VA Survivors Pension pays qualifying low-income surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of deceased wartime Veterans whose service and discharge meet pension rules.
Qualifying surviving spouse of a deceased wartime VeteranQualifying unmarried dependent child of a deceased wartime Veteran
Entitlement facts
Benefit type
Government benefit. A government-funded or administered benefit, service, coverage program, assistance program, or public access route. Taxonomy definition →
What it unlocks
A tax-free monthly payment based on the difference between countable family income and the applicable Maximum Annual Pension Rate, with potentially higher limits for dependents, housebound status, or Aid and Attendance needs.
Who qualifies
Qualifying surviving spouse of a deceased wartime Veteran; Qualifying unmarried dependent child of a deceased wartime Veteran
Requirements
The deceased Veteran must not have received a dishonorable discharge and must meet applicable active-duty length and recognized wartime-service rules. A surviving spouse generally must not have remarried after the Veteran's death, while a child must be unmarried and under 18, under 23 in a VA-approved school, or incapable of self-support because of a disability before 18; household income and net worth must remain below current limits.
How to activate
Apply online or with VA Form 21P-534EZ through VA, an accredited representative, mail, or a regional office. Provide service and discharge records, marriage or birth and death records, household income, assets, deductible unreimbursed medical expenses, dependency, school or disability evidence, and consider an intent to file before gathering the full claim.
Cost basis
No-cost access. The core benefit has no required payment, purchase, deposit, paid membership, or pre-existing paid-product relationship under the captured terms.
Cost and fees
Filing is free and approved pension is tax-free, but payment is income- and net-worth-tested, annual limits change, and countable income reduces the award. A three-year asset-transfer look-back and penalty can apply, eligibility must be updated as finances or family status change, and the benefit may interact with DIC and other survivor payments.
Geography
US, Eligible survivors of U.S. wartime Veterans
Personalization
Published eligibility is not described as individually targeted.
EVIDENCE / 1 SOURCE
Eligibility is conditional, not guaranteed.
Check the provider's final terms immediately before applying, depositing funds, spending, or changing a paid relationship.
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