Question:

I am currently unemployed and almost penniless. I live above my parents garage and I am fortunate in that they are able to help me out but this is all very frustrating. I am able to work but I just can’t find a job. My unemployment benefits ran out last month. I served in the Marines for 6 years. I have heard I may qualify for a VA pension. Is this true?

Answer:

A VA pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, if under 65, are also permanently and totally disabled, or, a patient in a nursing home, or are receiving Social Security disability payments. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for additional benefits such as Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits.

The following are some of the more recent periods of war recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

World War II. December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946, inclusive. If the veteran was in service on December 31, 1946, continuous service before July 26, 1947, is considered World War II service.

Korean conflict. June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955, inclusive.

Vietnam era. The period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. The period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in all other cases.

Persian Gulf War. August 2, 1990, through date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law.

Generally you may be eligible for a VA pension if:

  • you were discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable,
    AND
  • you served at least 90 days of active military service and at least 1 day was during a war time period (see above list). If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty and at least 1 day was during a war time period. (There are exceptions to this rule),
    AND
  • your income for VA purposes is below the maximum annual pension rate The yearly maximum annual pension rate is set by Congress,
    AND
  • you are age 65 or older, OR, you are permanently and totally disabled, not due to your own willful misconduct, OR, you are a patient in a nursing home, OR, you are receiving Social Security disability benefits.

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