Most Veterans Don't Know They Are Eligable For These Benefits

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV) says that a recent evaluation of the VA's Non-Service Connected Pension Program found that only about one in four eligible veterans are estimated to be receiving the pension benefits they are owed.




This is because many veterans still do not know that this VA pension program exists.



Current recipients surveyed by the VA in 2004 reported that they had been eligible for many years before actually applying for benefits. In order to qualify for the VA non-service connected pension program, veterans are required to have served during a specific "period of war."



The veteran should have been discharged under honorable conditions and generally served for at least 90 days. Veterans may receive a non-service-connected pension based on reaching age 65.



Veterans who are under age 65 qualify if they are permanently and totally disabled. For disabled veterans, the disability does not have to have any relationship to the veteran's military service.



Eligibility for the program is based upon need. Wartime veterans who believe that they qualify for a pension can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000 for an application and further information. For more information, read this article. VA Benefits