SERVICE CONNECTED COMPENSATION
Service-connected disability compensation, referred to as “Disability Compensation” is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are disabled by an injury, or illness, that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. Combat experience is not required for compensation.
WHO QUALIFIES?
You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have a service-related disability and you were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
HOW MUCH DOES THE VA PAY?
Compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of Veteran’s dependents, and is paid monthly. Veterans with certain severe disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation. Click here for the latest Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables.
*Veterans with disability ratings of at least 30 percent are eligible for additional allowances for dependents, including spouses, minor children, children between the ages of 18 and 23 who are attending school, children who are permanently incapable of self-support because of a disability arising before the age of 18, and dependent parents. The additional amount depends on the disability rating and the number of dependents.
These eligibility requirements are general and there may be additional factors that affect eligibility. Each case is unique and there are exceptions for every rule. Your Texas Veterans Commission Benefits Advisor is an expert who can review your specific situation and help determine your eligibility.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Start today. Your payment starts to accrue the day you file, no matter how long it takes to get the claim settled. Meet with your local Texas Veterans Commission representative or Veterans County Service Officer who will guide you through the process and identify any paperwork required. Completing forms completely and correctly will affect the outcome of your request. Our expert Benefits Advisors will assist you in completing the forms to get the best results possible.
NON-SERVICE CONNECTED COMPENSATION
Non service-connected pension is a monthly benefit paid to Veterans who have limited or no income.
WHO QUALIFIES?
Veterans who:
Are 65 or older, or permanently & totally disabled;
Discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions;
Served 90 days or 24 months (depending on dates of service) of active duty with 1 day during a period of war time; combat experience is not required.
Family income lower than limit (depends on spouse/dependents)
HOW DO I APPLY?
These eligibility requirements are general and there may be additional factors that affect eligibility. Each case is unique and there are exceptions for every rule. Your Texas Veterans Commission Benefits Advisor is an expert who can review your specific situation and help determine your eligibility.
VETERANS PENSION
WHAT IS SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME FOR WARTIME VETERANS?
VA helps Veterans and their families cope with financial challenges by providing supplemental income through the Veterans Pension benefit. Veterans Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to low-income wartime Veterans.
WHO QUALIFIES?
Generally, a Veteran must have at least 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day during a wartime period to qualify for a VA Pension. If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions), with at least one day during a wartime period.
In addition to meeting minimum service requirements, the Veteran must be:
Age 65 or older, OR
Totally and permanently disabled, OR
A patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care, OR
Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, OR
Receiving Supplemental Security Income
Your yearly family income must be less than the amount set by Congress to qualify for the Veterans Pension benefit. Learn more about income and net worth limitation, and see an example of how VA calculates the VA Pension benefit. (See your local Texas Veterans Commission representative or Veterans County Service Officer, on how to calculate payments).
WHAT ARE “ADDITIONAL PENSION ALLOWANCES?”
Veterans or surviving spouses who are eligible for VA pension and are housebound or require the aid and attendance of another person may be eligible for an additional monetary payment.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Meet with your local Texas Veterans Commission representative or Veterans County Service Officer who will guide you through the process and identify any paperwork required. Completing forms completely and correctly will affect the outcome of your request.
What documents do I need?
Learn about the application documents that our VSOs can help you prepare. Save time and fast track your claims and appeals.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR BENEFITS
BENEFITS HANDBOOK
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to informing enrolled Veterans about VA health benefits and services they have earned and deserve. All new enrollees will receive a personalized Veterans Health Benefits Handbook, generally two weeks after enrollment has been confirmed.
The handbooks are tailored specifically for each Veteran and provide detailed, updated information about the VA health care benefits the Veteran may be eligible to receive, such as medications, prosthetics and dental care.
The handbook also provides answers to common questions, contact information for the Veteran’s preferred facility, instructions on how to schedule appointments, information regarding the Affordable Care Act, the Veteran’s copay responsibilities, if any, and much more.
An online version of the Handbook is expected in 2017, which will provide enrolled Veterans the opportunity to view, print or save a copy of the handbook. If you have a previous version, you will need to contact your local representative to ensure the information in your current booklet is current and correct. If you would like to review information about Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents or the latest benefits booklet, click here.
See http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhbh/ for more information and updates on the 2017 version.
