Death Pension Benefits

What is Death Pension ?  

Death Pension is a benefit paid to eligible dependents of deceased wartime veterans. 

Who is Eligible ?

You may be eligible if:

•    the deceased veteran was discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions,  AND

•    he or she served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time.  However, 38 CFR 3.12a requires that anyone who enlists after 9/7/80 generally has to serve at least 24 months or the full period for which a person was called or ordered to active duty in order to receive any benefits based on that period of service.  With the advent of the Gulf War on 8/2/90 (and still not ended by Congress to this day), veterans can now serve after 9/7/80 during a period of war time.  When they do, they generally now must serve 24 months to be eligible for pension or any other benefits.  But note the exclusions in 38 CFR 3.12(d),  AND

•    you are the surviving spouse or unmarried child of the deceased veteran,  AND

•    your countable income is below a yearly limit set by law

How Much Does VA Pay ?

To apply for or obtain more information about benefits, contact your local CVSO.