VA Non-Service-Connected Pension — Eligibility Check
Am I eligible for VA pension?
VA pension is a tax-free monthly benefit for low-income wartime veterans who are 65+ OR permanently disabled (non-service-connected). Different from VA disability compensation (service-connected). 2025 maximum: ~$15,830/year alone, ~$20,750/year with spouse, ~$25,180/year for permanently housebound.
Quick Answer
Wartime service + age 65+ OR permanently disabled + low income (below VA MAPR).
Requirements
At least 90 days of active duty (with at least one day during a wartime period: WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, post-9/11)
Discharge: Honorable or General
Age 65+ OR permanently and totally disabled (non-service-connected disability — even age-related conditions count) OR receive Social Security Disability
Net worth + annual income below VA Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) — 2025 net worth limit ~$155,356
For increased rate: housebound status OR Aid & Attendance (need help with daily activities)
Documents you'll need
DD-214 (or equivalent)
VA Form 21-527EZ (pension application)
Proof of income: tax returns, SSA award letter, pension statements
Medical evidence of disability (if claiming under disability path before 65)
For Aid & Attendance: physician statement of need
Fastest application path
File VA Form 21-527EZ at va.gov/pension/. CVSO will help free. Approved usually 90-120 days. Pension is paid monthly via direct deposit.
Common pitfalls (avoid these)
⚠ Not knowing about it — many veterans on Social Security DI don't realize they qualify for VA pension TOO
⚠ Not applying for Aid & Attendance supplement (requires daily-activity help — many seniors qualify)
⚠ Counting the wrong assets (primary home + vehicle don't count toward net-worth test)
⚠ Applying without a CVSO (free help — pension applications are paperwork-heavy)
Common questions
Is VA pension different from VA disability?
Yes. VA disability is for service-connected conditions (no income test). VA pension is for non-service-connected conditions but requires wartime service + age 65+ OR disability + low income. Many veterans get BOTH if they qualify for service-connected disability and have low income from non-service factors.
I get Social Security Disability. Do I still qualify for VA pension?
Possibly. SSDI counts as income against the MAPR test, but if your total income is still below the MAPR + you have wartime service, you can stack VA pension on top of SSDI. Many veterans don't realize this is possible.
What's "Aid & Attendance"?
Aid & Attendance (A&A) is a 50%+ supplement to base pension for veterans who need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility) OR are bedridden OR are blind OR live in a nursing home. Many seniors qualify but don't apply because their family doesn't know about it. 2025 A&A increased rate: ~$28,860/year for veteran alone, ~$34,720/year with spouse.
