• What is VA Disability Pension?
  
  Disability pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited income who are no longer able to work.

• Who is eligible?
  
  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 war, AND

you have disabilities that keep you from working a regular, full-time job, AND

your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law

Family Income Limits (effective Dec. 1, 1999)

If you are a ...	Your yearly income must be less than..
Veteran with no dependents	$ 8,989
Veteran with a spouse or a child	$11,773
Veterans with additional children: add $1,532 to the limit for each child
Housebound veteran with no dependents	$10,987
Housebound veteran with one dependent	$13,771
Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has no dependents	$14,999
Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has one dependent	$17,782

NOTE:  Some income is not counted toward the yearly limit (for example, welfare benefits, some wages earned by dependent children, and Supplemental Security Income)

• How much does VA pay?
  
  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 1-800-827-1000 for details.

• How can I apply?
  
  You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526 (available as an on-line application via VONAPP ), Veterans Application for Compensation or Pension.  If available, attach copies of dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates) and current medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports).

• Related Benefits

Priority Medical Care
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

For questions about your benefits please send us an e-mail:

NewOrleans.Query@vba.va.gov 

Disclaimer / Privacy & Security Statement / Freedom of Information Act / Contact the VA

Reviewed/Updated:  Thursday,December 27,2001
Patrice Volante