Veterans' Benefit
Show #274 Airing Sunday, November 7, 2004
Our government makes available an assortment of benefits for veterans and their families. Although millions of Americans are receiving these benefits, many more are missing out.
One of the most important benefits that many veterans and their spouses overlook is the Disability Pension. You may be eligible if you meet these requirements:
First, you must not have been dishonorably discharged.
Second, you must have served 90 days or more of active duty, with at least one day served during a period of war. This does not mean that you must have fought in a war. You just need 90 days of military service, with one day served during a war, including World Wars I or II, the Korean conflict, or the Vietnam era, from August 5, 1964 through May 7, 1975.
Third, you must have a disability that prevents you from working a regular, full-time job. This is requirement is not as tough as it sounds. Your disability does not have to be service connected. So if your aches, pains, and physical difficulties, which are common as people get older, would keep you from working, you may qualify for benefits.
Fourth, your income must be below certain limits. This is often the toughest requirement to meet. Generally, you qualify with annual income under $9,894, or $12,959 for a married couple. But there are some exceptions. For example, if you are single and housebound, you may have as much as $12,092 of annual income, or $15,156 if you’re married and housebound.
Let’s say you served in World War II. Even if your income had been too high to qualify before, you can still get a pension now if your income has dropped and you meet the other requirements.
How much do you get? It’s the difference between the qualification amounts and the amount of your income. For example, if you are single and housebound, your annual income must be below $12,092 to qualify. Let’s say your income is $5,092. That $7,000 below the limit, so you’d get $7,000 from the government.
How about a widow? If your husband met these conditions, if he served 90 days active duty with at least one day during wartime, you may qualify for a widow’s VA pension. Your income generally must be below $6,634 to qualify, but again there are exceptions. For example, if you are housebound, your income may be $8,109. The VA again will pay the difference between your income and the yearly income limit.
These veterans pension benefits are not for everybody. But for some, they can be a lifesaver. For more information, or to apply, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000, or go to www.va.gov.
