Also called an "Improved Pension," a non service connected pension is a low income net worth-based program. Net worth is the
combination of income and assets. A pension applicant can also use their reoccurring out of pocket medical expenses when
calculating eligibility for a pension.
Eligibility
- 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a period of war. Veterans who entered active duty on or after Sept. 8, 1980 or officers who entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981 may have
to meet a longer minimum period of active duty.
- Permanently and totally disabled from non-service connected disabilities or if the veteran is over the age of 65 this requirement is assumed by the VA.
- Meet the net worth and annual income requirements
The dates of eligibility are as follows:
| 12/07/1941 – 12/31/1946 |
World War II |
| 06/27/1950 – 01/31/1955 |
Korean War |
| 08/05/1964 – 05/07/1975 |
Vietnam War |
| 08/02/1990 |
Open Gulf War (includes: Gulf War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom)
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A VA Pension is NOT an entitlement. It is a benefit for which a veteran might be eligible. It is important that veterans not
plan their financial circumstances around the potential approval of a VA pension. It can take up to a year or longer to obtain a
decision on a claim, and nothing can be done to speed up this adjudication process.
Aid & Attendance or Housebound Benefit
Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Aid & Attendance or Housebound Benefit benefits. These are benefits that are paid in addition to the basic pension rate.
You cannot file for Aid & Attendance/Housebound without filing a claim for VA pension or service connected disabilities. Aid & Attendance
and/or Housebound benefits are additional benefits with a claim for VA Pension or for 100% Service Connected veterans where
the 100% rating is determined by the VA to be Permanent and Total. For the purpose of a VA pension, a veteran/spouse/widow
who meets the criteria for Aid & Attendance/Housebound will fall into a higher category of qualifying income when applying
for the pension. Thus there might be a greater monthly benefit.
The main criteria the VA uses to approve Aid & Attendance is "can they perform personal functions required in everyday living,
such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting himself/herself
from the hazards of his/her daily environment?"
Basic Housebound criteria is that the veteran cannot leave the house without the assistance of another person.
Please contact our accredited veteran service officer for assistance with a VA pension.
Click here to learn about what happens after you file a claim for non service connected pension.
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