Are You Eligible for VA Survivor Benefits? Find Out If You Qualify for a Spouse Pension

Uncertainty regarding one’s financial situation can make the experience of losing a loved one much more difficult.

On the off chance that you are the surviving spouse of a wartime veteran, you might be qualified to receive a VA Survivors Pension, which is a monthly benefit that is intended to give financial support.

However, in order to qualify, you will need to fulfill a number of specified requirements.

Additionally, you must not have remarried after the veteran’s passing in order to be eligible for the surviving spouse program.

In addition, the veteran must have served during a period of time that is regarded as a wartime period and have gotten an honorable discharge.

This service condition must be satisfied in order to proceed:

• Prior to September 7, 1980, the individual must have served for a minimum of ninety days, with at least one day being spent during a period of ongoing war.
• You must have served 24 months or the complete enlistment period, including at least one day of wartime service, in order to be considered for active duty after September 7, 1980.
• In the event that they had not previously enlisted, officers who began their service after October 16, 1981 are required to have completed a minimum of twenty-four months of active duty.

Additionally, in addition to these requirements, your annual family income and net worth must be within the restrictions that have been established by Congress.

When determining your net worth, the VA examines all of your assets, with the exception of your home, automobile, and the majority of your home furnishings.

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During times of war, veterans’ pensions are made available

For service during certain wartime eras, the Veterans Affairs (VA) exclusively provides pension payments, including the following:

Conflict	Service Period
World War II	December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
Korean Conflict	June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
Vietnam War Era	November 1, 1955 – May 7, 1975 (Vietnam) August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (Elsewhere)
Gulf War	August 2, 1990 – Present (Until determined by law)

What happens if you have dependant children?

Children of deceased war veterans who are not married may be eligible if they fulfill one of the requirements listed below:

• Less than eighteen
• enrolled in a VA-approved school and younger than 23
• possess an impairment that started before to the age of 18.

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How to submit a VA survivors pension application?

You can apply in four different ways:

1. With expert assistance Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), claims agents, or accredited attorneys can aid you with your application.
2. Online: For quick processing, use QuickSubmit via AccessVA.
3. By mail: Fill out VA Form 21P-534EZ and mail it to the Janesville, WI, Pension Intake Center.
4. In person: Go to a local VA regional office.

An earlier effective date for payments may be obtained by submitting an Intent to File form if you require more time to collect documentation.

Additional benefits for survivors: eligibility for social security

If your husband contributed to Social Security, you can also be eligible for Social Security survivor payments in addition to VA benefits.

Usually, age, marital status, and handicap status determine eligibility.

For partners and ex-partners:

• 60 years of age or older (50+ if impaired)
• married nine months or more before to the veteran’s passing
• If an ex-spouse’s marriage lasted ten years or longer, they might be eligible.

For kids:

• Under 18 (or, if still enrolled in school, under 19)
• Any age if they became disabled before to the age of 21

How much time does it take the VA to handle claims?

Unless you are eligible for priority processing, claims are processed in the order they are received, albeit processing periods vary.

Investigate your choices if you think you fit the requirements. During a trying time, the VA Survivors Pension can provide much-needed financial support, easing the strain.