VA Pension Benefits are tax-free monthly payments provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible wartime Veterans with limited income who are permanently and totally disabled, age 65 or older, or residing in a nursing facility under certain circumstances. Additional pension benefits, such as Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, may also be available to qualifying Veterans and surviving spouses who require assistance with daily living activities or have significant medical needs.

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Program provides free assistance to eligible Veterans and surviving spouses seeking to apply for VA Pension Benefits. VACCC VSOs assist individuals by reviewing eligibility requirements, helping gather required financial and medical documentation, preparing and submitting pension applications, and guiding applicants through the VA review process.

Common Required Documentation

Individuals seeking assistance with VA Pension Benefits should be prepared to provide:

• DD214 or qualifying military discharge paperwork
• Current government-issued photo ID
• Financial documentation, such as:
  • Social Security Award Letters
  • Pension or retirement income statements
  • Bank statements
  • Asset and investment information
• Medical documentation, if applicable, including:
  • Physician statements
  • Medical diagnoses
  • Nursing home or assisted living documentation
  • Home healthcare or caregiver documentation
• Dependency documentation, if applicable:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Birth certificates
  • Death certificate for surviving spouse claims
• Any prior VA correspondence or benefit paperwork, if available

Important Notes

• VA Pension Benefits are income and asset-based programs with financial eligibility requirements
• Additional benefits may be available for Veterans or surviving spouses requiring daily assistance or long-term care
• Additional documentation may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances
• VACCC VSOs provide assistance free of charge

Veterans or surviving spouses interested in this service must either complete the intake form online using the QR code located on the VACCC home page, or contact the VACCC office directly at 312.433.6010 and press Menu Option 2 to speak with a Veteran Service Officer.