home furnishings, any debt, and nonreimbursable medical and educational expenses. Net worth also includes their spouse’s income and assets, if applicable.
Complete information about what the VA considers income can be found in Form 21P-0969. Common sources of income include:[02]
It’s important to note that the VA reviews a veteran’s financial records from the three years immediately preceding their application date. This is known as the look-back period. The VA does this to check for any assets that a veteran may have transferred for less than fair market value to achieve financial eligibility for VA pension benefits. Applicants who are found to have transferred assets during the look-back period may be subject to a penalty period of up to 5 years. During this period, they are ineligible for VA pension benefits.[02]
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The monthly Veterans Pension rate is calculated by subtracting the veteran’s annual income from their maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) and dividing by 12.[02] As an example:
MAPR $22,216
Annual income – $10,000
VA pension = $12,216 per year ($1,018 per month)
A veteran’s MAPR depends on how many dependents they have, whether they’re married to a veteran who also qualifies for pension benefits, and whether they or their spouse qualify for an increased pension through the Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit.
| Dependents and marital status | MAPR[02] |
|---|---|
| Veterans with no dependents | $16,965 |
| Veterans with one dependent spouse or child | $22,216 |
| Veterans who are married to each other | $22,216 |
A veteran’s MAPR also increases by $2,902 for each additional dependent child.
The VA Veterans Pension can be combined with some, but not all, federal benefit programs. For example, the Veterans Pension may be combined with:
Social Security retirement
However, if a veteran qualifies for VA pension and for VA disability compensation, the VA won’t pay both. They’ll pay whichever benefit is greater.[03]
There are 5 ways to apply for the Veterans Pension. Most forms and applications are available online at VA.gov. You can also mail in your application, submit it in person, or get help from a trained professional. Whichever route you choose, prepare by following these steps:
Surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children who have low incomes are eligible for the VA Survivors Pension as long as their late veteran relative received or qualified for the VA Veterans Pension.[04] In 2025, eligible survivors’ total net worth cannot exceed $159,240.
Note that the same three-year look-back period and penalty period discussed above also apply to the Survivors Pension.
Survivor’s Pension amounts are based on a survivor’s relationship to the late veteran, how many dependents they have, and their annual income. A survivor’s pension amount is calculated by subtracting their income from their MAPR.[05] If a surviving spouse meets additional criteria, they may qualify for an increased pension through the Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit.[06]
| Dependents and marital status | MAPR[05] |
|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with no dependents | $11,380 |
| Surviving spouse with one dependent child | $14,893 |
| Qualified surviving child | $2,902 |
The VA Survivors Pension can be combined with other benefit programs, including:
If the survivor is also eligible for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits, the VA won’t pay both. They’ll pay whichever benefit is higher.[07]
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There are 4 ways to apply for a VA Survivors Pension:
There are many resources that can assist with the application process for VA benefits like pensions:
Note: A Place for Mom may be compensated if you choose to use Patriot Angels’ services.
Because eligible veterans and survivors receive VA pension benefits directly, they are free to use the money however they see fit. Whether your loved one needs companion care, independent living, or another type of senior care, A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors are knowledgeable about VA pensions and other important VA benefits.
When your veteran husband or wife dies, you won’t get their pension, but you may be eligible for your own based on their service. The VA Survivors Pension is provided to low-income spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime veterans.
Depending on when your active service began, you need either 90 days or 2 years of military service, with at least 1 day during wartime to qualify for a VA Veterans Pension.
No, VA pensions aren’t the same as military retirement benefits from the Department of Defense. Veterans who are eligible for what’s known as Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay can receive both benefits together.
Key Takeaways
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2025, January 16). Eligibility for Veterans Pension.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024, December 2). Current pension rates for veterans.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 13). How are pension benefits and disability compensation different?
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024, November 15) Survivors Pension.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2025, January 16). Current Survivors Pension benefit rates.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024, July 18). Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024, December 2). Current DIC rates for spouses and dependents.
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