Survivors and Dependents Benefits

Death Pensions

The VA Death Pension is paid to eligible dependents of deceased wartime veterans if their annual incomes are below these levels:

Surviving spouse with no dependents—$7,094
Surviving spouse with one dependent—$9,287
Housebound spouse with no dependents—$8,670
Housebound spouse with one dependent—$10,860
Surviving spouse who needs care and has no dependents—$11,340
Surviving spouse who needs care and has one dependent—$13,529
Surviving child with no eligible parent—$1,806

If you have more than one dependent, add $1,806 to the income limit for each dependent.

For example:

JoeMath
$9,287 (income limit) + $3,612 ($1,806 x 2 additional dependents) $12, 899 (limit for surviving spouse with three dependents)

How It Works

The amount you are eligible to receive from the VA is based on the difference between your annual income and the above income limits. The VA pays you the difference.

Example: Surviving Spouse With one Dependent

For this example, assume your annual income is $7,000. You would receive $2,287 each year, the difference between $7,000 and the VA annual income limit of $9,287 for a surviving spouse with one dependent.

JoeMath
$9,287 (income limit) - $7,000 (your annual income) $2,287 (amount you will recieve annually)

The VA breaks up your benefit into 12 monthly installments. So you would receive $190.58 each month.

JoeMath
$2,287 (amount recieved annually) ÷ 12 $190.58 (amount you will recieve monthly)

Find out whether you are eligible and then apply for the death pension.

JoeNote

Welfare benefits, Supplemental Security Income, and some wages earned by dependent children do not count toward your annual income when the VA determines the difference between your annual income and its income limits.

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the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense nor any U.S. government agency.