Veteran's pension

A Veteran's pension or "wartime pension" is a pension for Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, who served in the military but did not qualify for military retired pay from the Armed Forces. It was established by the United States Congress and given to Veterans who meet the eligibility requirements. Along with payments Veterans are also given additional benefits depending on their eligibility and needs.

The Veterans Pension system is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Veterans Pension is sometimes called the "wartime pension" due to a Pension criterion requirement that the Veteran served at least one day during a U.S. wartime period. The Department of Veterans Affairs publishes a list of Eligible Wartime Periods for determining if the Veteran meets the wartime service criterion. As of February 2017 to determine eligibility for the Veterans Pension the Veterans Administration recognizes the following wartime periods:

- Mexican Border Period (May 9, 1916 – April 5, 1917 for Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or adjacent waters);

- World War I (April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918);

- World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946);

- Korean conflict (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955);

- Vietnam (two periods) February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam; or August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served anywhere during the Vietnam War wartime period;

- Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – through a future date to be set by Congress, or Presidential Proclamation).

A source of confusion can be use of the term "wartime pension." Some mistakenly interpret this to mean the pension is awarded only to Veterans who participated in combat or served in a combat or war zone. The Veterans (or Wartime) Pension does NOT require the Veteran to have participated in combat, nor that the Veteran served in a combat or war zone.

A pension plan for disabled veterans was established by congress in 1792. Pension legislation for all surviving veterans was passed in 1818. This was unique to federal legislation. Money was shifted from the national treasury to individuals who were perceived as having the right to preferential treatment. The recipients were entitled to these payments because the pensions were viewed as delayed payments for the people who served during the American Revolution.

...
Wikipedia