2023 VA pension for Veterans
Review current VA pension rates for Veterans, including VA Aid and Attendance rates. If you qualify for these benefits, we’ll base your payment amount on the difference between your countable income and a limit that Congress sets (called the Maximum Annual Pension Rate, or MAPR).

Your countable income is how much you earn, including your Social Security benefits, investment and retirement payments, and any income your dependents receive. Some expenses, like non-reimbursable medical expenses (medical expenses not covered by your insurance provider), may reduce your countable income.

Your MAPR amount is the maximum amount of pension payable. Your MAPR is based on how many dependents you have, if you’re married to another Veteran who qualifies for a pension, and if your disabilities qualify you for Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits. MAPRs are adjusted each year for cost-of-living increases. You can find your current MAPR amount using the tables below.

Example: You’re a qualified Veteran with a dependent, non-Veteran spouse and no children. You also qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits based on your disabilities. You and your spouse have a combined yearly income of $10,000.
Your MAPR amount = $31,714
Your yearly income = $10,000
Your VA pension = $21,714 for the year (or $1,809 paid each month)

What’s the net worth limit to be eligible for Veterans Pension benefits?
From December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023, the net worth limit to be eligible for Veterans Pension benefits is $150,538.

On October 18, 2018, we changed the way we assess net worth to make the pension entitlement rules clearer. Net worth includes your and your spouse’s assets and annual income. When you apply for Veterans Pension benefits, you’ll need to report all of these assets and income.

Note: If your child’s net worth is more than the net worth limit, we don’t consider them to be a dependent when we determine your pension.

Read our definitions below:

Assets
Assets include the fair market value of all your real and personal property, minus the amount of any mortgages you may have. “Real property” means any land and buildings you may own. Your personal property assets include any of these items:

Investments (like stocks and bonds)
Furniture
Boats
Assets don’t include:

Your primary residence (the home where you live most or all of the time)
Your car
Basic home items like appliances that you wouldn’t take with you if you moved to a new house
Read more about how we define “assets”

Annual income
Annual income is the money earned in a year from a job or from retirement or annuity payments. It includes any of these:

Salary or hourly pay
Bonuses
Commissions
Overtime
Tips
We’ll subtract certain expenses from your annual income when we assess net worth. We call these applicable deductible expenses. They include:

Educational expenses
Medical expenses you’re not reimbursed for
Read more about how we define “annual income”

An example of net worth and eligibility
If you had $121,000 in assets and $14,000 in annual income, then your net worth would be $135,000. This is less than the net worth limit of $150,538. So you would be eligible for Veterans Pension benefits.

What’s the 3-year look-back period for asset transfers?
When we receive a pension claim, we review the terms and conditions of any assets the Veteran may have transferred in the 3 years before filing the claim.

If you transfer assets for less than fair market value during the look-back period, and those assets would have pushed your net worth above the limit for a VA pension, you may be subject to a penalty period of up to 5 years. You won’t be eligible for pension benefits during this time.

Note: This new policy took effect on October 18, 2018. If you filed your claim before this date, the look-back period doesn’t apply. (A look-back period never includes a date before October 18, 2018.)

Find your Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) amount
Date of cost-of-living increase: December 1, 2022
Increase factor: 8.7%
Standard Medicare deduction: Actual amount will be determined by SSA based on individual income.

For Veterans with no dependents:
If you have no dependents and… Your MAPR amount is (in U.S. $)
You don’t qualify for Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits
16,037
You qualify for Housebound benefits
19,598
You qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits
26,752

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VA Pension: The Other Monetary Benefit – Extra Money for Veterans

When we think about benefits for veterans, many people automatically think of VA disability compensation. However, there is another monetary benefit available to veterans that often goes overlooked: VA Pension. Unlike disability compensation, which is based on service-connected disabilities, VA Pension provides additional income for wartime veterans with limited resources. This benefit can be a significant help to veterans who may be struggling financially due to their circumstances.

VA Pension is designed to provide supplemental income to veterans, their surviving spouses, and dependent children. To qualify for this benefit, veterans must meet certain criteria: they must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day served during a period of wartime, have a qualifying income and net worth, and be over the age of 65 or permanently and totally disabled. Wartime periods include World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War, among others.

One of the key aspects of VA Pension is the requirement of limited resources. To qualify, veterans must have a net worth below the limit set by the VA. This includes assets such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate (other than their primary residence), and any other property owned. It excludes personal possessions, primary residence, and vehicles. The net worth limit is intended to ensure that the benefits are directed towards veterans with the greatest need.

The amount of the VA Pension benefit varies depending on several factors, including the veteran’s income, number of dependents, and whether they are housebound or require the aid and attendance of another person. The basic VA Pension benefit is generally lower than the disability compensation, but it can still provide a significant boost to the veteran’s income. It is important for veterans to explore all available benefits and ensure they are receiving what they are entitled to.

Surviving spouses and dependent children of veterans may also qualify for VA Pension. This benefit can be essential for those who have lost their loved ones and rely on the additional income for financial stability. By accessing VA Pension, surviving spouses can receive vital assistance in meeting their daily needs and securing their future.

Applying for VA Pension may seem daunting, as it requires completing extensive paperwork and providing detailed financial information. However, veterans and their families do not have to navigate this process alone. Various organizations, such as veterans service organizations, non-profit agencies, and even accredited attorneys, can offer guidance and assistance in applying for these benefits. Seeking professional help ensures that all the necessary documentation is provided correctly, greatly increasing the chances of a successful claim.

In conclusion, VA Pension is an often-overlooked monetary benefit available to veterans, surviving spouses, and dependent children. This additional income can be a lifeline for those facing financial challenges. It is crucial for veterans and their families to research their eligibility and apply for all the benefits they are entitled to. By accessing VA Pension, veterans can receive the extra support they deserve for their sacrifices in serving our nation.