The Veteran Pension Program

VA Pensions consists of two programs, the Veteran Pension Program and the VA Survivors Pension program.

The Veteran Pension Program:
This is a monthly payment to wartime Veterans. There are different qualification requirements for enlisted and officers.   You can qualify for this if your total net worth is less than $159,240.  Your net worth includes all personal property you own (except your house, your car, and most home furnishings), minus any debt you owe. It also includes the net worth of your spouse. 

The payout amount ranges from $16,965 to $44,886 depending on whether its a single veteran with no dependents, veteran with spouse or child, or two veterans who are married to each other.

There are requirements for net worth, discharge status, income limits, period of service, etc.  See if you qualify.

Requirement #1:  You must have both of these:
-not have a dishonorable discharge
-Your net worth must be less than $159,240

Requirement #2:  You must meet at least one of these:
-start active duty before September 8, 1980. Serve at least 90 days on active duty and at least one day during wartime.
-start active duty as an enlisted member after September 7, 1980. Serve at least 24 months on active duty and at least one day during wartime.
-start active duty as an officer after October 16, 1981, and you haven’t previously served on active duty in the last 24 months.

Requirement #3:  You must also meet one of these:
-You’re at least 65 years old, or
-You have a permanent and total disability, or
-You’re a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability, or
-You’re getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.