2012 Compensation and Pension rates

The following is the new monthly compensation and pension rates effective Dec. 1. This reflects VA and Social Security benefits which will receive a 3.6 percent increase. The new payments will post in January 2012. This is the first increase in two years.

Service Connected Monthly Compensation rates are as follows:

Percent of Veteran only Veteran Veteran each

Disability + spouse + spouse additional

+ child child add

10 $127 $127 $127 0

20 $251 $251 $251 0

30 $389 $436 $469 $22

40 $560 $622 $667 $31

50 $797 $875 $931 $38

60 $1,009 $1,102 $1,169 $46

70 $1,272 $1,380 $1,459 $53

80 $1,478 $1,602 $1,692 $62

90 $1,661 $1,801 $1,903 $69

100 $2,769 $2,924 $3,037 $77

This is just the basic table for compensation. There are also rates for veteran, spouse, their parent or parents, and children for veterans with children only. The additional child rate is higher for school age children. If you have any questions regarding these rates, please feel free to contact me.

The Non-Service Connected Pension yearly (monthly) income limitations are as follows:

If you are pension pension for HB Pension for A&A

Veteran $12,256 (1021) $14,978 (1248) $20,447 (1703)

Veteran + 1 $16,051 (1337) $18,773 (1564) $24,239 (2019)

Veteran + 2 $18,144 (1512) $20,866 (1738) $26,332 (2194)

Veteran + 3 $20,237 (1686) $22,959 (1913) $28,425 (2368)

Each additional

Child add $2,093 $2,093 $2,093

HB is House bound and A&A is Aid and Attendance

So if you are permanently disabled or over 65 and you are a wartime veteran that is currently making $565 monthly income you would be eligible for a monthly pension of $456 per month or higher depending on the amount of non-reimbursable medical expenses you accrue.

The Death Pension yearly (monthly) income limitations are as follows:

If you are pension pension for HB pension for A&A

Surviving spouse $8,219 (684) $10,046 (837) $13,138 (1094)

Surviving spouse + 1 $10,759 (896) $12,582(1048) $15,637 (1303)

Surviving spouse + 2 $12,852 (1071) $14,675 (1222) $17,776 (1481)

Surviving spouse + 3 $14,945 (1245) $16,768 (1397) $19,859 (1654)

Each additional

Child add $2,093 $2,093 $2,093

HB is House bound and A&A is Aid and Attendance

So if you are a widow of a wartime veteran that is currently making $385 monthly income you would be eligible for a monthly pension of $299 per month or higher depending on the amount of non-reimbursable medical expenses you accrue.

Please see your local county veterans service officer if you have any questions. You can contact your local VSO at (218) 631-7617 or by e-mail at david.anderson@co.wadena.mn.us . As always, have a great week.