The Approval Process

The VA receives a substantial number of benefit applications each month, and veterans can thus expect to wait for quite some time before their application is fully processed. In some instances, it takes the VA even as long as a year to respond, although the VA may pay VA Pension benefits retroactively upon approval. One thing that veterans should be aware of when applying for VA benefits is that they may have to begin the application process anew if they are denied, even if the eligibility issue can be resolved easily. For this reason, veterans or their surviving spouses ought to consider undertaking the application process with a veterans’ benefit attorney who can help them avoid missing benefit payments to which they are entitled.

Monthly Pension Limits

The primary goal of VA Pension is to provide veterans with enough monthly income to cover their needed care related expenses. VA Pensions have capped rates, however, to provide assistance to veterans without being excessive.

For 2023, the pension awards are capped at the following amounts:

Single veteran with Basic Pension: $1,336

Single veteran with Housebound: $1,633

Single veteran with Aid & Attendance: $2,229

Married veteran with Basic Pension: $1,750

Married veteran with Housebound: $2,047

Married veteran with Aid & Attendance: $2,643

Surviving spouse of a veteran with Basic Pension: $896

Surviving spouse with Housebound: $1,096

Surviving spouse with Aid & Attendance: $1,433