What it is VA Form 21P-527EZ is the application for Veterans Pension, a tax-free monthly benefit for low-income wartime veterans under 38 CFR 3.3. It is need-based, not service-connected, so a current disability rating from injury or illness during service is not required.
When you use it File this form if you served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a recognized wartime period (Mexican Border, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War — service after Sept 7, 1980 generally requires 24 months) AND you are 65+, permanently and totally disabled, in a nursing home for long-term care, or drawing SSDI/SSI. Add Aid & Attendance or Housebound for higher monthly rates if you need help with daily activities or are confined to your home.
What to gather before you fill it out DD-214, Social Security numbers for you and dependents, marriage and divorce records, dependent children's info, gross household income from all sources (Social Security, retirement, wages, interest), net worth (assets minus debts, excluding your primary home and one vehicle), unreimbursed medical expenses, and bank info for direct deposit. Also gather VA Form 21P-0969 (Income and Asset Statement) and VA Form 21P-8416 (Medical Expense Report).
How to submit Apply online at VA.gov, mail to the Pension Management Center in Janesville, WI (PO Box 5365, Janesville WI 53547-5365), or bring it to a VA regional office. File VA Form 21-0966 (Intent to File) first to lock in your effective date while you gather documents.
Common pitfalls Net worth limit is $163,699 (Dec 1, 2025 – Nov 30, 2026) and includes your spouse's assets. VA applies a 3-year look-back on asset transfers below fair market value — gifting money to children or setting up certain trusts before filing can trigger a penalty period up to 5 years. Forgetting to deduct unreimbursed medical expenses inflates countable income and shrinks your check. Income limits (MAPR) for 2025–2026: $17,441 single, $29,093 with Aid & Attendance — annual income above the MAPR after medical deductions disqualifies you.
Related forms 21P-0969 (Income and Assets), 21-2680 (Aid & Attendance / Housebound exam), 21P-8416 (Medical Expenses), 21-0966 (Intent to File).
Sources https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21p-527ez/ • https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/ • https://www.va.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates/ • 38 CFR 3.3 (https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.3)