Guide to VA Asset and Income Limits 2021

Veterans Affairs will base the pension amount of a qualified veteran, surviving spouse or dependent child on the difference between their Countable Income and MAPR or Maximum Annual Pension Rate.

 Assets and Income are combined to determine the total net worth of the veteran and their spouse. These include salaries, investments and retirement payments and other income received from benefactors.

 From December 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021 – the annual net worth limit to qualify for VA pensions is $130,773. Below is a list of items to help you determine which income and assets are “counted” to check if you’re within the set limit.

Counted as Income

• Gambling Winnings
• Gifts of Stock or Property
• Inheritance
• IRA & 401K Withdrawals
• Social Security
• Social Security Disability
• VA Compensation
• VA DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)
• Wages
• Alimony
• Revocable Trust
• Bonuses
• Commissions
• Overtime
• Tips

Counted as Assets

• Investments, Stocks and Bonds

• Boats

• Furniture

NOT Counted as Income

• Assistance Contributions from Non-Profits

• Family Assistance to Maintain the Vet’s Home

• In-Kind Services

• Installment Sales of Property (in certain situations)

• Life Insurance Payments or Cash Surrender Value

• Medicaid Payments

• Respite Care

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• VA Pensions (Housebound and A&A)

• Loans from Reverse Mortgages

• Long Term Care Reimbursements

• Medical Expenses Not Covered by Insurance

• Education Expenses

NOT Counted as Assets

• Primary Residence

• Car

• Personal Effects

What is MAPR And How Is It Determined?

MAPR is the maximum amount of pension that a veteran, surviving spouse or dependent child could receive. The MAPR is determined according to the number of dependents and whether they have disabilities and receive Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits.

Congress adjusts the MAPR each year according to the rising cost-of-living. Below you will find your MAPR amount based on VA’s latest figures:

NOTE: If you have medical expenses, you may deduct only the amount that’s above 5% of your MAPR amount ($696 for a Veteran with no spouse or child).

NOTES:

• If you have more than one dependent, add $2,382 to your MAPR amount for each additional dependent.
• If you have a child who works, you may exclude their wages up to $12,550.
• If you have medical expenses, you may deduct only the amount that’s above 5% of your MAPR amount ($912 for a Veteran with 1 dependent).

How To Compute Your Annual VA Pension Amount

What’s next?

Once you’ve determined that your income is within the prescribed limit and you might qualify for VA Pension, Aid and Attendance, and Housebound Benefits book your free consultation meeting with our team at Crider Law and we’ll help you complete the process of claiming the benefits that you so rightfully deserve for your service.

Whether it’s your first time to file a claim, pursuing an appeal or just want to learn more about your rights and entitlements under the VA pension program, we will support you every step of the way.

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