How is VA Pension Calculated?
A Veterans Pension Benefit is offered at 9 different maximum benefit amounts based on whether the award is for a veteran with a spouse, a single veteran or a single surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. There are also rates associated with additional dependent children. Typically, an older veteran household will have dependent children if they have one or more totally disabled or incapacitated adult children living in the home. Or the older veteran may be married to a younger woman. If the household has such a situation, the additional dependent child rates are listed in Table 1 below.
The calculation of each of these different categories of Pension income will allow for a benefit from zero dollars all the way up to the Maximum Allowable Pension Rate (or MAPR) for that category. We have listed the 9 categories below along with the minimum and maximum monthly Pension income for that category.
The table below lists current maximum allowable pension rates for 2013 by category of rating or no rating. The medical deductions mentioned in the example above are also listed here.
| Special Monthly Pension Rates Paid to Veterans Age 65 or Older OR Permanently and Totally Disabled |
Maximum Annual Pension Rate |
Maximum Monthly Check |
| Qualified disabled veteran | $12,652 | $1,054 |
| With one dependent | $16,569 | $1,380 |
| Qualified disabled veteran and housebound | $15,462 | $1,288 |
| With one dependent | $19,380 | $1,615 |
| Qualified disabled veteran and in need of regular aid and attendance | $21,107 | $1,758 |
| With one dependent | $25,022 | $2,085 |
| Increase for each additional dependent child | $2,161 | $180* |
| Death Pension Rates Paid to Veteran’s Surviving Spouse |
Maximum Annual Pension Rate |
Maximum Monthly Check |
| Surviving spouse | $8,485 | $707 |
| With one child | $11,107 | $925 |
| Surviving spouse is permanently housebound | $10,371 | $864 |
| With one dependent child | $12,988 | $1,082 |
| Surviving spouse needs regular aid and attendance | $13,563 | $1,130 |
| With one dependent child | $16,180 | $1,348 |
| For each additional child | $2,161 | $180* |
| Pension for each surviving child | $2,161 | $180* |
Veterans Benefits For NJ Benefits and Their Surviving Spouse
CONCLUSION
Fredrick P. Niemann Esq.
As you can see, the benefits to veterans and their surviving spouses eligible for the pension benefit is significant. The rules and regulations for being approved are complex. Going it alone can be very risky, if you are not familiar with the Veterans Administration. Need advice and help? Then call us today.
Fred can be reached toll-free at (855) 376-5291, or by e-mail at fniemann@hnlawfirm.com. He welcomes your inquiries and you will find him easy to talk to.
Written by Fredrick P. Niemann, Esq. of Hanlon Niemann & Wright, a New Jersey Veterans Benefits Attorney
New Jersey Veterans Pension | How is VA Pension Calculated? | New Jersey Veterans Pension Lawyer