Eligibility Requirements for Veteran Benefits
Who Is Eligible?
At least 90 days of active duty
Must have served at least ONE DAY during a declared state of war - Veteran DID NOT have to see combat
Preferred honorable discharge
Veteran must have any discharge other than dishonorable
Surviving spouse must have been married to veteran at the time of death
Surviving spouse cannot remarry to remain eligible unless she remarried a Veteran.
Periods of War
War of Conflict | Beginning & End Dates |
World War II | 12/7/1941 - 12/31/1946 |
Korean Conflict | 06/27/1950 - 01/31/1955 |
Vietnam Era | 02/28/1961 - 05/07/1975 8/15/1964 - 05/07/1975 |
Gulf War | 08/02/1990 through a date to be set by law or Presidential Proclaimation |
Maximum Pension Rates (2022)
Surviving Spouse of a Veteran | $16,456.00 Annually |
Single Veteran | $24,610.00 Annually |
Married Veteran | $29,175.00 Annually |
Two Veterans Married to Each Other | $39,036.00 Annually |
INCOME IS TAX-FREE
Documents Needed to File Claim
DD214 DISCHARGE PAPERS
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
DEATH CERTIFICATE
SOCIAL SECURITY CURRENT STATEMENTS
PENSION STATEMENTS
DIVORCE DECREES IF MORE THAN ONE MARRIAGE
