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Updated Feb 28, 2025

In This Section This section contains the following topics:
Topic Topic Name
1 Determining the Monthly Rate of Pension Payment
2 Determining the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR)
3 Veterans Who Are Married to Each Other
4 Surviving Child Entitled to Survivors Pension in Their Own Right
5 Income Classifications
6 Counting Income for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Purposes (IVAP)
7 Counting Income During the Initial Year
8 Income Reminder Letter

1.  Determining the Monthly Rate of Pension Payment

Introduction

   This topic contains information on determining the monthly rate of current-law pension payments, including

Change Date

   June 27, 2015

IX.iii.1.E.1.a. Changing Rate of Pension

   A pension beneficiary’s rate usually changes at least once a year and may change more often. In theory, the pension rate could change every month, but as a practical matter this does not often happen.

IX.iii.1.E.1.b. Knowledge Needed to Determine Monthly Rate of Pension

   To determine a pension beneficiary’s rate of pension for any given month, the following two elements must be known for the month in question, the beneficiary’s
  • maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) in effect for that month, and
  • income for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) purposes (IVAP) for that month.

IX.iii.1.E.1.c. Determining the Monthly Rate of Pension Payment

   Follow the steps in the table below to determine the monthly rate of payment.
Step Action
1 Calculate annual IVAP for the month.
2 Locate the applicable MAPR for that month in the pension rate tables.
3 Subtract the annual IVAP from the MAPR.
4 Divide the result in Step 3 by 12 to get the monthly rate.
5 Round down to the nearest dollar.
Note:  If IVAP equals or exceeds the MAPR, the rate payable is $0.

IX.iii.1.E.1.d.Pension Rates Paid Less Frequently Than Monthly

   Current-law pension benefits are normally paid once each month.  However, they are paid less frequently than monthly if the annual rate payable is less than $228. The net award amount for each payee (primary or apportionee) determines if payments are made less frequently than monthly, per 38 CFR 3.30.

IX.iii.1.E.1.e. Determining the Pension Payment Schedule

   Use the table below to determine the payment schedule.
If the annual rate payable is … Then payments are …
at least $144 but less than $228 made every three months on or about
  • March 1
  • June 1
  • September 1, and
  • December 1.
at least $72, but less than $144 made every six months on or about
  • June 1, and
  • December 1.
less than $72 made annually on or about June 1.
less than $1 not made.

IX.iii.1.E.1.f. Suggested Text for Locally-Generated Award Letters When Monthly Rate Is Less Than $19

   When preparing a locally-generated letter is required, and the monthly rate is less than $19, use the following suggested language. Under the current-law pension program, the maximum annual pension rate for a person in your circumstances is [insert applicable maximum annual pension rate].  This amount is reduced by your income for VA purposes.  Because your income for VA purposes is [insert IVAP], you are entitled to pension at the annual rate of [insert rate] effective [insert date].  If the annual amount of pension payable is less than $228, it is paid either quarterly, semiannually or annually.  In your case, you will receive a check on or about [insert date] for the amount due for the period [insert date] through [insert date].  Thereafter, you will be paid [once/twice/four times] a year on or about [insert date].

2.  Determining the MAPR

Introduction

   This topic contains information on determining the MAPR, including

Change Date

   June 27, 2015

IX.iii.1.E.2.a. General Information on MAPR

   The MAPR for any given claimant is determined by
  • the type of payee (Veteran, surviving spouse, or child)
  • the number of established dependents, and
  • whether the beneficiary is eligible for the aid and attendance (A&A) or housebound MAPR.
A change in any of these factors, such as the loss of a dependent or grant of A&A, changes the MAPR and the amount of the pension payable, per 38 CFR 3.23. Note:  A higher MAPR applies to a beneficiary who is found in need of A&A or is housebound.  A&A and housebound benefits are also referred to as special monthly pension (SMP).

IX.iii.1.E.2.b. COLA in MAPR

   If Social Security benefits are increased as the result of an Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), pension MAPRs are increased by a like percentage at the same time, per 38 CFR 3.23(a). References:  For more information on

3.  Veterans Who Are Married to Each Other

Introduction

   This topic contains information on Veterans who are married to each other, including

Change Date

   June 27, 2015

IX.iii.1.E.3.a.Combined Rate Payable to Veterans Married to Each Other

   A special combined maximum annual pension rate applies to Veterans who are married to each other.  This is the same rate as for a Veteran with a dependent, unless both of the Veterans are eligible for SMP. Reference:  For more information on the special combined rate, see the pension rate tables.

IX.iii.1.E.3.b.Award Procedures in Veteran-Married-to-Veteran Cases

   Authorize payments in a Veteran-married-to-Veteran case on a single award unless one Veteran requests separate payments, or both Veterans are eligible for SMP. If separate payments are requested, compute the rate payable by establishing the MAPR for each Veteran as one half of the special combined MAPR, including the additional amount payable by reason of
  • the need for SMP
  • entitlement to World War I (WWI) supplement, or
  • dependency status.
Reduce the MAPR for each spouse by one half of the combined income. Reference:  For more information on making payments in Veteran-married-to-Veteran cases, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 2.B.2.

IX.iii.1.E.3.c.Determining the File Number to Use in Combined Awards

   Either file number may be used to establish a combined payment award. Exception:  In original or reopened cases when one spouse has entitlement to the A&A, housebound, or WWI allowance, establish the award under the file number of the Veteran with entitlement to the special benefit.

IX.iii.1.E.3.d.Estranged Married Veterans

   If two Veterans married to one another are estranged but one Veteran is making a reasonable contribution to the support of the other, the combined pension rate applies. Note:  When two Veterans married to one another are estranged and neither Veteran is reasonably contributing to the other’s support, the combined pension rate does not apply.

IX.iii.1.E.3.e.Mandatory Election From Protected Pension in Veteran-Married-to-Veteran Cases

   If one of two Veterans married to each other is receiving Section 306 Pension or Old-Law Pension (spouse A) and the other married Veteran (spouse B) files a pension claim, spouse A must elect current-law pension before spouse B’s pension claim can be approved.

A current-law pension election is effective from the date of election (subject to 38 CFR 3.31).  However, use the effective date of spouse B’s pension claim in determining the payment date of the combined payment award. Pay only the available difference between spouse A’s protected pension award and the combined payment current-law pension award for any overlapping periods. If the combined payment award is prepared under Spouse B’s file number, a withholding is required to pay only the available difference.

4.  Surviving Child Entitled to Survivors Pension in Their Own Right

Introduction

   This topic contains information on a surviving child entitled to Survivors Pension in their own right, including

Change Date

   February 14, 2022

IX.iii.1.E.4.a.General Information on a Surviving Child Entitled to Survivors Pension in Their Own Right

   A surviving child is entitled to Survivors Pension in their own right only if
  • the surviving child is not in the custody of the surviving spouse (as the term custody is defined in 38 CFR 3.57(d)), or
  • there is no surviving spouse who is eligible for pension, for example, the surviving spouse is deceased or remarried.
Important:  A surviving child is not eligible for Survivors Pension in their own right if in the custody of an unremarried surviving spouse whose income or net worth is excessive for pension purposes. References:  For more information on
  • a surviving child’s independent pension eligibility, see 38 CFR 3.24, and
  • custody for current-law pension purposes, see 38 CFR 3.57(d).

IX.iii.1.E.4.b.Legal Custody for Current-Law Pension Purposes

   To find the MAPR for a surviving child claiming Survivors Pension, first determine whether the child is in the legal custody of some person. For purposes of pension, a child is in the legal custody of the person who
  • is legally responsible for the child’s support, and
  • has the right to exercise parental control over the child.
Physical custody of the child is not determinative. Reference:  For more information on the definition of custody for pension purposes, see 38 CFR 3.57(d).

IX.iii.1.E.4.c.Custody Continuing After the Age of 18

   A person having custody of a child prior to the time the child attains age 18 shall be considered to retain custody of the child for periods on and after the child’s 18th birthday, unless the person is divested of legal custody as provided, under 38 CFR 3.57(d)(3). Example: For current-law pension, a child who is an adult for State law purposes, such as a 22-year-old schoolchild or a 47-year-old helpless child, is considered to be in custody of the person who had
  • legal responsibility for the child’s support (even if the child is not residing with that individual), and
  • the right to exercise parental control over the child before the child attained the age of majority under State law.
Exception:  If there was an intervening court action specifically relieving the person of legal responsibility for the child’s support or removing the person’s right to exercise parental control over the child, the child is no longer considered to be in the custody of that individual for current-law pension purposes.

IX.iii.1.E.4.d.Child Not In Custody

   In rare instances, some children are not in the custody of an individual as defined in 38 CFR 3.57(d).  Normally, a child is in the custody of some person as the term “custody” is defined for current-law pension. A child is not in custody for current-law pension purposes if
  • both parents are deceased and no guardian is appointed
  • parental rights are terminated by legal action and the child is placed in the custody of an institution or governmental agency, or
  • the child is emancipated by a court action.
Note:  The fact that a child is institutionalized, even if pursuant to court order, does not necessarily mean that the child is not “in custody.”  Unless some court action takes away the parent’s or guardian’s right to exercise parental control or legal responsibility for the child’s support, the child remains in the parent’s or guardian’s custody while institutionalized.

IX.iii.1.E.4.e.Presumption of Child Custody

   In the absence of evidence that a parent or guardian has been divested of either the legal right to exercise parental control over the child or legal responsibility for the child’s support, presume that the child is in the parent’s or guardian’s custody for current-law pension purposes. Request a legal opinion from the District Counsel if a question arises as to whether or not some positive legal action has divested an individual of the legal right to exercise parental control over the child as well as legal responsibility for the child’s support. Under 38 CFR 3.57(d)(3), the request for a legal opinion should specifically pose the question in terms of whether positive legal action has divested the parent or guardian of the legal
  • right to exercise parental control over the child, or
  • responsibility for the child’s support.
This is because divestiture of legal custody by means other than a court order or agreement does not take the child out of custody for current-law pension purposes. Reference:  For more information on the legal right to exercise parental control, see M21-1, Part VII, Subpart i, 3.B.

IX.iii.1.E.4.f.Single Surviving Child’s Rate Based on Custody

   If a surviving child does not have a personal custodian or is in the custody of an institution, determine the child’s rate of pension by subtracting the child’s IVAP from the child’s MAPR in the Survivors Pension rate tables per 38 CFR 3.24(b). Under 38 CFR 3.57(d)(2), if the child is in custody, pay the lesser of the following two pension rates as provided in 38 CFR 3.24(c)(1):
  • child alone MAPR, reduced by the child’s IVAP only, or
  • surviving spouse with one dependent MAPR, reduced by the combined IVAP of the
    • child
    • person having custody of the child, and
    • spouse of the person having custody of the child if the child is in the custody of a biological or adoptive parent.
Note:  The income of the spouse of a legal guardian who is not the child’s parent is not a factor in determining IVAP.

IX.iii.1.E.4.g.Multiple Surviving Children in Custody

   If multiple surviving children are in custody, pay the lesser of the following two pension rates as provided in 38 CFR 3.24(c)(2):
  • child alone MAPR times the number of eligible children, reduced by the qualifying children’s total IVAP only, or
  • surviving spouse with one dependent MAPR plus the additional amount added to the MAPR for each additional child, reduced by the combined IVAP of the
    • children
    • person having custody of the child, and
    • spouse of the person having custody of the child if the child is in the custody of a biological or adoptive parent.
Note:  Any surviving child with an IVAP greater than the MAPR for a child alone is not entitled to pension.  Disregard the income of any child whose IVAP exceeds the child alone MAPR when determining the eligibility of the other child claimants. References:  For more information on
  • processing a surviving child award in Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) Awards, see the VBMS Awards User Guide, and
  • surviving child Survivors Pension payments, see

IX.iii.1.E.4.h.Example 1:  Surviving Child in Custody

   Example:  The year is 2021.  The surviving child of a deceased Veteran lives with a grandparent.  The child is still in the legal custody of a parent (remarried surviving spouse of the Veteran) but the child has little contact with the surviving parent.  The child has no income.  The child’s parent has income of $2,000 per year.  The child’s stepparent has income of $60,000 per year. Result:  The child is not entitled to pension because the combined income of the child, the person legally responsible for the child’s support (child’s parent), and the child’s stepparent is $62,000 per year which exceeds the MAPR for a surviving spouse and one child. Reference:  For more information on counting the income of a surviving child’s custodian, see

IX.iii.1.E.4.i.Example 2:  Surviving Child in Custody

   Example:  The year is 2021.  The surviving child of a Veteran lives with the child’s parent (remarried surviving spouse) and stepparent.  Neither the parent nor stepparent has any countable income.  The child receives a pension of $650 per month from the deceased Veteran’s former employer. Result:  The child is not entitled to Survivors Pension because the child’s income exceeds the MAPR for a child alone.

5.  Income Classification

Introduction

   This topic contains information on income classifications, including

Change Date

   August 31, 2016

IX.iii.1.E.5.a.Rationale for Classifying Income

   Income is annualized for purposes of determining entitlement to current-law pension.  This means that all income must generally be counted for at least 12 months. It is useful to classify income before attempting to count it.

IX.iii.1.E.5.b.Types of Income

   The following four income classifications are defined in this topic:
  • nonrecurring
  • recurring
  • short-term recurring, and
  • irregular.

IX.iii.1.E.5.c.Definition:  Nonrecurring Income

   Nonrecurring income is essentially a one-time receipt of income.  It is sometimes called one-time income.  The income recipient may receive nonrecurring income more than once during the income year, but each receipt is a separate and distinct event. Reference:  For more information on counting nonrecurring income, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.E.6.a–d.

IX.iii.1.E.5.d.Definition:  Recurring Income

   Recurring income is income that
  • comes to the income recipient on a regular basis, such as weekly or monthly, and
  • is received in regular amounts.
A monthly Social Security check is the most common example of recurring income. For current-law pension purposes, recurring type income, such as monthly Social Security payments, must be counted on the VA award for at least 12 months to be considered recurring income.  Treat retroactive payments of recurring type benefits as nonrecurring income. Reference:  For more information on counting recurring income, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.E.6.e–h.

IX.iii.1.E.5.e.Definition:  Short-Term Recurring Income

   Short-term recurring income is recurring income that has not been counted on the VA award for at least 12 months. An example of short-term recurring income is regular wages that are counted on the award for six months when the beneficiary is laid off and the income stops. References:  For more information on counting short-term recurring income as nonrecurring income for income calculation purposes, see

IX.iii.1.E.5.f.Definition:  Irregular Income

   Irregular income is an intermediate category of income that has characteristics of both recurring and nonrecurring income.  In general, irregular income is income that is received several times during an income reporting period, but which comes at irregular intervals or in irregular amounts. Examples of irregular income include
  • earned income from odd jobs, and
  • interest income where the rate of return fluctuates.
Normally, irregular income is reported after the fact. Reference:  For more information on counting irregular income, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.E.6.i–l.

6.  Counting IVAP

Introduction

   This topic contains information on calculating the IVAP, including

Change Date

   February 14, 2022

IX.iii.1.E.6.a.Counting Nonrecurring Income

   Count nonrecurring income for 12 months from the first day of the month after the month during which the income is received.

IX.iii.1.E.6.b.Example 1:  Counting Nonrecurring Income

   A Veteran receives a $500 Social Security retroactive check on March 14, 2015.  Count this income starting April 1, 2015, and remove it April 1, 2016. Note:  If the nonrecurring income causes the award to be discontinued, 38 CFR 3.31 applies to a reopened award and the beneficiary is ineligible for 13 months. Reference:  For more information on the payment period, see

IX.iii.1.E.6.c.Example 2:  Counting Nonrecurring Income

   Example:  A single Veteran has $9,000 per year in recurring income.  The Veteran receives one-time income of $500 on March 14, 2014, and a second one-time income of $600 on July 20, 2014. Result:  Adjust the award as shown in the table below.
Date Rate IVAP Reason
04-01-2014 $89 $9,500 $500 nonrecurring income received March 14, 2014.
08-01-2014 $39 $10,100 $600 nonrecurring income received July 20, 2014.
12-01-2014 $69 $10,100 COLA.
04-01-2015 $110 $9,600 $500 removed.
08-01-2015 $160 $9,000 $600 removed.
Note:  38 CFR 3.31 does not apply to the rate changes on April 1, 2015, and August 1, 2015.

IX.iii.1.E.6.d.Example 3:  Counting Multiple Nonrecurring Income When One Income Terminates Benefits

   Example:  A single Veteran has $9,000 in annual recurring income. The Veteran receives one-time income of $2,000 on March 5, 2015, and $2,200 on April 2, 2015. Note:  If the nonrecurring income results in award termination due to excessive countable income, 38 CFR 3.31 applies to the payment of pension after a break in entitlement in accordance with M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.H.1.i.  
Date Rate IVAP Reason
04-01-2015 $155 $11,000 $2,000 nonrecurring income received March 5, 2015.
05-01-2015 $0 $13,200 $2,200 nonrecurring income received April 2, 2015.
06-01-2016 $322 $9,000 $2,200 removed.  (Apply 38 CFR 3.31).
References:  For more information on

IX.iii.1.E.6.e .Counting Recurring Income

   Count recurring income on an open-ended basis from the first day of the month after the month during which the recurring income is first received.  If there is a change in recurring income, adjust the award effective the first day of the month after the change occurs. Note:  The change occurs on the date the income was last received for an income source that stops and the date that the new reduced income rate is received for an income source that is reduced.

IX.iii.1.E.6.f.Example 1:  Counting Recurring Income

   Example:  A Veteran receives a retirement check in the amount of $200 on March 14, 2016.  The Veteran expects to receive a $200 check on or about the 14th of each month for the indefinite future. Result:  Increase the IVAP by $2,400 ($200 x 12) effective April 1, 2016.

IX.iii.1.E.6.g.Example 2:  Counting Recurring Income

   Example:  A Veteran receives a recurring retirement income of $300.00 that VA has counted since 2005.  The Veteran reports that this income has stopped and the last check of $300.00 was received on March 31, 2016. Result:  Because the income was counted on the award for at least 12 months and was last received on March 31, 2015, remove it on April 1, 2015, the first day of the month after the change occurs.

IX.iii.1.E.6.h.Example 3:  Counting Recurring Income

   Example:  A Veteran receives a recurring retirement income of $300.00 that VA has counted since 2005. The Veteran reports that this income has decreased to $200.00 and the last check of $300.00 was received on March 31, 2016.  The first check for the reduced amount of $200.00 was received on April 30, 2016. Result:  Adjust the award effective May 1, 2016, the first day of the month after the change occurs.

IX.iii.1.E.6.i.Counting Irregular Income

   When irregular income is initially received from a particular source, count it for 12 months from the first day of the month after the month during which it is first received.  Thereafter, count irregular income for 12 months from the beginning of the calendar or initial year reporting period during which it is received. Count the lower amount of irregular income during any overlapping periods.  However, if the irregular income for the calendar year is zero, then count the irregular income for the full 12-month period. Note:  A claimant could be in receipt of multiple types of irregular income.  Do not lump together different types of irregular income, for example, interest income and odd-job income.  However, it is permissible to lump together the same type of irregular income from multiple sources, for example, interest income from multiple banks or odd-job income from multiple employers.

IX.iii.1.E.6.j.Example 1:  Counting Irregular Income

   Example:  A Veteran has been paid current-law pension based on interest income of $600 per year.  The Veteran submits a claim on May 1, 2015, and reports receiving only $500 interest income during calendar year 2014.  The decreased interest is verified upon review of Federal tax information (FTI) provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Result:  Adjust the award from January 1, 2014, subject to 38 CFR 3.31 (that is, adjust from February 1, 2014, if the change in income causes the pension rate for January 1, 2014, to exceed the December 2013 rate).

IX.iii.1.E.6.k.Example 2:  Counting Irregular Income

   Example:  The Veteran turns 65 and applies for pension on March 14, 2014.  On the application the Veteran reports expected interest income of $50 per year.  The $50 was counted on the award on an open-ended basis from April 1, 2014.  The following year, the Veteran reports having received interest income of $80 between April 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014.  The Veteran expects to receive interest income of $90 during 2015.  A review of FTI provided by the IRS shows that the Veteran received $70 in interest income the prior years. Result:  Adjust the award based on interest income of $80 from April 1, 2014, and interest income of $90 from April 1, 2015.  If evidence submitted at the end of 2015 shows that the Veteran actually received interest income of $70 during calendar year 2015, adjust to pay based on the IVAP of $70 from January 1, 2015, subject to 38 CFR 3.31.

IX.iii.1.E.6.l.Example 3:  Counting Irregular Income

   Example:  The Veteran is rated permanently and totally disabled from August 7, 2013.  The Veteran is paid based on $0 IVAP.  On October 28, 2013, the Veteran reports receiving interest income of $100 per year on September 29, 2013.  Because this is new income, it is not verified by FTI provided by the IRS.  The award is adjusted to count the IVAP of $100 on an open-ended basis from October 1, 2013.  On February 3, 2015, the Veteran reports having received interest income of $75 during the period January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014.  FTI is unable to verify the information for the period of September 29, 2013, through September 30, 2014, because it is not a calendar year.  In addition, FTI information is not yet available for calendar year 2014. Result:  Adjust the award as shown in the table below.
Date IVAP Reason
09-01-2013 $0 No income from August 7, 2013.
10-01-2013 $100 $100 interest income from September 29, 2013.
02-01-2014 $75 $75 interest income from January 1, 2014. Note: 38 CFR 3.31 applies.

IX.iii.1.E.6.m.Irregular Income and Original or New Awards

   For an original or new award after a period of non-entitlement, count irregular income received between the effective date and the payment date over the duration of the initial year. Example:  A Veteran turns 65 and claims pension on December 14, 2013.  The initial year period is December 14, 2013, through December 31, 2014.  The Veteran is paid the maximum rate based on $0 income.  On June 18, 2014, the Veteran reports having received income from babysitting in the amount of $500 during the period January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014.  The Veteran does not anticipate receiving income from any source in 2015.  Review of FTI provided by the IRS shows $0 in income. Further development reveals that a total of $630 in babysitting income was received between December 14, 2013, and January 1, 2015.  The income was received at various times and in various amounts during the period in question (irregular income). Result:  Increase IVAP to $630 from January 1, 2014, and reduce IVAP to $0 from February 1, 2015 (38 CFR 3.31). Reference:  For the definition of the term initial year, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.E.7.a.

IX.iii.1.E.6.n.Irregular Income and the End-of-the-Month Rule

   Per 38 CFR 3.660(a)(2), whenever reduction of a running current-law pension award is required because of an increase in income, the reduction is effective the end of the month in which the increase occurred.  However, this “end-of-the-month rule” does not apply to decreased rates attributable to increases in irregular income (that is, when VA is already counting irregular income) when there is no discretely identifiable date of receipt. Example:  A Veteran is being paid on $80 IVAP from interest.  On January 31, 2015, the Veteran reports $90 in interest for 2014.  FTI provided by the IRS is not yet available for the year 2014. Result:  Count the interest income of $90 from January 1, 2014.

IX.iii.1.E.6.o.Reclassifying Income as Irregular Income

   In some instances, income that is initially characterized as recurring income is reclassified as irregular income after the fact. Example:  A surviving spouse’s original award is payable from May 1, 2014.  The surviving spouse reports anticipated earnings of $200 per month.  A review of FTI provided by the IRS shows wages from multiple payers in the prior years totaling $2,200.  The award is made based on reported IVAP of $2,400 (recurring income).  During May 2015, VA receives a statement from the surviving spouse indicating
  • a layoff in August 2014
  • a new job in September 2014 making $300 per month
  • quitting the job in October 2014
  • earned income of $250 in March 2015 from odd jobs, and
  • being presently unemployed.
Total earnings during the period May 1, 2014, through April 30, 2015, came to $1,650.  FTI provided by the IRS is not yet available for 2014 or 2015. Result:  Recharacterize the recurring income as irregular income and change the IVAP to $1,650 effective May 1, 2014.

IX.iii.1.E.6.p.Counting Short-Term Recurring Income

   Treat short-term recurring income like nonrecurring income and count the total amount received for 12 months from the first day of the month after it was initially received. Example:  A Veteran started receiving earned income of $200 per month, effective March 14, 2015.  The Veteran has no other income.  The award was adjusted effective April 1, 2015, to count $2,400 on an open-ended basis.  The Veteran later reports losing the job and states that the last check was received on July 14, 2015.  The total earnings received were $1,000.  At the time of the Veteran’s report, FTI provided by IRS is not available for the period of reported wages. Result:  Count $1,000 for the period April 1, 2015, through March 31, 2016.  Remove the income on April 1, 2016. Reference:  For more information on treating short-term recurring income like nonrecurring income, see 38 CFR 3.271(a)(1).

IX.iii.1.E.6.q.Counting Hard-to-Classify Income

   Not all income fits neatly into one of the four categories listed in M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.E.5.  There are instances where it is not clear whether a claimant has received irregular income, or multiple occurrences of nonrecurring. Question:  If a Veteran does occasional seasonal labor and receives three $500 checks during the 12-month calendar or initial year reporting period, should it be treated as
  • three instances of nonrecurring income with three separate income adjustments, or
  • irregular income and counted for the duration of the calendar or initial reporting period during which it was received?
Answer:  Situations like this amount to a judgment call by the claims processor working the case.  The important principle is that all income must be counted for 12 months, unless an overlapping period is involved in the case of irregular income.  It often makes little difference to the claimant whether $500 is counted for three separate 12-month periods or $1,500 is counted for one 12-month period.  However, if alternative computation methods would have significantly different results for the claimant, use the method that is to the claimant’s advantage. Exception:  There is an exception to the general rule that all income must be counted for 12 months.  When a dependent with income is removed from the award, the dependent’s income is removed with the dependent even if this means that the income is counted for fewer than 12 months. Reference:  For more information on removing a dependent from an award, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.F.3.

IX.iii.1.E.6.r.Income Received Before the Effective Date of the Award

   Do not count income received before the effective date of an original or new award.  (For Survivors Pension cases, do not count income received between the effective date and the date of the Veteran’s death.)  The effective date is the date a claimant is entitled to benefits without regard to 38 CFR 3.31. However, if the claimant would have been entitled to current-law pension but current-law pension is not paid solely because income exceeds the MAPR, apply the normal income-counting procedures to any income received or expenses paid after the date that would have been the effective date, had income not exceeded the MAPR.

IX.iii.1.E.6.s.Example:  Income Received Before Effective Date of Award

   Example:  A Veteran files an original pension claim on June 10, 2014.  The Veteran reports having received gambling winnings of $10,000 on June 3, 2014.  VA determines that the Veteran is entitled to pension effective June 10, 2014. Result:  Disregard the $10,000 when calculating the IVAP for the Veteran’s entitlement to pension, since it was received before the date of the Veteran’s award.

IX.iii.1.E.6.t.Example:  Income Received Before Date of Death

   In Survivors Pension cases, do not count income received before the date of the Veteran’s death, even if it is received after the effective date of the award. Example:  The Veteran died on March 20, 2014.  The surviving spouse files an original Survivors Pension claim on February 2, 2015.  The surviving spouse reports receipt of a $10,000 inheritance on March 19, 2014. Result:  The effective date of the award under 38 CFR 3.400(c)(3)(i) is March 1, 2014.  Disregard the $10,000 in determining the IVAP for the surviving spouse’s entitlement to Survivors Pension.  Although it was received after the effective date, it was received before the date of the Veteran’s death.

IX.iii.1.E.6.u.Date of Receipt of Income Is Not Known

   Always determine the reporting period during which income is received.  If this information is not of record, initiate development. For original and new awards, count the income from the effective date of the award if the actual date of receipt is not shown on the application.  If the beneficiary later reports the actual date of receipt of income, adjust the award.

IX.iii.1.E.6.v.Determining When Income Is Received

   Income is considered to have been received for VA purposes when cash or something that could be converted into cash comes into the possession of the recipient.  The fact that non-cash income comes into the recipient’s possession on a weekend or holiday makes no difference. Likewise, banking practices which prevent the recipient from drawing on a check for a certain period of time are irrelevant to determining the date of receipt of income.  However, a post-dated check is not considered to have been received before the date of the check, even though it might be in the recipient’s possession earlier.  Electronically transferred income is considered to have been received by the recipient on the date that it is credited to the recipient’s account. Example:  The Veteran is notified on September 29, 2014, of a $10,000 inheritance.  The Veteran receives the $10,000 check on October 28, 2014. Result:  The $10,000 is considered to have been received on October 28, 2014.

IX.iii.1.E.6.w.Renouncement of Benefits Under 38 CFR 3.106(c)

   Under 38 CFR 3.106(c)
  • an application for pension filed within one year after renouncement of that benefit is not treated as an original application, and
  • benefits are payable as if the renouncement had not occurred.
This provision, which was effective November 2, 1994, the date of enactment of Public Law 103-446
  • requires VA to include income received in that one year period as income for VA purposes, and
  • precludes the planned renouncement of the benefit prior to receipt of nonrecurring income in order to avoid having that nonrecurring income used to calculate IVAP.

7.  Counting Income During the Initial Year

Introduction

   This topic contains information on counting income during the initial year, including

Change Date

   November 3, 2016

IX.iii.1.E.7.a.Definition: Initial Year

   The initial year is defined as the period extending from the effective date of the award, or later date of the Veteran’s death, through the end of the month that is 12 months after the month during which pension entitlement arose. Examples:
  • Veterans Pension:  If the claim is received on October 14, 2014, then the initial year is October 14, 2014, through October 31, 2015.
  • Survivors Pension:  If the Veteran died on May 2, 2014, and the claim is received on
    • August 4, 2014 (within one year after the date of death), then the initial year is May 2, 2014, through May 31, 2015, or
    • August 4, 2015 (more than one year after the date of death), then the initial year is August 4, 2015, through August 31, 2016.

IX.iii.1.E.7.b.Deductible Medical Expenses Paid During the Initial Year

   Deductible medical expenses paid during the initial year are allowed for the first 12 months of the award. Note:  Because income is generally reported on a calendar year basis, the initial year overlaps the first calendar year unless the date of entitlement is in December.  Count the lower amount of irregular income and allow the higher amount of medical expenses during periods of overlap. If a surviving spouse is entitled to the Veteran’s rate for the month of death under 38 CFR 3.20, deductible medical expenses are allowed for the first 13 months of the award although they affect the IVAP for only 12 months. Important:  In Survivors Pension cases, do not deduct unreimbursed medical expenses paid by the surviving spouse between the effective date of the Survivors Pension award (first day of the month of the Veteran’s death) and the date of the Veteran’s death.  However, the expenses may be deducted as final expenses, if they are related to the Veteran’s last illness. References:  For more information on

IX.iii.1.E.7.c.Example 1:  Income Counting for the Initial Period

   A Veteran with no dependents is permanently and totally disabled effective March 14, 2013.  Use the guidelines below to determine the Veteran’s IVAP.
  • If the Veteran is receiving monthly recurring income on March 14, 2013, enter the monthly income into the computer system with no end date.  The system will multiply the monthly income by 12 and count it on an open-ended basis.
  • If the Veteran receives irregular income between March 14, 2013, and April 1, 2014, count the income for the period April 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014.
  • Include all deductible medical expenses paid during the period March 14, 2013, through March 31, 2014, when calculating the IVAP for the period April 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014.
  • If the Veteran starts receiving recurring income on June 15, 2013, that ends in October 2013, count the total amount received as short-term recurring income from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014.
  • If the Veteran receives nonrecurring income on December 5, 2014, count the income from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015.

IX.iii.1.E.7.d.Example 2:  Income Counting for the Initial Year – IVAP Changes

   The table below shows the effective dates and reasons for the IVAP changes described above in M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.E.7.c.
Date IVAP Reason for IVAP Change
04-01-2013 $3,400 $200 monthly recurring income plus $1,000 irregular income received March 24, 2013.
07-01-2013 $4,900 $1,500 short-term recurring income first received June 15, 2013.
12-01-2013 $4,900 COLA.
04-01-2014 $3,900 Irregular income removed.
07-01-2014 $2,400 Short-term recurring income removed.
01-01-2015 $2,700 $300 nonrecurring income received December 5, 2014.
01-01-2016 $2,400 Nonrecurring income removed.  (13-month rule does not apply.)

IX.iii.1.E.7.e.Example 3:  Income Counting for the Initial Year – Survivors Pension

   Example:  The Veteran was receiving disability compensation of $1,037.01 per month prior to passing away on April 7, 2014.  The surviving spouse files an original claim on July 5, 2014, and is found to be entitled to Survivors Pension at the rate of $200 per month. Result:  Pay $1,037.01 for the month of April 1, 2014 (the Veteran’s compensation rate for the month of death), and pay $200 per month, effective May 1, 2014.  In this case, the payment date is the same as the effective date, because 38 CFR 3.31 does not apply when the Veteran’s rate is payable for the month of death under 38 CFR 3.20.

IX.iii.1.E.7.f.Income Changes During the Initial 12 Months of Award

   If there is a change in income that occurs after the effective date of the award, apply the income-counting principles found in this topic.  This means that an original or new award might be discontinued after having run fewer than 12 months.

IX.iii.1.E.7.g.Example 1:  Income Changes During the Initial 12 Months of Award

   In this example and the example found in M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.E.7.h, it makes no difference whether or not the award is running at the time VA learns of the retroactive payment.  The income counting procedures found in this topic apply equally to original, new, and running awards. Example:  A surviving spouse is entitled to Survivors Pension with an effective date of March 15, 2014.  The award is payable from April 1, 2014.  The award is based on IVAP of $0.  The surviving spouse receives a retirement check for $800 on July 3, 2014.  It represents a $600 retroactive check and the regular $200 check for July.  The surviving spouse expects to receive $200 each month in the future from this source. Result:  Pay based on the IVAP of $0 from April 1, 2014.  Increase the IVAP to $3,000 effective August 1, 2014 (12 x $200= $2,400 + $600 retroactive).  Reduce the IVAP to $2,400, effective August 1, 2015, when the $600 retroactive comes off the award. The table below shows the date and reason for the IVAP changes in this example.
Date IVAP Reason
04-01-2014 $0 Entitlement is effective from date of claim, March 15, 2014. (Claim received more than one year after Veteran’s death.)
08-01-2014 $3,000 Retirement check received July 3, 2014. Count $600 nonrecurring plus $200 per month recurring ($2,400).
08-01-2015 $2,400 Remove nonrecurring income.

IX.iii.1.E.7.h.Example 2:  Income Changes During the Initial 12 Months of Award

   Example:  A surviving spouse is entitled to Survivors Pension with an effective date of March 15, 2014.  The award is payable from April 1, 2014.  The award is based on IVAP of $0.  The surviving spouse receives a retirement check for $3,000 on July 3, 2014.  It represents a $2,500 retroactive check and the regular $500 check for July.  The surviving spouse expects to receive $500 each month in the future from this source. Stop the award effective August 1, 2014, because the IVAP of $8,500 exceeds the applicable MAPR.  If there are no other changes in the surviving spouse’s income, entitlement exists effective August 1, 2015, when the $2,500 retroactive payment has been counted for 12 months. Note:  If the surviving spouse re-establishes entitlement effective August 1, 2015, the payment date would be September 1, 2015, per 38 CFR 3.31 and VAOPGCPREC 2-1989.

IX.iii.1.E.7.i.Counting the Initial 12 Months of Income for Disallowed Claims

   A corollary of the rule that all income must be counted for 12 months on pension awards is the principle that income that bars payment of pension must be considered for a full 12 months from the first day of the month after the effective date. Example:
  • May 10, 2013:  Veteran died.
  • June 10, 2014:  The surviving spouse files an original Survivors Pension claim and is denied because of monthly wages of $1,400.
  • May 1, 2015:  The surviving spouse re-applies for Survivors Pension stating no income because of a job loss in November 2014.  The surviving spouse received $9,800 between June 10, 2014, and November 2014.
The $9,800 short-term recurring income must be counted for a full 12 months from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015.  An award can be made based on IVAP of $0 with a payment date of July 1, 2015.  The period July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, then becomes the surviving spouse’s initial year for the purposes of claiming medical expenses. Note:  In the initial denial letter, inform the surviving spouse of the January 1, 2017, time limit to claim unreimbursed medical expenses to establish entitlement from June 10, 2014.

IX.iii.1.E.7.j.Counting the Second 12 Months of Income for Disallowed Claims

   Under 38 CFR 3.660(b)(2), a claimant has two 12-month periods to submit evidence establishing entitlement to benefits for the second 12-month period after denial of a claim because income exceeds the limit during the first 12-month period. Note:  This time limit is actually shorter than the time limit to establish entitlement for the first 12-month period. Therefore, if a claim has been denied because income for the first 12-month period exceeded the MAPR, evaluate income for the second 12-month period to determine if entitlement exists.  If income is below the MAPR for the second 12-month period, pay from the beginning of that period. Example:  A 65 year-old Veteran files an original claim on March 14, 2013.  The claim is denied because the Veteran receives disability retirement of $1,200 per month. On September 29, 2014, the Veteran reports that the last disability check was received on September 3, 2014.  The Veteran also reports winning $500 in a lottery on June 16, 2014.  The Veteran asks to be paid based on an IVAP of $0 from October 1, 2014. In this case, income was excessive for the first 12-month period of March 14, 2013, through March 31, 2014.  Therefore, the Veteran’s entitlement for the second 12-month period must be based on income received from April 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015.  During this period, the Veteran received disability retirement of $7,200 and lottery winnings of $500. Result:  The table below shows the effective dates and reasons for the changes in IVAP.
Date IVAP Reason
04-01-2014 $7,200 Entitlement from beginning of second 12-month period. Nonrecurring income of $1,200/month retirement income times 6 months.
07-01-2014 $7,700 Add $500 lottery winnings received June 2014.
04-01-2015 $500 Remove $7,200 nonrecurring income.
07-01-2015 $0 Remove $500 lottery winnings.
Reference:  For more information on the time limit to establish entitlement under 38 CFR 3.660(b)(2), see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart iii, 1.A.3.b.

IX.iii.1.E.7.k.Example 1:  Counting Income During the Initial Year

   Example:  A Veteran’s date of entitlement to pension is March 14, 2015.  Before the award is authorized, the Veteran reports receipt of Social Security on February 13, 2015.  The Veteran is entitled to Social Security from December 2004.  The first check includes a monthly payment of $200 and retroactive payment of $400. Result:  Count the $200 monthly Social Security payment (recurring income) on an open-ended basis from the effective date of the award.  Disregard the $400 retroactive payment (nonrecurring income) because it was received before date of entitlement to VA pension, March 14, 2015.

IX.iii.1.E.7.l.Example 2:  Counting Income During the Initial Year

   Example:  A surviving spouse is entitled to pension from March 14, 2014.  Before the award is authorized, the surviving spouse reports receipt of Social Security on July 19, 2014.  The surviving spouse is entitled to Social Security from February 2014.  The surviving spouse receives a monthly Social Security check of $200 and a retroactive payment in the amount of $1,200. Result:  The table below shows the effective dates and reasons for the changes in IVAP.
Date IVAP Reason
04-01-2014 $0 Entitlement effective March 14, 2014.
08-01-2014 $3,600 $200 monthly recurring income plus retroactive Social Security payment of $1,200.
08-01-2015 $2,400 Remove nonrecurring income.

IX.iii.1.E.7.m.Example 3:  Counting Income During the Initial Year

   Example:  A Veteran is entitled to pension from March 14, 2014.  After the award is running, the Veteran reports anticipated receipt of Social Security in the amount of $200 per month starting August 7, 2014. Result:  Count the $200 monthly Social Security ($2,400) from September 1, 2014.

IX.iii.1.E.7.n.Example 4:  Counting Income During the Initial Year

   Example:  The Veteran died on July 19, 2014.  The surviving spouse files a Survivors Pension claim on August 2, 2014.  The surviving spouse reports the following one-time income:
  • $500 received on June 30, 2014
  • $500 received on July 17, 2014, and
  • $500 received on July 29, 2014.
Result:  Disregard the $500 received on June 30, 2014, since it was received before the effective date (July 1, 2014).  Disregard the $500 received on July 17, 2014, because it was received before the Veteran’s death (although after the effective date).  Pay based on the IVAP of $500 from August 1, 2014.  Reduce the IVAP to $0 effective August 1, 2015.

8.  Income Reminder Letter

Introduction

    This topic contains information on the Income Reminder Letter, including

Change Date

   December 18, 2019

IX.iii.1.E.8.a.Purpose of the Income Reminder Letter

   Batch letter processing is in place to generate VA Form 20-8992, Computer Generated Letter – Income Reminder Letter (Income Reminder Letter) for parents, widows, and Veterans who do not receive Social Security Disability (SSD) income. The Income Reminder Letter is released to pensioners and Parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients who
  • are not receiving SSD, and
  • are a certain age:
    • Veterans who are 62 or 65 years old
    • spouses who are 60, 62 or 65 years old, or
    • parents who are 62 or 65 years old.
This letter serves as a reminder to pension and Parents’ DIC recipients to report income who are of Social Security retirement age but SSD is not reported on their award. However, if pension or Parents’ DIC recipients have a private attorney as their power of attorney, an Income Reminder Letter will not generate.  An 800 Series Work Item is generated under the 882C claim label.  In this instance, the SOO must release an Income Reminder Letter manually.

IX.iii.1.E.8.b.How SOOs Are Alerted That System-Generation of an Income Reminder Letter Failed

   When system-generation of the Income Reminder Letters fails, the SOO is alerted by the generation of an 800 series work item.  The message code for this work item is 820 882C, SOC SEC Income Reminder Letter not sent. When the work item appears in a regional office’s (ROs) inventory, the RO must References:  For more information on 800 series work items, see

IX.iii.1.E.8.c.Language to Include in a Locally- Generated Income Reminder Letter

   The following paragraphs must be included in a locally-generated letter when the system-generated Income Reminder Letter is not sent: AN IMPORTANT REMINDER The amount of money you receive from VA is based on many things.  Changes in income or dependency are the most important. CHANGES IN FAMILY INCOME This letter is to remind you to tell us immediately if there is any change in your income or that of your family.  If you have income now which was not previously reported, please tell us what it is, the monthly rate, and the date on which you received the first check.  For any retroactive payments, tell us the amount and date of the payment.  Be sure to show the full amount of the benefit before any deductions.  For example, if you start receiving Social Security benefits, report the total of the check plus any Medicare deduction.  If there are no changes in your income, you do not have to do anything.  Be sure to notify us as soon as Social Security benefits are granted.  If you do not advise us promptly, an overpayment may be created which you will have to repay. CHANGES IN DEPENDENTS If you have married, divorced, or had some other change in dependents, you need to tell us immediately.  You would need to report the name of the dependent, the kind of change, and the date of the change.  If there are no changes, you do not have to do anything.  You may call VA toll-free at 1 (800) 827-1000 (TDD 711 for hearing impaired) if you have any questions concerning this letter or to report changes in income or dependency.  You may also report changes by writing to VA at the above address. Please include the Veteran’s full name and file number on everything you send VA, or have it when you call.