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10.2. Survivors or Death Pension
Non-Service Connected Survivors Pension Benefit, aka "Non-Service Connected Death Pension"
The Non-Service Connected Survivors Pension benefit, which may also be referred to as Death Pension, is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to a low-income, un-remarried surviving spouse and/or unmarried child(ren) of a deceased Veteran with wartime service.
The following requirements apply for the survivor pension:
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Discharge Requirements for the deceased Veteran remain the same, and
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Service Requirements for the deceased Veteran remain the same, and
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The surviving spouse is the current spouse and is unmarried, and
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The surviving unmarried children of the deceased Veteran are either:
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under 18 years of age,
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became permanently "helpless" before 18 years of age
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between the ages of 18 and 23 and is in the process of pursuing a course of study at an approved institution such as college or vocational school.
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Date of cost-of-living increase: December 1, 2021
Increase factor: 5.9%
The net worth limit to qualify for a Survivors Pension as of December 1, 2021, is $138,489.
Standard Medicare deduction: Actual amount will be determined by SSA based on individual income.
For qualified surviving spouses with at least 1 dependent:
If you have 1 dependent child and… |
Your MAPR amount is (in U.S. $): |
You don’t qualify for Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits |
12,951 |
You qualify for Housebound benefits |
15,144 |
You qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits |
18,867 |
You qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits and you’re the surviving spouse of a Veteran who served in the Spanish-American War (SAW) |
19,438 |
Notes:
- The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/Minimum Income Annuity (MIW) limitation is $9,896.
- If you have more than 1 child, add $2,523 to your MAPR amount for each additional child.
- If you have a child who works, you may exclude their wages up to $12,950.
- If you have medical expenses, you may deduct only the amount that’s above 5% of your MAPR amount ($647 for a surviving spouse with 1 dependent).
For qualified surviving spouses with no dependents:
If you have no dependents and… |
Your MAPR amount is (in U.S. $): |
You don’t qualify for Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits |
9,896 |
You qualify for Housebound benefits |
12,094 |
You qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits |
15,816 |
You qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits and you’re the surviving spouse of a Veteran who served in the Spanish-American War (SAW) |
16,456 |
Notes:
- The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/Minimum Income Annuity (MIW) limitation is $9,896.
- If you have medical expenses, you may deduct only the amount that’s above 5% of your MAPR amount ($494 for a surviving spouse with no dependent child).
For qualified surviving children:
If you’re… |
Your MAPR amount is (in U.S. $): |
A qualified surviving child |
2,523 |