Basic Eligibility for VA Pension

Please note: Michael J. Young is not accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not help prepare, present or file VA benefit claims. This article is general information written in 2019, and VA rules have changed since. For help with a VA claim, contact a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent or veterans service organization: va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation

Revised March 5, 2008

1. Be a veteran who served at least 90 days of active duty

2. At least one day of active duty had to be during wartime:

  • WWII – 12/7/41 to 7/25/47
  • Korea – 6/27/50 to 12/31/55
  • Vietnam – 8/5/64 to 5/7/75

3. Does not need to have been in combat

4. Discharged other than dishonorably

  • Honorable discharge
  • Discharge under honorable conditions
  • General Discharge
  • Bad conduct discharge, Discharge under other than honorable conditions, or undesirable discharge may still be eligible after a “character of service determination” hearing

5. Income less than $1,800 per month, once out-of-pocket medical expenses are considered

6. Net worth less than approximately $50,000 for singles or $80,000 for couples