Program Description
Death pension is a benefit paid to eligible
dependents (surviving spouse and/or child) of deceased wartime veterans
whose deaths were not related to military
service.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be the
surviving spouse or child of a veteran who served at least 90 days of active
duty with one day of wartime service. The veteran’s discharge
from service must have been given under other than dishonorable
conditions.
Income limits apply.
Effective December 1, 2006, the income limit for a surviving spouse without
children is $7,329, while the income limit for a surviving child is $1,866.
Higher income limits may apply if the surviving spouse is severely disabled
or has custody of any dependent children of the veteran.
If your medical expenses are high, they may help to
offset your countable income.
More About the Veteran’s Military
Service
For veterans who first entered
service after September 7, 1980, there’s an additional
requirement beyond the 90 day service rule. In most cases, these veterans
must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which he or she
was called or ordered to active duty. There are some exceptions.
National Guard and Reserve members who were
activated for federal military service and later separated are considered to
be veterans. In most cases, these veterans need not have served 24
months.
Commissioned Officers of
the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once
discharged.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
To determine whether you are eligible to receive VA death pension, a surviving spouse or child must first complete VA Form 21-534, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits. VA can send the form if you call 1-800-827-1000.
You can download the form at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/.
Additional information on this program may be obtained from the U.S. Deptartment of Veterans Affairs, at: http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/survivors/DeathPensioneg_0108.doc
If you have questions about how to complete the Application for
Pension, you can call VA at this toll-free
number:
1-800-827-1000
People who are hearing impaired may call
this toll-free TTY
number:
1-800-829-4833
Managing Agency
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
http://www.vba.va.gov
|
