MNG-063 · DEATH, FAMILY & SURVIVORS
Survivors Pension
Navigate VA Survivors Pension eligibility, wartime service, relationship, income, net worth, medical expenses, Aid and Attendance, rates, and VA Form 21P-534EZ.
Eligibility map
- Qualifying wartime active service and discharge
- Qualifying surviving-spouse or unmarried-dependent-child status
- For a spouse, applicable marriage/cohabitation/remarriage rules
- Annual family income within the applicable MAPR after allowable deductions
- Net worth within the current limit
For December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026, VA lists the Survivors Pension net-worth limit as $163,699. VA also reviews specified asset transfers during a three-year look-back period. Rates and the net-worth threshold change, so use the table for the claim period.
Medical expenses can matter
Unreimbursed medical expenses can reduce income for VA pension purposes when the regulatory requirements are satisfied. Preserve health-insurance premiums, care costs, pharmacy expenses, nursing/home-care costs and proof of payment.
VA Form 21P-534EZ can be used for Survivors Pension, DIC and accrued benefits. Identify every benefit requested rather than assuming VA will treat one theory as another.
Official sources
Source status: SRC-150; SRC-151; SRC-149; SRC-167; AUTH-024 verified October 4, 2026. Use the current eligibility, rate, form, and decision notice for the individual survivor.
