Not everyone knows that the Veteran's Administration will pay a pension to veterans of wartime service who have a limited income and who are either over 65 or permanently and totally disabled.

If your parent - or anyone else you might know - fits any of the criteria below and he or she hasn't applied for pension benefits it might be a good idea to look into this. I have met several vets who were barely making it and who had no idea they might be eligible for some financial assistance.

The VA tends to some fairly convoluted explanations of its programs. Here's the gist of how VA Pensions work

Pension Eligibility Requirements:

• The veteran was not dishonorably discharged from service;
• The veteran served 90 days or more of active duty, with at least one (1) day being during a period of war time (the veteran does not have to have served in combat or overseas on this one day);*
• The veteran is permanently and totally disabled OR age 65 or older.

*If the veteran enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980 he or she must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which he or she was ordered to active duty. Any service from August 20, 1990 to the present is considered to be a period of war. Other periods of war are WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Income Limits For VA Pensions

The income limit to qualify for a VA pension is adjusted for inflation every year. In order that we stay current we're giving you a link so you can see the latest income limit information available from the VA.   

How Much Will The VA Pay?

The VA will pay the difference between the veteran's countable income and the yearly income limit. This benefit is usually paid in 12 equal monthly installments. Welfare benefits and Supplemental Security Income are not usually counted toward the annual income limit.

How Does A Veteran Apply For Pension Benefits?

A veteran who meets the income guidelines can apply for Pension Benefits online. You might have to help if your veteran isn't very comfortable with computers. There are also State Veterans' Benefits Counselors who can assist with these applications at no charge. You can locate the closest Benefits Counselor by contacting your closest VA Regional Office.