The Monthly Pension Program for Veterans That No One Has Told You About

There is a wonderful, almost secret benefit available only to certain veterans who served during a period of war or conflict. This benefit is also extended to the spouses and widows of such veterans. Unfortunately, very few of those qualified for the benefit know it exists. Even fewer actually know how it works. Further adding to the secrecy and confusion of the benefit are the various names used to refer to it, such as “non-service connected disability pension,” “non-service connected pension,” “veterans pension program,” “special monthly pension,” “improved pension,” “special pension,” “VA pension,” and “aid and attendance.”  This program is different than the Disability Compensation benefit that is more widely understood and utilized by veterans and their families.

The veteran's benefit is need-based and helps eligible veterans or their widows who need financial assistance due to limited assets and incomes. It helps those whose incomes have been used to pay for out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to poor health, illness, or disability. For those who qualify, the VA pays up to about $2,000.00 per month. In order to qualify, the veteran must be disabled and meet certain income and asset requirements. At its core, the benefit is a special thank-you program for veterans who served during a time of war or conflict and who now need some extra help. In order to meet the service during war or conflict requirement, the veteran must have served in active duty for at least 90 consecutive days and at least one of those days of service had to fall within the below wartime/conflict periods.

Other factors that influence eligibility for this program are disability, assets, and income determined by the Income for Veterans Administration Purposes (IVAP).