VA Form 21P-0518-1: Surviving Spouse Pension Verification – Surviving spouses of wartime veterans may qualify for VA Survivors Pension (also known as Improved Pension) benefits. VA Form 21P-0518-1 is the key annual verification document for unremarried surviving spouses with no children. It helps the VA confirm ongoing eligibility by reporting changes (or lack thereof) in income, net worth, marital status, and other factors.
What Is VA Form 21P-0518-1?
VA Form 21P-0518-1, titled Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse with No Children), is a two-page form used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to verify continued eligibility for Survivors Pension benefits.
The current version (June 2024) supersedes the July 2021 edition and has an OMB Control Number 2900-0101 with a respondent burden of about 30 minutes. It expires on June 30, 2027.
This form is specifically for surviving spouses without dependent children. It requires details on:
- Personal and veteran information
- Marital status
- Income (monthly and annual)
- Net worth
- Nursing home status
- Other VA benefits
- Any changes in circumstances
Download the official form here: VA Form 21P-0518-1 (PDF) (target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”). Always use the latest version from va.gov.
Who Needs to Submit VA Form 21P-0518-1?
You should submit this form if you are:
- An unremarried surviving spouse of a qualifying wartime veteran
- Currently receiving (or applying for) Improved Survivors Pension with no dependent children
- Required by the VA to verify eligibility annually or due to a change in circumstances
The VA sends these Eligibility Verification Reports (EVRs) periodically to ensure benefits remain accurate based on current income and net worth.
Failure to return the completed form on time can result in suspension or reduction of benefits.
VA Survivors Pension Eligibility for Surviving Spouses (No Children)
To qualify for VA Survivors Pension:
- The deceased veteran must have had qualifying wartime service (e.g., 90 days with one day during a recognized wartime period, or other specified criteria).
- You must not have remarried after the veteran’s death (with limited exceptions).
- Your countable family income and net worth must fall below VA limits.
- The veteran must not have received a dishonorable discharge.
Current 2025-2026 Net Worth Limit: $163,699 (effective Dec. 1, 2025 – Nov. 30, 2026). This includes assets (excluding primary home, car, and most furnishings) plus countable annual income.
Maximum Annual Pension Rates (MAPR) for surviving spouse with no dependents (approximate, subject to updates):
- Basic: Around $11,699/year
- Housebound: Higher
- Aid and Attendance (A&A): Up to around $18,697/year (or more for certain cases)
Medical expenses above 5% of the MAPR can help reduce countable income.
How to Complete VA Form 21P-0518-1 Step by Step?
Important: Read the enclosed EVR Instructions (VA Form 21P-0510) before filling out the form.
Key sections include:
- Personal Information — Veteran’s and surviving spouse’s names, SSNs, date of birth, mailing address, and VA file number.
- Marital Status — Confirm you have not remarried, or provide details if you did (and the marriage ended).
- Children and Custody — Report any unmarried dependent children (even if none, for verification).
- Nursing Home / Aid and Attendance — Indicate if you are in a nursing home and whether Medicaid covers fees.
- Employment and Wages — Report any wages or employment in the past 12 months.
- Other VA Benefits — List any additional benefits received.
- Income and Net Worth:
- Monthly income from Social Security, pensions, etc.
- Annual gross wages, interest, dividends, and other income.
- Net worth categories (cash, bank accounts, stocks, real property other than home, etc.).
- Report any income changes and details.
- Medical and Educational Expenses — Use VA Form 21P-8416 for medical expenses when required.
Sign and date the form. Include daytime/evening phone numbers.
Tip: Write “0” or “none” for fields with no income or assets. Attach additional sheets if needed, referencing the item number.
How to Submit VA Form 21P-0518-1?
- Mail to the address on the form or your VA Regional Office / Pension Management Center.
- Follow any specific instructions provided with your mailed form.
- Keep a copy for your records.
For general Survivors Pension applications, use VA Form 21P-534EZ. Consult va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance.
Common Reasons for Pension Adjustments or Denials
- Unreported income increases or new assets
- Remarriage (affects eligibility)
- Failure to report nursing home status or Medicaid coverage
- Changes in medical expenses or net worth
Accurate and timely submission of VA Form 21P-0518-1 helps prevent overpayments or interruptions in your monthly tax-free pension payments.
Tips for Surviving Spouses Applying for or Maintaining VA Pension Benefits
- Track all income, expenses, and assets carefully.
- Report unreimbursed medical expenses on the appropriate form to potentially increase your benefit.
- Consider Aid and Attendance if you need help with daily activities or are housebound.
- Work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), attorney, or claims agent for complex cases.
- Check current rates and limits annually on va.gov, as they adjust with cost-of-living increases.
Additional Resources
- Official Form Page: VA Form 21P-0518-1
- Survivors Pension Overview: va.gov Survivors Pension
- Current Rates: Survivors Pension Rates
- EVR Instructions (VA Form 21P-0510)
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official VA sources as of 2026. Benefit rules can change—always verify with the VA or a qualified representative for your specific situation.