Basic VA Pension

A Basic VA Pension is a cash benefit available to wartime veterans who have limited or no income and are either age 65 or older, or are permanently and totally disabled and under 65.  A veteran’s surviving spouse may also be eligible for a VA cash benefit.

Generally, a person who meets all of the following criteria may be eligible for a Basic VA pension:

• Discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable,
• Served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of which was during a wartime period.
• Countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law.

A VA Death Pension may be available to a surviving spouse or child of a veteran.  Eligibility for the death benefit may be possible if the veteran met all of the criteria listed above.  The surviving spouse cannot be remarried, and the child must meet certain age and/or disability requirements.

Be sure to refer a client to the VA when appropriate.  A client must cooperate with the referral to continue MA-LTC eligibility.