Pension & Widow's Pension

To apply for Pension or Widows Pension please call our office @ 803-283-2469 for an appointment.  You will need to complete the corresponding worksheet at the bottom of the page and bring in the other necessary documents.

Qualifications for VA Disability Pension & VA Widows Pension

VA disability Pension/Widows Pension is a program that provides financial support to wartime veterans or their widows.  Under this program, the amount of pension depends upon total income of the veteran and/or spouse.  Countable income may be reduced by paid, unreimbursed medical expenses.

Eligibility

  • Veteran must have 90 days or more active duty, one of which must have been during a wartime.
  • Veteran must be determined by the VA to be 100% disabled.
  • Veteran/Widow must meet income guidelines.

War Time Dates:

World War II December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
Korea June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955
Vietnam August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975
Gulf/Iraq/Afghanistan August 1, 1990 to present

Veteran Income Guidelines (effective 12/01/2018)

Single Veteran $13,166.00
Veteran with One Dependent $17,241.00
Each Additional Dependent add $2,205.00
Single Veteran determined to be Housebound $16,089.00
Veteran with One Dependent Housebound $20,166.00
Single Veteran in need of Aid & Attendance $21,962.00
Veteran with One Dependent in need of Aid & Attendance $26,036.00

Widows Income Guidelines (effective 12/01/2018)

Single Widow $8,830.00
Widow with One Dependent $11,557.00
Each Additional Dependent add $2,205.00
Single Widow determined to be Housebound $10,792.00
Widow with One Dependent Housebound $13,514.00
Single Widow in need of Aid & Attendance $14,113.00
Widow with One Dependent in need of Aid & Attendance $16,837.00

Documentation required for VA Disability Pension & VA Widows Pension

  • DD Form 214 (Veterans Discharge from Military)
  • Copy of death certificate of Veteran (if filing for Widows Pension)
  • Copy of Marriage License/divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Income Information (Social Security, Interest Income, Private Retirement Income, etc.)
  • Asset information (CD's, IRA's, stocks, bonds, etc.) (Asset limitation is $80,000)
  • Aid and Attendance VA Form 21-2680 completed by physician (if applicable)
  • Paid, unreimbursed medical expenses (Medications, Doctor Fees, cost of health insurance, cost of patient sitter, cost of assisted living/nursing home care, etc.)
  • If an Assisted Living/Nursing Home Resident, statement from facility to include:  Name and Address of facility, date of entry, date of Medicaid eligibility, cost of assisted living/nursing home care (you can not count room and board charge only what % of the total amount that is actually for medical expenses and care)
  • Minor children's Social Security numbers and birth certificates


  1. Pension Brochure
  2. Widows Pension Brochure