Veterans Benefits › Guide
VA Survivors Pension: Who May Qualify and How to Apply
VA Survivors Pension is a need-based monthly payment for some surviving spouses and unmarried children of wartime Veterans. The Veteran's death does not have to be linked to service.
VA checks service, family status, income, and net worth. Applying is free.
Who may qualify as a surviving spouse?
A surviving spouse may qualify if they did not remarry after the Veteran died, the Veteran did not have a dishonorable discharge, and the service rules are met.
For most Veterans who entered duty on or before September 7, 1980, the rule is at least 90 days of active service with one day in a covered war period.
For most who entered after that date, the rule is at least 24 months or the full ordered term, with one day in a covered war period. Some exceptions apply.
Who may qualify as a child?
An unmarried child may qualify if one of these is true:
- The child is under age 18
- The child is under age 23 and in a VA-approved school
- A disability that began before age 18 keeps the child from self-care
VA checks the child's own family and money facts.
What counts as wartime service?
The Veteran did not have to serve in combat. At least one day of active service must fall in a war period named by law.
Those periods include World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, and the Gulf War period. Dates differ for some Vietnam service. Use VA's current eligibility page to check the exact dates.
How do income and net worth work?
VA compares countable family income with a yearly limit called MAPR. The limit changes based on children and the need for Housebound or Aid and Attendance help.
From December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026, the net worth limit is $163,699. VA counts many assets plus yearly income. It does not count the main home, one car, or basic home goods.
Do not move or give away assets just to get under the limit. VA reviews some transfers made in the three years before a claim.
How is the payment figured?
VA starts with your MAPR and subtracts countable income. It then divides the yearly result into monthly payments.
For the current rate year, the basic MAPR for a surviving spouse with no child is $11,699. The limit is higher with a child or approved Housebound or Aid and Attendance status.
Some health costs that no one pays back may lower countable income. Keep receipts and insurance statements.
Is this the same as VA DIC?
No. DIC is tied to a service-linked death or other set VA rules. Survivors Pension is tied to wartime service and financial need.
The same VA form can ask for both. Under a 2026 VA rule, VA can start the higher benefit while it reviews the other one. You do not need to guess which pays more before you apply.
What papers should you gather?
- Marriage, birth, or school records
- The Veteran's discharge papers
- The death certificate
- Income and asset records
- Health bills and proof of payment
How do you apply?
Apply online or use VA Form 21P-534EZ. You can also file an intent to file while you gather proof.
Use a VA-approved representative for free help. Read our DIC guide and VA burial guide to check other survivor help.
Run your numbers. The free VA combined rating calculator does the official VA math on the ratings you already have. Nothing you type is saved. All calculators →