If you are a wartime veteran with a limited income and you are no longer able to work, you may qualify for a Veterans Disability Pension or the Veterans Pension for Veterans 65 or older.

Many veterans of wartime service are completely unaware of the fact that if they are 65 or older and on a limited income they may qualify for a VA Pension without being disabled.

Eligibility:
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 are permanently and totally disabled, or are age 65 or older, AND
• your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law

* Some income is not counted toward the yearly limit (for example, welfare benefits, some wages earned by dependent children, and Supplemental Security Income. It's also important to note that your medical related expenses are considered when determining your yearly family income.

The VA Payment Rates:
VA pays you the difference between your countable family income and the yearly income limit which describes your situation (see chart above). This difference is generally paid in 12 equal monthly payments rounded down to the nearest dollar. Call the toll-free number below for details.

Example: Joe (a single veteran) has an annual income of $5,000. His annual income limit is $10,579. To determine Joe's Pension subtract his annual income of $5000 from the $10,579 income limit which gives him an annual pension rate of $5,579. This translates into a monthly pension check of approximately $464.

The Application Process:
You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation Or Pension. If available, attach copies of dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates) and current medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports).

You can also apply on line through the VONAPP website.

For More Information Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000.