PRIVACY ACT INFORMATION:
The VA will not disclose information collected on this form to any source other than what has been
authorized under the Privacy Act of 1974 or Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations 1.576 for routine uses (i.e., civil or criminal law
enforcement, congressional communications,
epidemiological or research studies, the collection of money owed to the United States, litigation
in
which the United States is a party or has an interest, the administration of VA programs and delivery of VA benefits, verification of identity
and status, and personnel administration) as identified in the VA system of records, 58VA21/22/28, Compensation, Pension, Education, and
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Records - VA, published in the Federal Register. Your
obligation to respond is voluntary; however, no
allowance of compensation or pension may be granted unless this form is completed fully as required by law.
Giving us you and your
dependents' Social Security numbers is mandatory. Applicants are required to provide their SSN and the SSN of any dependents for whom benefits
are claimed under Title 38 USC 5101 (c)(1). The VA will not deny an individual benefits for refusing to prov
ide his or her SSN unless the disclosure
of the SSN is required by a Federal Statute of law in effect prior to January 1, 1975, and still in effect. The requested information is considered
relevant and necessary to
determine maximum benefits under the law. Information submitted is subject to verification through computer
matching programs with other Federal or state agencies. Income and employment in
formation furnished by you will be compared with
information obtained by VA from the Secretary of Health and Human
Services or the Secretary of the Treasury under clause (viii) of section
6103(1)(7)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
RESPONDENT BURDEN: We need this information to determine your eligibility for compensation and/or pension (38 U.S.C. 5101). Title 38,
United States
Code, allows us to ask for this information. We estimate that you will need an average of 1 hour to review the instructions, find the
information,
and complete this form. VA cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is
displayed. You are not required to
respond to a collection of information if this number is not displayed. Valid OMB control numbers
can be located on the OMB Internet Page at
www.whitehouse.gov/omb/library/OMBINV.VA.EPA.html#VA . If desired, you can call
1-800-827-1000 to get information on where to send comments or
suggestions about this form.
PAGE 4
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR VA FORM 21-526 (Continued)
Part VII - Non-Service Connected Pension
This section asks you to provide the disabilities that prevent you from working. We also ask you to tell us if you
require the regular assistance of another person, if you are housebound, if you are in a nursing home, if you are in
receipt of Social Security, or if you have applied for Medicaid.
Part VIII - Income Information
This section asks you to provide specific information about the monthly income you and your dependants receive from
all sources. Report the gross amount you receive monthly before deductions are taken out for taxes, health care,
insurance, etc. Do not leave any blank boxes in this section! Complete each box with either a dollar figure, "0", or
"none." If you expect to receive payment, but you don't know how much it will be, write "Unknown" in the space. If
you are not sure about a particular type of income, report it and provide a full explanation of its source. If you are
receiving monthly benefits from any source and have a copy of your most recent award letter, please include a copy of
the letter with your application.
Part IX - Net Worth
This section asks you to provide specific information about your net worth and that of your dependents. Do not leave
any blank boxes in this section! Complete each box with either a dollar figure, "0", or "none."
Net worth is the market value of all interest and rights in any kind of property, after subtracting any mortgages
and other claims against the property. List all assets except the house in which you live, any reasonable area of
land on which it sits, and those items you use everyday, such as your vehicle, clothing and furniture.
Clearly indicate if you and your spouse jointly share assets (such as money in a joint checking account). Report the
value of farms or buildings that you or a dependent owns as "real property."
You must disclose all financial transactions that involve a transfer of assets, even if the transaction occurred prior to
the date of your application for VA pension. A gift of property or a sale below the property's value to a relative
residing in the same household does not reduce net worth. Likewise, a gift of property to someone other than a relative
residing in your household does not reduce net worth unless it is clear that you have relinquished all rights of
ownership, including the right to control the property.
Part X - Medical, Legal or Other Expenses
When determining your eligibility for pension, we may be able to deduct unreimbursed medical expenses from your
income for the year in which the expenses are paid. Report the amount of unreimbursed medical expenses, including
the Medicare deductions you paid (out-of-pocket) for yourself or relatives you are under an obligation to support.
Also, show medical, legal, or other expenses you paid because of a disability for which civilian disability benefits
have been awarded. Do not report any expenses you did not pay or expenses for which you were or will be
reimbursed.