Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability for Veterans (64.104)
Program
64.104 Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability for Veterans
Federal Agency
VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Authorization
38 U.S.C. 1511, 1512, 1521.
Program Number
64.104
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To assist wartime veterans in need whose non-service- connected disabilities are permanent and total preventing them from following a substantially gainful occupation.
Types of Assistance
Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use.
Uses and Use Restrictions
No restrictions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Those veterans who have had 90 days or more of honorable active war-time service in the Armed Forces or if less than 90 days wartime service were released or discharged from such service because of a service-connected disability, who are permanently and totally disabled for reasons not necessarily due to service. Income restrictions are prescribed. Pension is not payable to those whose estates are so large that it is reasonable they use the estate for maintenance.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Disabled veterans.
Credentials/Documentation
Military discharge certificate showing the separation from service was under other than dishonorable conditions. The veteran must have a permanent and total disability preventing a substantially gainful occupation. His or her income and net worth must be limited as prescribed by statute.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
An application (VA Form 21-526) may be obtained from a local or regional VA Office (see Appendix IV of the Catalog) and submitted to the Regional Office.
Award Procedure
Awards are authorized at the regional office.
Deadlines
None. Entitlement is established from the date of receipt of the application, or the date the veteran became permanently and totally disabled, if disability prevents the veteran from applying for 30 days or more and if the application is received within 1 year of the date of disablement.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Available through special board. In the event of a denial, claimants are advised of appeal rights and procedures at the time of notification.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
The veteran must promptly report any change in his or her income, net worth or dependency status. Additionally, income verification requests are sent to the veteran periodically.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Program Accomplishments
During fiscal year 2001, 353,856 veterans received pensions. Estimates for subsequent years are: fiscal year 2002, 345,614 and fiscal year 2003, 338,599.
Financial Information
Account Identification
36-0102-0-1-701.
Obligations
(Direct Payments) FY 02 $42,320,195,000; FY 03 est $2,359,072,000; and FY 04 est $2,390,314,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Payments are $9,690 annually, reduced by countable income for a veteran without dependents ($16,169 if in need of aid and attendance and $11,843 if housebound) and $12,692 for a veteran with one dependent ($19,167 if in need of aid and attendance and $14,844 if housebound) plus $1,653 for each additional dependent. Also, an additional $2,197 is added if a veteran is of the WWI or Mexican Border Period. These payments apply for the Improved Law Program.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
38 CFR 3.3. "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet 80-00-1, $5.00, available from Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-79054. The stock number is 051-000-00220-2.
Related Programs
96.005, Special Benefits for Disabled Coal Miners.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog for Veterans Benefits Administration field offices.
Headquarters Office
Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420. Telephone: (202) 273-7210.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
