New York VA Pension Attorneys Serving Veterans Nationwide
The Veterans' Administration (VA) Veterans' Pension benefits program offers need-based payments to elderly or disabled former military service personnel, whether or not their disabilities are service-related. Many low-income veterans are unaware of their eligibility for VA pension benefits. At the New York state law firm of Jacobowitz & Gubits, LLP, our lawyers work with veterans on a wide range of benefits issues, and we are fully committed to helping those eligible receive the pensions they need and deserve.
Contact us in Walden or Monticello, New York, to work with experienced veterans' benefits attorneys. For elderly applicants or those with permanent and total disabilities, a VA pension can supplement your income and help you meet the expense of unreimbursed prescriptions or medical treatment. For those who are housebound or in need of in-home aid and attendance (as defined by the VA), additional benefits are available on top of the VA pension.
Determining Eligibility for VA Pension Benefits
Eligibility for a veteran's pension is based on military service, age, disability, income and to some extent, net worth. Most applicants will be eligible for a pension upon demonstrating the following qualifications:
- Discharge conditions other than dishonorable
- For those who entered military service before September 7, 1980, at least 90 days of military service with at least one day of war-time service
- For those who entered after September 7, 1980, at least 24 months of active service or service for the full period when called to active duty, with some exceptions
- Currently earning a low income as defined by the VA according to detailed household income criteria
- Over age 65 or totally and permanently disabled from any cause other than willful misconduct
Calculating the income eligibility requirement of a VA pension application is somewhat complicated. Certain forms of income, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), are not counted against your income. You can also claim a credit for certain unreimbursed medical expenses. Although the particular income threshold for a given veteran will vary with the circumstances of the case, we encourage any elderly or totally disabled veteran with a gross annual income less than $20,000 to consult with our attorneys about their eligibility.
Nationwide Client Service: Call Jacobowitz & Gubits at 866-535-4743
For more information about the VA pension program for elderly or totally disabled former military personnel, you can contact our New York veterans' benefits lawyers by calling us toll free or sending us an e-mail with your questions.
