Veterans and survivors who receive pensions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will see an increase in their monthly payments for 2021.
The pension benefit is a tax-free payment to veterans and survivors who have an income below a level mandated by Congress. That amount changes each year.
The pension normally makes up the difference between a person's income and the income levels set by Congress, these income levels differ based on number of dependents. The pension amounts are also higher if the veteran or dependent requires specialized medical care or is housebound.
If you are a wartime veteran with a limited income and you are no longer able to work, you may qualify for a Veterans Pension.
Veterans Pension
Veteran's pension is a monthly payment to certain veterans with income below levels. The veteran must have served at least one day during a wartime period and be:
- 65 years or older, or
- Permanently and totally disabled, or
- In a nursing home, or
- Receiving social security disability, or
- Receiving supplemental security income
Related: Learn more about the Veterans Pension
Survivors Pension
Survivors pension, also known as the "death pension", is paid monthly payment to low-income, un-remarried surviving spouses and certain children of deceased wartime veterans.
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