Survivors Pension, sometimes called Death Pension, is a needs-based monthly benefit for surviving spouses and dependent children of deceased wartime veterans. Unlike DIC, which requires the veteran death to be service-related, Survivors Pension is available regardless of the cause of death as long as the veteran served during a qualifying wartime period and met the minimum service requirements. To qualify, the surviving spouse must have limited income and net worth below VA established thresholds. The income limit is called the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) and varies based on whether the survivor has dependents, needs aid and attendance, or is housebound. Income from most sources counts, but some income like welfare benefits and certain unreimbursed medical expenses can be excluded. The benefit amount equals the MAPR minus the survivor countable annual income. If your income is above the MAPR, you do not qualify. Survivors Pension includes additional payments for aid and attendance and housebound status, similar to the veteran pension program. These additional amounts can significantly increase the monthly benefit for survivors who need help with daily activities or are confined to their home. If you are the surviving spouse of a wartime veteran and have limited income, apply for Survivors Pension even if you are not sure you qualify.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).