Survivors Pension

Pension for surviving spouses of wartime veterans

What is Survivors Pension?

Survivors Pension is a tax-free, needs-based benefit for low-income surviving spouses and dependent children of deceased wartime veterans. Unlike DIC, this benefit is not based on service-connected disability but rather on financial need.

Maximum Annual Pension Rates (MAPR)

The VA pays the difference between countable income and the MAPR

Surviving spouse alone

$925/mo

Surviving spouse with Aid & Attendance

$1,478/mo

Eligibility Requirements

•The deceased veteran served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period (or 24 months if entered after Sept 7, 1980)
•The veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
•The surviving spouse was married to the veteran at the time of death
•The surviving spouse's countable income is below the applicable MAPR
•The surviving spouse's net worth is below $155,356 (2026 threshold)
•The surviving spouse has not remarried

Qualifying Wartime Periods

World War IIDec 7, 1941 to Dec 31, 1946

Korean WarJun 27, 1950 to Jan 31, 1955

Vietnam EraAug 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975 (Feb 28, 1961 for in-country)

Gulf WarAug 2, 1990 to present

Net Worth Limit

The net worth limit for 2026 is $155,356. This includes all assets except your primary residence, personal belongings, and a reasonable amount of property used for a livelihood. The VA also applies a 3-year look-back period for asset transfers.

Pension rates and net worth limits are adjusted annually. The amounts shown are for 2026. The actual pension payment equals the MAPR minus countable income. Apply online at VA.gov or contact your local VA Regional Office.

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