Apply for Veterans Pension
A needs-based monthly benefit for qualifying wartime Veterans who meet age or disability and financial requirements.
Who this program may help
VA considers wartime service, discharge, age or qualifying disability, income and net worth together.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Review the pension requirements
Pension is not based solely on a service-connected rating.
Compare your service, age or disability and household finances with VA’s requirements.
Why this matters
Compensation and pension have different rules.
Official action:
Read Veterans Pension requirementsVA determines whether the pension requirements are met.
Official references
2. Gather service and financial information
The application asks about household income, assets and unreimbursed medical expenses.
Prepare military, family and work history plus requested financial information.
Why this matters
Incomplete financial information can need follow-up.
Documents for this step
- Household income, assets and unreimbursed medical expenses preparation
- Medical records
The application instructions require medical evidence for applicants under 65
conditional
VA may request additional financial or dependent forms.
Official references
3. Read the filing-date instructions for your method
An intent to file may establish a potential effective date when applicable.
Read VA’s pension instructions for verified online applications versus PDF filing.
Why this matters
VA must receive an applicable intent to file; beginning your own checklist does not establish a filing date.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 21-0966 — Intent to file a claim
If using an applicable intent-to-file method
conditional
Official action:
Read pension filing-date instructionsVA applies effective-date rules to the claim.
Official references
4. Apply online or send the pension form
Pension supports online application, PDF upload, mail and regional-office filing.
Use VA Form 21P-527EZ for the paper application.
Why this matters
Pension intake is separate from health enrollment.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 21P-527EZ — Apply for Veterans Pension
Paper or uploaded pension application
alternative
Official action:
Continue to VA to apply for pensionKeep your application and submission confirmation.
VA reviews the application and supporting information.
Official references
5. Respond to requests and read the pension decision
VA may ask for more evidence before deciding.
Follow each request and compare the decision with what you applied for.
Why this matters
The decision establishes the benefit and review instructions.
Keep requests, responses and the decision letter.
VA sends a decision or asks for missing information.
Additional support
If daily-care or Housebound needs apply, read the separate pension addition guide. These additions are not a general caregiver stipend.