What Is a VA Survivors Pension? | Senior Facts Guide

When a veteran passes away their surviving spouse and dependents may be entitled to ongoing financial support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA Survivors Pension — sometimes called the Death Pension — is a benefit that many eligible families never claim simply because they do not know it exists.

If you are the surviving spouse or dependent child of a wartime veteran this guide will explain what the VA Survivors Pension is, whether you qualify, and how to apply.

What Is the VA Survivors Pension?

The VA Survivors Pension is a tax-free monthly benefit paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to eligible surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of deceased wartime veterans.

It is designed to provide financial assistance to low-income surviving family members who have lost a veteran spouse or parent.

The Survivors Pension is different from Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — which is paid to survivors when a veteran’s death was connected to their military service. The Survivors Pension is available regardless of whether the veteran’s death was service-related.

Who Qualifies for the VA Survivors Pension?

To qualify for the VA Survivors Pension you must meet requirements related to your relationship to the veteran, the veteran’s service record, and your financial situation.

The Veteran Must Have Met These Requirements

The deceased veteran must have:

Served at least 90 days of active military service with at least one day during a recognized period of war, OR served at least one day during a period of war if they entered service after September 7, 1980 and served at least 24 months or the full period for which they were called to active duty
Been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

Recognized periods of war include:

World War II (December 7, 1941 — December 31, 1946)
Korean War (June 27, 1950 — January 31, 1955)
Vietnam War (August 5, 1964 — May 7, 1975)
Gulf War (August 2, 1990 — present)

You Must Meet These Requirements as a Surviving Spouse

To qualify as a surviving spouse you must:

Have been married to the veteran and not have divorced before their death
Not have remarried after the veteran’s death — remarriage disqualifies you from receiving the benefit
Meet the VA’s income and net worth limits

Dependent Children May Also Qualify

Unmarried dependent children of the deceased veteran may qualify if they are:

Under age 18, OR
Between 18 and 23 and attending a VA-approved school full time, OR
Permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability that occurred before age 18

How Much Does the VA Survivors Pension Pay?

The VA Survivors Pension is based on the difference between your countable income and the annual pension limit set by Congress — called the Maximum Annual Pension Rate or MAPR.

The VA calculates your benefit by subtracting your countable annual income from the MAPR. The result is your annual pension amount which is then divided into monthly payments.

As of 2024 the approximate maximum annual pension rates are:

Surviving spouse with no dependent children: approximately $10,756 per year ($896 per month)
Surviving spouse with one dependent child: approximately $14,079 per year ($1,173 per month)
Surviving spouse who qualifies for Aid and Attendance: approximately $17,743 per year ($1,478 per month)
Surviving spouse who qualifies as Housebound: approximately $13,148 per year ($1,096 per month)

These amounts change annually so always check the VA website for the most current figures.

What Is the Difference Between the Survivors Pension and Aid and Attendance?

This is one of the most common questions surviving spouses ask.

The VA Survivors Pension is the base benefit available to eligible surviving spouses and dependents of wartime veterans.

Aid and Attendance is an enhancement to the Survivors Pension available to surviving spouses who need help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating — or who live in an assisted living or nursing home facility.

If you qualify for both the Survivors Pension and Aid and Attendance you will receive a higher monthly payment to help cover your care costs.

What Counts as Income for the VA Survivors Pension?

The VA looks at your countable income when determining your benefit amount. Countable income includes:

Social Security benefits
Investment income
Wages and salaries
Pension payments from other sources

However certain expenses can be deducted from your countable income — including unreimbursed medical expenses and care costs. These deductions can significantly reduce your countable income and increase your benefit amount.

How to Apply for the VA Survivors Pension

Step 1 — Gather Your Documents

You will need:

The veteran’s DD-214 discharge papers
The veteran’s death certificate
Your marriage certificate
Financial information including income and asset documentation
If children are applying — their birth certificates

Step 2 — Complete the Application Form

The primary form for surviving spouses is VA Form 21P-534EZ — Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits.

Step 3 — Submit Your Application

You can submit your application:

Online at va.gov
In person at your local VA regional office
By mail to your VA Pension Management Center
With free help from a Veterans Service Organization representative

Step 4 — Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary but typically take several months. If approved your payments will be backdated to the date your application was received — so applying as soon as possible is important.

Free Help With Your Application

Navigating the VA system can be confusing. These free resources can help:

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — The American Legion, VFW, DAV, and other organizations offer free help with VA claims through accredited service officers.

VA Regional Offices — Your local VA regional office can answer questions and assist with your application.

State Veterans Affairs Offices — Most states have their own veterans affairs office that can provide additional assistance at no cost.

Beware of Paid Services — You should never have to pay someone upfront to help you file a VA claim. If anyone asks for a large fee before your claim is approved proceed with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive both the VA Survivors Pension and Social Security? Yes. The VA Survivors Pension does not affect your Social Security survivor benefits. However your Social Security income will be counted toward your countable income when the VA calculates your pension amount.

What happens if I remarry? If you remarry after the veteran’s death you will no longer be eligible for the VA Survivors Pension. However if that subsequent marriage ends — through death or divorce — you may be able to reapply for the benefit.

Can I receive the Survivors Pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation at the same time? No. You cannot receive both the Survivors Pension and DIC at the same time. If you qualify for both the VA will pay whichever benefit is higher.

How long does it take to get approved? Processing times vary but typically range from three to six months. Submitting a complete and well-documented application from the start helps avoid delays.

What if my application is denied? You have the right to appeal. A VSO representative or veterans benefits attorney can help you file an appeal and strengthen your case.

Does the Survivors Pension affect Medicaid eligibility? This is a complex question that varies by state. Speak with an elder law attorney who understands both VA benefits and Medicaid rules in your state before applying.

Suggested External Sources

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — va.gov
National Council on Aging — ncoa.org
American Legion — legion.org
Disabled American Veterans — dav.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars — vfw.org

What Is a VA Survivors Pension? A Plain-English Guide