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The Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension (NSC) is the Veterans Administration (VA) benefits program for wartime veterans with limited income. The amount payable depends on other income sources the veteran and their family members currently receive. The amount of household income to calculate eligibility may be reduced by some unreimbursed medical expenses.

The current amount for a single veteran is $1,379 per month. This can change depending on family size and disability status, The Veterans Administration (VA) takes most household income into consideration when determining the amount of benefit that can be provided.

For example, if the VA assesses household income, consider the following scenario: If a veteran is receiving $800 monthly from Social Security, then the most that can be paid from the VA is $579 dollars, bringing income to the baseline level of $1,379 per month. There are exceptions to what the VA counts as household income; however, due to its complexity, this is a topic better addressed on an individual basis. Please contact our office (559) 713-2880 if you have a question about countable income.

To qualify for the NSC Pension benefit, the veteran must have been discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, must have served on active duty for at least 90 days, of which at least one day occurred during a wartime period – but the veteran need not have served in a war zone.

It is different for veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980. In that case, the requirement is generally to have served for at least 24 months or for the full period for which they were called to active duty.

A veteran under this clause might be a Reservist or National Guard member activated to serve in Iraq or Afghanistan. (The various dates of wartime periods are available in our office; you may contact us for the specifics.) The veteran must also be permanently and totally disabled or over the age of 65.

Where a veteran is eligible to receive benefits for both service-connected disabilities and the NSC Pension program, the VA is only authorized to pay the veteran one benefit. The VA will pay the veteran whichever benefit is highest.

As always, feel free to contact our office at (559) 713-2880 if you have questions about the NSC Pension benefit or any other benefits. We can assist you in determining your eligibility and submitting your application.

Ken Cruickshank, the Veterans Services Officer for Tulare County, is a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer. Contact him at the Veterans Services Office at 3348 W. Mineral King Ave., Visalia; by phone at (559) 713-2880; or by email at kcruicks@tularecounty.ca.gov.