FAQ FRIDAY - August 15, 2008

Q. I have heard about a Veteran’s pension for widows. How do you qualify?


A. There are several factors that need to be met to qualify. Assuming you meet the qualification as a veteran’s widow eligible for the pension, there are still income tests. The following is from the Veteran’s Administration website http://www.vba.va.gov/.


How do I know if I'm eligible?You may be eligible if:
the deceased veteran was discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND

the deceased veteran served at least 90 days of active military service 1 day of which was during a war time period. If he or she entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally he or she must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty. (There are exceptions to this rule.)

AND
you are the surviving spouse or unmarried child of the deceased veteran,

AND
your countable income is below a yearly limit set by law (The yearly limit on income is set by Congress). Countable income is most income, including social security, interest, dividends and earnings. The yearly limit is set by law. There are exclusions to countable income for things like VA benefits and medical expenses. There may be an asset limitation as well. Contact your VA for more information if you feel you might qualify.



IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication, including any attachments, is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of 1. avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or 2. promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

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