Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a Veteran’s Pension if you are

• a veteran
• a veteran’s dependent
• a surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased veteran
• an active duty military service member
• a member of the Reserve or National Guard

Veterans

Veteran’s Pension provides cash help to low income veterans who are elderly or who are disabled with a non-service connected disability. Generally, you may be eligible if:

• you were discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable, AND
• you served at least 90 days of active military service 1 day of which was during a war time period. If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty (There are exceptions to this rule), AND
• your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law (The yearly limit on income is set by Congress), AND
• you are age 65 or older, OR, you are permanently and totally disabled.

Where to Apply (Veterans)?

If you are the veteran, you apply with the Veteran’s Administration. This can be done a number of ways.

1. You can apply online at the VA web site
2. You may download, print and fill out the VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension. Make sure you download all parts of the application as well as the instructions for filling out the forms. Mail the completed application and other documents to the VA regional office that serves your area of residence.
3. You may also call a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) with a veteran’s service organization. You can call 1-800-827-1000, for the location near you. You may also look to the VA web site for a list of the Veterans Service Organizations.

You will need to provide the VA some information such as

1. your discharge certificate or DD 214
2. your VA claim's number or Social Security number
3. a copy of all marriage certificates and divorce decrees (if any)
4. a copy of each child's birth certificate (or adoption order)
5. Medical records if you are disabled and under 65,
6. if you are in a nursing home the date you entered and if you are currently receiving Medicaid.
7. also provide the VA copies of dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates, adoption records)

Surviving Spouses

If you are a low income spouse, with or without dependent children, of a ...

• veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and
• who died while NOT in service and
• who served in wartime,

... you may be able to receive a cash Death pension. To be eligible, you must not have remarried. If you have high un-reimbursed medical costs, or need someone to assist you in your home, let the VA know since this can provide a higher cash benefit. This help, if you are eligible, can continue until you re-marry, or your income is over VA benefit levels.

Children of a Veteran

If you are a child of deceased veteran who meets the criteria for a surviving spouse and you are under age 18, or under age 23 if attending a VA-approved school, or have become permanently incapable of self-support because of disability before age 18 you may be able to receive cash help. This help can continue until you marry, or start receiving income which is over VA benefit levels. Children of Vietnam Veterans who have been diagnosed with spina bifida are eligible for special benefits including health care.

Where to Apply (Survivors Benefits for Spouses and children)?

If you are the surviving spouse or child of the veteran you will need to download an application from the internet or call 1-800-827-1000.

Other Help

• The State of Illinois has numerous programs for veteran’s services.

What Happens After You Apply?

You will need to provide the VA some information such as:

• the veteran's discharge certificate or DD 214
• the veteran's VA claim's number or Social Security number
• the veteran's death certificate
• Government life insurance policy
• a copy of all marriage certificates and divorce decrees (if any)
• a copy of each child's birth certificate (or adoption order)
• veteran's birth certificate to determine parents' benefits

Aid and Attendance

The Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension helps veterans and their surviving spouses when they require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature. The benefits also include individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Individuals who received assisted care in an assisting living facility also qualify.

To qualify for A&A the primary care physician needs to verify that daily assistance by others to dress, undress, bathing, cooking, eating, taking on or off of prosthetics, leave home etc. is required.  To receive the additional funds for this need, you DO NOT have to require assistance with all of these.

The A&A Pension can provide up to $1,632 per month to a veteran, $1,055 per month to a surviving spouse, or $1,949 per month to a couple*.

You have to apply for a VA Pension or Compensation (Form 21-534 surviving spouse) (Form 21-526 Veteran.)  When the application is submitted a copy of DD-214 or separation papers, Medical Evaluation from a physician, current medical issues, net worth limitations, and net income, along with out-of-pocket Medical Expenses have to also be submitted.

It can take about 6-9 months to process the application.  Learn if you may be eligible