A VA Survivors Pension—sometimes called the Death Pension—is a monthly, non-taxable payment to a surviving spouse or child when a veteran dies.
Your eligibility depends on economic circumstances and proving the veteran’s wartime service. Given the high proof standards, consulting an experienced veterans claim attorney can make the difference when it comes to securing your full VA Survivors Pension in a timely manner.
What Economic Circumstances Qualify for a VA Survivors Pension?
The pension is intended to help low-income survivors. Therefore, the VA considers your income and assets. The VA Survivors Pension is available to a surviving spouse who has not remarried and to an unmarried surviving child.
A child aged 19 to 23 continues to be eligible if they attend a VA-approved school or become disabled before the age of 18.
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What Qualifies as Wartime Service for VA Survivor Pension?
To be eligible for a Survivors Pension, you must show that the deceased veteran:
- Entered active duty on or before September 7, 1980, and served at least 90 days on active military service with at least one day during a covered wartime period; or
- Entered active duty after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which they were called to active duty, with at least one day during a covered wartime period; or
- Served as an officer and started active duty after October 16, 1981, and wasn’t previously on active duty for at least 24 months.
What Are the Covered Wartime Periods?
The covered wartime periods include the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War Era (from November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975). Veterans of the Gulf War also are included beginning August 2, 1990, and extending to a date to be determined by Presidential Order.
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How Much Money Is a VA Survivors Pension?
The 2023 minimum VA Survivors Pension exceeds $10,000 yearly. Your maximum Survivor Pension can be much higher depending on whether you have dependent children or if you’re housebound.
You’ll have to disclose income from investments, Social Security, pensions, business, or employment. The VA won’t ask you about the value of your home, car, or other property.
The VA makes allowances for your unreimbursed medical and education expenses, and also provides a larger benefit if you are housebound.
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How Can I Apply for a VA Survivors Pension?
An application requires many documents from the VA, such as your deceased loved one’s wartime service records.
The VA is an enormous bureaucracy. Knowing the right records to ask for, and how to request them is challenging. Inexperience results in delays or worse—denial of a claim.
Marc Whitehead & Associates’ nationwide practice helps veterans and their families every day. We’ll present your VA Survivor Pension application accurately and professionally and advocate for the pension you need and deserve. You don’t have to travel; we have a national practice and work with our clients over the Internet. Call today for a free consultation.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
