The purpose of the Pension Program is to provide monthly payments, as specified by law, to needy wartime veterans who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of disability not related to military service. The Pension Program also provides monthly payments, as specified by law, to needy surviving spouses and dependent children of deceased wartime veterans.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible if:

• you were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND
  
  
• you served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time. However, 38 CFR 3.12a requires that anyone who enlists after 9/7/80 generally has to serve at least 24 months or the full period for which a person was called or ordered to active duty in order to receive any benefits based on that period of service. With the advent of the Gulf War on 8/2/90 (and still not ended by Congress to this day), veterans can now serve after 9/7/80 during a period of war time. When they do, they generally now must serve 24 months to be eligible for pension or any other benefit. But note the exclusions in 38 CFR 3.12(d), AND
  
  
• you have disabilities that keep you from working a regular, full-time job, AND
  
  
• your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law

How can you apply?

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation Or Pension. If you have any of the following material, attach it to your application:

• Dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates)
• Medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports)

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Military Compensation and Pensions Topics of Interest:

• Veteran Compensation Program
• Veteran Disability Benefits
• Military Disability Pension
• Military Dependency and Indemnity

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