VA Survivors Pensions provide tax-free monthly payments to the surviving spouses and children of veterans if they have low income. The base pension rate is $10,757 annually for surviving spouses without dependents. How much of this money is received depends on net worth. If your loved one died from mesothelioma, learn if you qualify for a VA Survivors Pension.
What Is a VA Survivors Pension?
VA Survivors Pension, also known as the Death Pension, is a monthly benefit for low-income families that lost a veteran due to mesothelioma or another health issue. It is provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Similar to VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC), this pension allows qualified dependents to get monthly payments that vary based on income.
In cases where veterans died from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses, this pension can help their family members pay for anything — like lingering medical bills, funeral costs, and basic living expenses.
Our VA-accredited attorneys can help you file for a mesothelioma Survivors Pension and other benefits if you qualify. Get started right now.
Benefits of VA Survivors Pension for Mesothelioma
Following the death of a veteran with mesothelioma, benefits such as a VA Survivors Pension can greatly help families during a time of great financial and emotional stress.
The extra income from a VA Survivors Pension can offset some of the costs associated with both mesothelioma treatment and general expenses.
VA Survivors Pension can help eligible loved ones pay for:
- Basic living expenses (rent or groceries)
- Education expenses
- Funeral costs
- Health care
- Medical expenses
VA Survivors Pension Rates
The amount that recipients of the VA Survivors Pension receive each month depends on what category they fall under (spouse, dependent, etc.) and what their yearly countable income is.
If you qualify for a VA Survivors Pension, and your annual income falls under the limits set by Congress, your pension rate will be the difference between your countable income and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR). This difference will then be divided into monthly payments.
Your countable income is the sum of your yearly earnings as well as income from your dependents. It includes business income, investments, salaries, and disability or retirement payouts.
The MAPR amount is the highest possible amount you could receive from a pension. As of December 2022, the base MAPR for spouses is $10,757. If you are a spouse, your MAPR amount may be higher if you qualify for Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound benefits and/or have at least one dependent.
For example, if you qualify for Housebound or A&A benefits and have a dependent, your MAPR would go up to $16,462 and $20,509 respectively.
As of December 2022, you must have a net worth (assets not including your primary residence or vehicle plus your annual income) of less than $150,538 to qualify for Survivors Pension benefits.
Call (877) 450-8973 to see if you qualify for VA Survivors Pension or other mesothelioma benefits. Our team is standing by to help you.
How to Calculate VA Survivors Pension
The amount you will receive in VA Survivors Pension is calculated as the difference between your MAPR and countable income.
For example, if you make $12,000 in yearly income and your MAPR is $20,509, your pension amount will be $8,509 a year. This will be paid out in monthly installments.
It is important to note that Social Security and other forms of uncountable income will not reduce your monthly payments.
Who Qualifies for VA Survivor Benefits?
Dependents of former service members that served during a wartime period can access VA Survivors Pensions if they meet the following eligibility requirements.
| Spouse Requirements | Dependent Children Requirements | Deceased Veteran Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Meets income limits set by Congress | Must not be married | Not discharged under dishonorable conditions |
| Must not have remarried following the veteran’s death | Under 18 OR under 23 and going to a VA-approved school OR cannot care for themselves due to a disability that developed before turning 18 | Served prior to 9/7/1980 for 90 days (with at least 1 day of wartime service) OR served after 9/7/1980 for 24 months or the full service period (with at least 1 day during war) OR served after 10/16/81 with no prior active duty service |
File a Mesothelioma Pension Claim
A VA survivors pension can be a great relief if a veteran you love passed away from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
Remember: You'll get monthly, tax-free payouts that can be used to help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and any other expenses.
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center has proudly helped many veterans and their family members access VA benefits quickly.
Our team — including VA-accredited staff members and fellow veterans — can help see if you qualify for a VA Survivors Pension or other top benefits. Get help with your VA claim today.
FAQs About Mesothelioma VA Survivors Pensions
Is VA Survivors Pension taxable?
No, VA Survivors Pensions aren't taxed, meaning you'll always get the full amount of compensation you're entitled to.
What is the net worth limit for VA Survivors Pension?
The current net worth limit for VA Survivors Pension is $150,538.
Your net worth includes your annual income and assets like furniture, investments, and boats.
The VA does not count your home, your car, or basic home items and appliances towards your net worth.
Does Social Security count as income for VA Survivors Pension?
No, Social Security income is not counted as income. This means it may be possible to receive a VA Survivors Pension and Social Security payouts at the same time.
If you have further questions, speak with a VA-accredited representative (such as a claims agent or lawyer).
