• What is Death Pension?
  
  Death Pension is a benefit paid to eligible dependents of deceased wartime veterans.

• Who is eligible?
  
  You may be eligible if:

the deceased veteran was discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND

he or she served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a war, AND

you are the surviving spouse or unmarried child of the deceased veteran, AND

your countable income is below a yearly limit set by law

 

Income Limits (effective Dec. 1, 1999)

If you are a ...	Your yearly income must be less than..
Surviving spouse with no dependent children	$ 6,026
Surviving spouse with one dependent child	$ 7,891
(Add $1,532 to the limit for each additional child
Housebound surviving spouse with no dependents	$ 7,367
Housebound surviving spouse with one dependent	$ 9,228
Surviving spouse who needs aid and attendance and has no dependents	$ 9,635
Surviving spouse who needs aid and attendance and has one dependent	$11,497
Surviving child (no eligible parent)	$ 1,532

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?
  
  The amount of basic benefits paid ranges from $94 to $1,924 per month, depending on how disabled you are.

NOTE:  You may be paid additional amounts, in certain instances, if:

you have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s)

you have a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s)

• 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 you have any of the following material, attach it to your application:

Dependency records (marriage & child(ren)'s birth certificate(s)

Medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports)

• Related Benefits

Priority Medical Care
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Clothing Allowance
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance
Grants for Specially Adapted Housing
Automobile Grant & Adaptive Equipment
Federal Employment Preference
State/Local Veterans Benefits
Military Exchange & Commissary Privileges

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