VA Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension

Hello all. I’m back again with a very complicated topic: VA Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension.

Let’s try to make the muddy water just a little clearer.

First is eligibility. The veterans must have served at least one day during wartime. The veteran must be at least 65 years old, or have a permanent and total disability, or be a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability.

The VA will base your pension payment amount on the difference between your income for VA purposes and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR). To qualify for a VA Pension, your net worth and assets must be less than $163,699, and your income must be less than the MAPR, which is the limit Congress sets. This year, the monthly amount is $1,453 with no dependents. The rates increase with factors such as adding a spouse, being housebound, or receiving aid and attendance.

So, let’s say your monthly income is $1,200, and Social Security is counted as part of your monthly income. The VA will subtract your income from the MAPR and award you a monthly allowance of $253. Of course, there are other factors to be considered, such as what is allowable income and what may be deducted. Costs such as non-reimbursable medical bills may be deducted from your monthly income, giving you a lower monthly income and increasing your allowance from the VA.

Let’s talk a little bit about the assets and net worth. The VA considers things like investments, antique furniture, boats, real property etc… However, there are some items that the VA does not consider assets, such as your primary home or your car. Although second homes and rentals you own are considered assets, the VA will not consider nursing homes, care facilities or homes of relatives used for healthcare, even though you may consider it your primary residence.

This is just a high-level overview of VA pensions, without getting into the weeds. Of course, if you have any questions or would like to find out more, never hesitate to contact us.

Until next time. Let’s be kind to one another.

Cecil Webster, the Veterans Services Officer for Tulare County, is a former U.S. Navy Photographer’s Mate 3. Contact him at the Veterans Services Office at 3348 W. Mineral King Ave. in Visalia, by phone at 559-713-2880, or by email at TCVSO@tularecounty.ca.gov.