Surviving Spouses
VA Pension Benefits for Surviving Spouses of Wartime Veterans
Oftentimes, surviving spouses are unaware they may be eligible for a benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs known as "Survivors Pension with Aid & Attendance."
Many Surviving Spouses Are Overlooked
Often, widows and widowers think that only the Veteran is eligible for VA benefits. There is often a misconception that their Veteran spouse needed to serve in combat or overseas, or be injured during service, to be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This is not true. In fact, we often help more widows and widowers than Veterans access this benefit. Surviving Spouses can qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit if your spouse served during a wartime period.
Eligibility
Do You Meet the "4-Ms"?
To check your eligibility as a surviving spouse, start with these four qualifications. If you answer "Yes" to these, you should consider applying.
Eligible Wartime Periods
| World War II: | December 7, 1941- December 31, 1946 |
| Korean Conflict: | June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955 |
| Vietnam Era: |
November 1, 1955 - May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam. August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam. |
| Gulf War: |
August 2, 1990- date to be prescribed by Presidential Proclamation or law. Persian Gulf Veterans must have served active duty for two years or the full period for which they were called for active duty. |
Military
Did your spouse serve at least 90 days of active duty, with at least 1 day during an eligible wartime period? They must have an Honorable Discharge or General Discharge.
Medical
Do you have a medical condition causing a need for assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, walking, meal prep or mobility?
Money
Do you meet the financial criteria regarding net worth and income established by Congress?
Net worth less than $163,699 (VA net worth limit established by Congress 12.1225)? Primary residence and auto are not counted as part of net worth.
*Ongoing non-reimbursable medical and long-term care expenses may reduce your countable income.
Marriage
You must have been married to the Veteran at the time of their passing and generally not remarried.
Remarriage Exception: Remarriage does not affect your eligibility if your remarriage began after Jan 1, 1971 and ended before Nov 1, 1990.
Aid and Attendance for Long Term Care
Because Medicare generally does not cover custodial care when that is the only care needed, this pension can be a financial lifesaver.
Personal Care
Use funds for help with walking, bathing, and dressing in your own home.
Household Support
Covers assistance with cooking, laundry, and light housekeeping.
Safety
Ensures you have medication reminders and supervision for safety.
