What is Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a Veterans Pension to eligible low-income wartime veterans. This benefit provides a monthly payment to help supplement the income of veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements and have served during a period of war.
Additionally, the Survivors Pension (formerly called Death Pension) is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to a low-income, unremarried surviving spouse and/or unmarried dependent children of a deceased wartime veteran. Both pensions are designed to provide financial assistance to those who have served our country and their families, ensuring their basic needs are met.
How Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Qualifies You for Assistance
Receiving Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit is a key qualifying factor for several government assistance programs that provide free or discounted phones and wireless service. If you or anyone in your household receives either of these VA benefits, you are very likely eligible for:
- Lifeline Assistance Program: This program provides monthly discounts on phone or internet service.
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Offers discounts on broadband internet service and connected devices.
These programs help ensure that veterans and their families can afford essential communication services, which are critical for connecting to healthcare, support networks, and other vital resources.
Benefits You Can Receive with VA Pension Eligibility
- Free Monthly Phone Service: Many providers offer unlimited talk, text, and data plans at no cost through Lifeline and ACP.
- Discounted Internet Service: The ACP provides up to a $30/month discount (up to $75/month on Tribal lands) on broadband internet.
- Free or Discounted Smartphones: Get a new smartphone, often for free or with a low co-pay, when you enroll in qualifying programs.
- Free Tablets: ACP may offer a one-time discount of up to $100 on a connected device like a tablet.
How to Apply Using Your VA Pension Benefits
Step 1: Confirm VA Pension Participation
Ensure you or a member of your household currently receives Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Step 2: Gather Proof of Eligibility
You'll need documentation to verify your VA pension participation. This can include:
- VA benefit award letter
- Statement of benefits from the VA (dated within the last 12 months)
Step 3: Apply for Lifeline and ACP
You can apply directly through our website by completing the online application form. You will be asked to indicate your participation in Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit as a qualifying benefit.
Alternatively, you can apply through the National Verifier or directly with a participating wireless provider in your state.
Step 4: Verification
Your application and eligibility will be verified. This process may be quick if your information is readily available in federal databases. If not, you may be asked to submit your proof of VA pension participation.
Step 5: Choose a Plan and Device
Once approved, you can select a wireless plan that offers free or discounted service and choose from available devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Ready to Get Your Free Phone?
If you receive Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, you are very likely eligible for significant savings on your phone and internet service. Start your application today!
Related Programs and Benefits
Explore other programs and benefits that may offer assistance:
Official Resources
For more information about Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, visit: