Non-Service Connected Disability Pension (NSCP) is a Department of Veterans Affairs program that provides financial support to wartime veterans who have limited income.
Non-service connected disability ratings (NSC) are disabling conditions unrelated to military service. A disability pension may be available if the disability is determined to be a total and permanent disability or the veteran is at least 65 years old and income guidelines are met. (Age 65 is a qualifying condition in and of itself.)The amount payable under this program depends on the type and amount of income the veteran and family members receive from other sources. Unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income if they are recurring expenses. This is an income-based program available to all wartime veterans whether they served in combat or not.
A death pension is a benefit payable to eligible dependents of a deceased wartime veteran. Eligible dependents may qualify for a death pension if the deceased veteran served more than 90 days on active duty with at least one day during a war period or had a service-connected disability or a NSCP.
Eligible dependents are the unremarried spouse or the unmarried child, under age 18, or under 23 if attending a VA-approved school.
This is an income-based program: The amount payable depends on the type and amount of income the deceased veteran's dependents receive from other sources. The dependent's countable income must be below an annual limit set by law. Unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income if they are recurring expenses.
Additional benefits may be received under both of these programs if the veteran or dependents are homebound or require the aid and attendance of another person in their daily activities.
Richard Schleeter is the veterans service officer for the La Plata County Veterans Service Office. He can be reached at 382-6444 or schleeterrs2co.laplata.co.us.
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