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Survivors pension (also called death pension) is a needs-based benefit for the surviving spouse and children of deceased veterans who served during a wartime period. Unlike Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which requires that the veteran death be service-connected, survivors pension is available regardless of the cause of death. The veteran must have met the basic pension service requirements at the time of death: at least 90 days of active service with at least one day during a wartime period, and a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. The surviving spouse income and net worth must be below the applicable thresholds.
The surviving spouse must meet several criteria to be eligible for survivors pension. The spouse must have been legally married to the veteran at the time of death. The spouse must not have remarried (with limited exceptions discussed below). The spouse countable income must be below the survivors pension MAPR, and net worth must be below the $155,356 threshold. The same income counting rules and medical expense deductions that apply to veteran pension also apply to survivors pension. For 2026, the base survivors pension MAPR for a surviving spouse with no dependents is approximately $11,100 per year.
Aid and Attendance and Housebound add-ons are available for surviving spouses who meet the medical criteria. A surviving spouse who needs the regular aid and attendance of another person, is bedridden, is in a nursing home, or has significantly limited eyesight may qualify for the A&A rate. The survivors pension with A&A MAPR for a surviving spouse with no dependents is approximately $17,755 per year (2026). The Housebound rate falls between the base and A&A rates. These enhanced rates provide crucial additional support for surviving spouses who have significant care needs. The medical evidence requirements (VA Form 21-2680) are the same as for veteran pension A&A and Housebound.
Children of deceased wartime veterans may be eligible for survivors pension in certain circumstances. Eligible children include unmarried children under age 18, unmarried children between 18 and 23 who are attending a VA-approved school, and children who became permanently incapable of self-support before age 18. If there is an eligible surviving spouse, the children benefit is typically included in the spouse pension calculation through dependent add-ons. If there is no eligible surviving spouse, children may receive pension directly. The rates and eligibility rules for child-only survivors pension are specific and should be discussed with a VA representative.
Remarriage has a significant impact on survivors pension eligibility. Generally, if a surviving spouse remarries, eligibility for survivors pension terminates. However, if the subsequent marriage ends (through death, divorce, or annulment), the surviving spouse may apply to have their pension restored. This restoration is not automatic; the spouse must file a new application. It is important to note that the remarriage rules for survivors pension are different from those for DIC. For DIC, remarriage after age 57 does not terminate benefits under current law. For survivors pension, remarriage generally terminates benefits regardless of age, though restoration is available if the marriage ends.
The application process for survivors pension is the same form used for DIC: VA Form 21-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits). When you submit this form, the VA will evaluate your eligibility for all applicable survivor benefits, including DIC (if the death may be service-connected), survivors pension (if income and net worth qualify), and accrued benefits (if the veteran had a pending claim). You should submit all relevant documentation with the application, including: the veteran DD-214, the veteran death certificate, your marriage certificate, income and net worth information, and medical evidence if applying for A&A or Housebound.
The difference between survivors pension and DIC is a common source of confusion. DIC is paid to survivors of veterans who died from service-connected causes or who were rated permanently and totally disabled for a specified period before death. DIC is not income-based, meaning it is paid regardless of the survivor financial situation. Survivors pension is paid to survivors of wartime veterans based on financial need, regardless of whether the death was service-connected. A surviving spouse may be eligible for one, both, or neither, depending on the circumstances. If eligible for both, the VA will pay whichever is higher (they cannot be received simultaneously).
For surviving spouses who are currently receiving survivors pension and whose health or financial situation changes, it is important to notify the VA promptly. If your care needs increase, you may become eligible for A&A or Housebound add-ons. If your income decreases (such as after paying off a debt or losing a source of income), your pension may increase. If your medical expenses increase, your pension may also increase due to the UME deduction. Conversely, increases in income or receipt of an inheritance or other assets may reduce or eliminate your pension. The VA annual eligibility verification process will capture these changes, but reporting them promptly ensures accurate payments.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, medical, or VA claims advice. VA regulations, fee structures, and enforcement actions are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at VA.gov or consult with an accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent before making decisions about your benefits.
Written by Claim Recon Editorial