Program
VA benefit for a veteran's surviving spouse
A monthly VA payment for the surviving spouse of a wartime veteran, with higher rates if they need daily help.
What it can pay for
- living expenses
- Official name
- Survivors Pension (with Housebound/A&A rate) for surviving spouses
- Where
- Nationwide
- Status
- Program running
- Most it pays
- $18,697 monthly
- About the amount
- MAPR eff. 12/1/2025 for a surviving spouse with no dependents: base $11,699/yr; Housebound $14,298/yr; A&A $18,697/yr ($1,558/mo). With 1 dependent child: $15,311/$17,902/$22,304. Each extra child +$2,984. Compare DIC: $1,699.36/mo base, tax-exempt, no income test.
- Housing rules
- House excluded from net worth even in a nursing home or a daughter's home.
- How long it takes
- No published average.
- How to apply
- File Intent to File (21-0966, or call 800-827-1000), then VA Form 21P-534EZ, plus 21-2680 for the A&A/HB increase; mail to Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365.
- Official source
- va.gov
- Last checked
- December 1, 2025