Survivor benefit guide
VA Survivors Pension for Low-Income Widows of Veterans
The VA Survivors Pension is a needs-based monthly payment for eligible low-income surviving spouses of wartime veterans. Learn about eligibility, income limits, and how to find free, accredited help with your claim.
What Is the Survivors Pension?
The Survivors Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to a low-income, un-remarried surviving spouse of a deceased wartime veteran. It is a needs-based benefit, meaning your yearly family income and net worth must be below limits set by Congress.
Who May Be Eligible?
A surviving spouse may qualify if they:
- Were married to the veteran at the time of death and have not remarried.
- Meet the VA's income and net worth limits.
- The deceased veteran served during a period of war and met minimum service requirements.
Income and Net Worth Limits
The VA considers your countable income (including Social Security, pensions, and other earnings) and net worth (assets such as property and savings) when determining eligibility. Certain medical and education expenses may reduce your countable income. The exact limits are set by Congress and adjusted annually.
How to Apply
Survivors can file a pension claim directly with the VA or work with a VA-accredited representative at no cost. Accredited representatives from recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) can help you understand the documentation needed and file your claim.
Visit the official VA Survivors Pension pageSurvivors Pension vs. Private Life Insurance
The Survivors Pension is a government benefit based on financial need and wartime service. Private life insurance, by contrast, is a commercial product that pays a death benefit to named beneficiaries regardless of income. Some families use private life insurance to supplement VA benefits and protect against income gaps not covered by government programs.
Plan Beyond the Pension
Survivors Pension helps with income, but long-term financial security often requires additional planning. See how private insurance fits your family's plan.
Veteran Family Advocates is an independent, for-profit educational and insurance referral service. We are not a nonprofit organization and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, or any government agency. We do not prepare, file, or determine eligibility for VA benefit claims. Official VA benefit information and assistance from accredited representatives may be available at no cost.