War-Time Service Required
The Veteran who is either the applicant, or in the case of a surviving spouse or child, must have served at least 90 days in the US Armed Forces and at least 1 day of that service must be within a VA defined period of war. Service in the actual war zone is not required. War-time period are:
- 7 Dec 1941 - 31 Dec 1946 (World War II)
- 27 Jun 1950 - 31 Jan 1955 (Korean War)
- 28 Feb 1961 - 7 May 1975 (Vietnam personnel with in-country service)
- 5 Aug 1964 - 7 May 1975 (Vietnam Era Service)
- 2 Aug 1990 - TBD (Gulf War)
Needs Based
The applicant’s monthly income and assets are factors in the payments available. NEW THIS YEAR: VA increased household assets to $123,600 which includes cash, CD’s, IRA’s, second homes, but not a primary residence or personal possessions such as automobiles or household contents.
Special Monthly Pension (SMP)
Applicants who are confined to their homes, a.ka. House-Bound, or who need the daily attendance of others, a.k.a. Aid & Attendance may receive higher rates of the program. Typically persons required to live in Assisted Living settings, or Nursing Homes meet the Aid & Attendance status and can receive as much as $1830 per month for Veterans, and $1130 per month for surviving spouses/dependent children. Helpless children due to mental or physical deficiency of Veterans or Surviving Spouses may also be able to receive a VA Pension even if the parents are deceased.