If you are a veteran who served in active duty, you may be eligible for a monthly VA pension. This is a benefit that I just heard about, and a lot of people are eligible for it, and since it isn’t widely know, many who are eligible don’t apply for it.
I am far from an expert in this topic, but as a quick review, of the many benefits that veterans and those in active military are eligible, a few of them are:
- Military Pension for those who have 15 to 20 years or more of service
- VA disability benefit for those injured as a result of active duty
- VA pension or non-service connected disability
The VA pension or non-service connected disability, pays a monthly benefit, but there are tests for service, such as honorable discharge and 90 or more days of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war-time of WWII, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Era or Gulf War. There are additional tests for disability, income, and assets. To file a claim application form 21-526 “Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension.” Surviving spouses may be eligible too, and would file 21-534 for death pension. Applicants may have to provide financial information, such as income, but may be able to meet the tests considering some deductions such as for things like health care.
If you are a veteran with an honorable discharge and 90 or more days of active duty with at least 1 day during WWII, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Era or Gulf War, you may want to look into this, or if a friend or relative may qualify, be sure to pass this information on.
