Veterans are individuals who have served in the military, risking their lives to protect their country and uphold peace and freedom. Because of their sacrifices, many organizations and governments—including the Philippines and the United States—offer assistance programs that provide support such as healthcare, financial aid, housing, and burial benefits to honor and care for them and their families. It’s important to understand these programs so eligible veterans can receive the benefits they deserve, and so we as a society can recognize and appreciate their invaluable service.
In this article, you can check and learn more about the various available assistance programs for Filipino veterans, regardless if they are in the Philippines or abroad, along with a complete list of the benefits offered under each program.
List of Assistance Programs for Filipino Veterans
The various veterans’ assistance programs offered to Filipino veterans come in different forms. We listed the different programs along with their types according to the purpose of the programs:
- Monthly Pensions & Financial Support: Programs that provide regular cash benefits to veterans or their families to help with everyday living expenses, recognizing their service and sacrifices.
- Educational Assistance: Programs that support the education and skills development of veterans’ dependents or the veterans themselves.
- Healthcare & Medical Support: Programs offering free or subsidized medical care, hospitalization benefits, and related financial help.
- Funeral & Burial Assistance: Support programs that help veterans’ families cover funeral costs and ensure dignified burials.
- Housing & Home Financing: Loan programs to help veterans and their families buy, build, or improve homes with flexible terms.
- Immigration & Family Reunification: Programs that assist Filipino WWII veterans’ families with immigration and legal stay abroad.
Now that you have a better understanding of the categories/types and purposes of the different assistance programs for veterans, you may now take a closer look at the provisions of the specific programs offered by the different providers including the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), among others.
1. PVAO Old Age Pension
Provider: PVAO, under the Department of National Defense (DND)
The PVAO Old Age Pension is a monthly cash benefit for qualified Filipino veterans and their surviving spouses. It’s a way for the government to honor their service and provide financial support in old age. The amount varies depending on the veteran’s service record and eligibility.
Purpose: To provide lifelong financial assistance to aging veterans and their qualified surviving spouses who are not receiving a pension from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Features and benefits:
- ₱20,000 monthly for WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans (non-AFP pensioners)
- ₱5,000 monthly for post-war veterans and eligible surviving spouses
- Lifetime benefit unless disqualified (e.g., remarriage, dual pension)
- Retroactive payment from approved start date
- Faster processing for AFP retirees
- Free application process
2. PVAO Disability Pension
Provider: PVAO
This program provides monthly financial assistance to Filipino military veterans who became disabled due to service-related injuries or illnesses. Pension amounts depend on the severity of the disability. Some dependents of veterans may also qualify for benefits.
Purpose: To recognize the sacrifice of veterans by giving them lifelong financial support for service-connected disabilities.
Features and benefits:
- Monthly tax-free pension ranging from ₱1,700 to ₱4,500, based on disability rating
- Lifetime entitlement as long as the disability persists
- Extra monthly support for veterans with 100% disability (e.g., caregiver allowance)
- Medical evaluation provided by PVAO to assess disability rating
- Covers only service-connected disabilities
- Simplified and faster application process via PVAO offices
- Legal basis under RA 6948 and RA 7696
- Access to other PVAO benefits like hospitalization and burial aid
3. PVAO Death Pension
Provider: PVAO
This monthly pension is given to the qualified family members of veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability. It honors their service by providing continued financial support to their dependents. The pension is processed through PVAO and released via Land Bank.
Purpose: To provide financial assistance to the legal heirs of deceased veterans as a way to recognize their service and sacrifice.
Features and benefits:
- Monthly pension of ₱1,000
- Applies to deaths in the line of duty or service-related illness
- Available to surviving spouse, children, or parents
- Separate requirements for different types of veteran deaths
- Clear step-by-step application process
- Disbursed through Land Bank of the Philippines
- Accessible nationwide via PVAO offices
- Free to apply (except for document and transport costs)
- Pension starts from date of death or April 9, 1990—whichever is later
4. PVAO Total Administrative Disability (TAD) Pension
Provider: PVAO
The TAD Pension is a monthly financial benefit for Filipino veterans aged 70 and above. It is granted automatically, regardless of whether the disability is service-related. This program honors their service and provides support in their senior years.
Purpose: To provide lifelong financial assistance to aging veterans as a form of national recognition and care.
Features and benefits:
- ₱1,700 monthly pension for qualified veterans (age 70+)
- Additional ₱500/month for spouse
- Additional ₱500/month for each unmarried minor child
- ₱20,000/month for Senior War Veterans (91–100% disability)
- ₱5,000/month for Post-War Veterans and their surviving spouses (91–100% disability)
- No need for service-connected disability
- Spouse continues to receive pension (if not remarried)
5. PVAO Educational Benefit
Provider: PVAO
This program offers financial support for the education of dependents of qualified Filipino veterans. It covers tuition and school fees in accredited schools. Applications can be submitted in person or online and are usually processed within 10 working days.
Purpose: To honor Filipino veterans by supporting the education of their children, grandchildren, or surviving spouses.
Features and benefits:
- Covers up to ₱60,000 per academic year
- Tuition, matriculation, lab, graduation, and training fees included
- One qualified dependent per veteran
- Applies to both vocational and college education
- Funds are paid directly to the school
- Fast processing (around 10 working days)
- Open to descendants of WWII, PEFTOK, and PHILCAG veterans
- Free to apply
6. PVAO Burial Assistance
Provider: PVAO
The PVAO Burial Assistance gives Php 20,000 in financial help to cover the funeral expenses of a deceased Filipino veteran. It also includes a Philippine flag to drape over the casket as a sign of honor. Applications can be done in person or online for qualified cases.
Purpose: To ensure every Filipino veteran receives a dignified burial, and to ease the financial burden on their families.
Features and benefits:
- Php 20,000 cash aid for funeral expenses
- Philippine flag for the veteran’s casket
- Open to both pensioner and non-pensioner veterans
- Covers World War II, PEFTOK, PHILCAG, post-war AFP veterans, and those KIA or who died in the line of duty
- Can be claimed by the next of kin or the person who paid for the burial
- Accepts affidavits for cases without receipts (e.g., Muslim burials or life plan coverage)
- Online application available for eligible groups
- Two-year window from date of death to file claims
- No application fees
7. PVAO Hospitalization and Healthcare Benefits
Provider: PVAO
This program gives free or subsidized medical care to qualified Filipino veterans and their dependents. Services are available through the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) and other PVAO-accredited hospitals. Applications must be submitted within 180 days after hospital discharge or medicine purchase.
Purpose: To provide affordable and dignified medical support for veterans and their families in recognition of their service to the nation.
Features and benefits:
- In-patient subsidy: ₱1,500/day for up to 45 days per year
- Medicine assistance:
- Critical cases: up to ₱20,000 per confinement
- Non-critical: up to ₱10,000 per confinement
- Maintenance meds (outpatient): up to ₱2,000/month
- Medical procedures: Reimbursement for approved procedures (excluding doctor’s fees)
- Veterans Wards: Available in government hospitals for faster and dedicated service
- Accessible nationwide: Via VMMC, PVAO-accredited, and PhilHealth-accredited hospitals
8. Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program (FWVP)
Provider: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in coordination with the PVAO
This program allows certain family members of Filipino WWII veterans to temporarily live in the U.S. while waiting for their immigrant visas. It was created in 2016 to honor the service of Filipino veterans who fought under U.S. command. Parole lets families reunite sooner without waiting for long visa backlogs.
Purpose: To help reunite Filipino WWII veterans in the U.S. with their family members through temporary legal entry (parole) while they wait for their green cards.
Features and benefits:
- Grants temporary stay in the U.S. even if the immigrant visa isn’t available yet
- Supports faster family reunification for aging veterans
- May lead to lawful permanent residency once the visa is available
- Allows some family members to apply even if the veteran or spouse has passed away
- Provides humanitarian relief based on public benefit
9. Free Enrollment at FILVETS Skills Training Center (FSTC)
Provider: Filipino War Veterans Foundation (FILVETS), Inc.
FILVETS offers free training for veterans, retired soldiers, policemen, and their dependents. Enrollment is open until January 31, 2022, with classes running from February 1 to April 30, 2022. Training includes TESDA-accredited courses in Automotive Servicing, Computer Systems Servicing, and Cookery.
Purpose: To provide free technical-vocational education and skills training to Filipino veterans and their families.
Features and benefits:
- Free tuition through scholarship
- Open to veterans, retired soldiers, policemen, and dependents (PRAI recommendation needed for police)
- TESDA-accredited training courses
- 3-month training program (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM)
- Courses offered:
- Automotive Servicing
- Computer System Servicing
- Cookery
- Contact numbers: (02) 8519-9928 / 8371-3994 (look for Mr. Phrime Cabobos)
10. VFP Healthcare Assistance Program
Provider: VFP
This program provides financial aid to VFP members and their families for hospital expenses. It covers both regular and extended confinement, with extra support for those who had COVID-19. The goal is to ease medical costs for veterans and their loved ones.
Purpose: To help Filipino veterans and their families with hospital and COVID-related medical expenses.
Features and benefits:
- Regular Assistance: ₱10,000 for at least 3 days of hospital confinement (once per year)
- Expanded Assistance: ₱20,000 for 15 or more continuous days of hospital confinement (once per year, starting July 1, 2020)
- COVID-19 Assistance: ₱10,000 for members who tested positive and were hospitalized or quarantined
(This is given in addition to regular or expanded aid, once per year)
11. VFP Wake Assistance
Provider: VFP
This program provides ₱5,000 financial help to families of deceased VFP members for wake and funeral expenses. It aims to support veterans’ families during their time of loss by giving a one-time cash grant. The assistance is given as a check to qualified immediate family members.
Purpose: To honor Filipino veterans by offering financial support to their families for funeral-related costs.
Features and benefits:
- ₱5,000 financial aid for wake and funeral expenses
- Check payment directly to eligible family members
- Application allowed within 2 years from date of death (for deaths on/after Jan 1, 2019)
- Open to immediate family: spouse, children, or other relatives with proof of relationship
- Only for VFP members in good standing (regular dues paid, compliant members)
- Support and verification from VFP officials (Charter, Affiliate, Post Presidents)
- Can apply personally or submit documents electronically
12. VFP Centenarian Cash Gift
Provider: VFP
This program gives a one-time cash gift of PHP 50,000 to Filipino veterans who reach 100 years old. It honors their long life, loyalty, and service to the country. Only living members of the VFP who meet certain requirements can receive this benefit.
Purpose: To recognize and support Filipino veterans who have reached the rare milestone of 100 years of age.
Features and benefits:
- One-time cash gift of PHP 50,000
- Available only to living Filipino veterans aged 100 or older
- Non-transferable; only the veteran can claim the gift
- Requires proof of VFP membership in good standing
13. FilVetREP (Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project) – Duty to Country
Provider: FilVetREP
FilVetREP created Duty to Country, a free online education program that shares the stories of Filipino and American World War II veterans. It highlights their sacrifices and the long fight for recognition. The program offers interactive lessons, oral histories, and teaching tools to help students and teachers learn about this important history.
Purpose: To honor Filipino and American WWII veterans by educating younger generations about their service and sacrifices.
Features and benefits:
- Free interactive lesson plans and teaching activities
- Online exhibition with oral history videos
- Profiles of key historical figures
- Multimedia resources including animations and illustrations
- Helps fill gaps in traditional history about Filipino WWII veterans
- Supports teachers with easy-to-use curricula for middle and high school students
14. PVB Home Loans
Provider: Philippine Veterans Bank
PVB Home Loans help Filipino families build or buy their dream homes with easy and affordable payment plans. The loans can be used for house construction, buying a house, lot, condo, or improving an existing home. They offer flexible terms and competitive interest rates to suit different needs.
Purpose: To assist hardworking Filipinos in owning or improving their homes.
Features and benefits:
- Loanable amount from ₱375,000 up to 80% of the property’s appraised value
- Up to 60% loan on vacant lots
- Loans can be used for construction, purchase, home improvement, or refinancing
- Maximum repayment term of 20 years (10 years for lots)
- Accepts real estate with clean titles as collateral
- Competitive interest rates
- Special loan option with 100% cash back after 20 years if conditions are met
15. One-Time Financial Assistance for Senior Veterans
Provider: VFP
This program offers a one-time cash aid of P5,000 to senior veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Applicants must be certified by their Post/Charter/Affiliate President as active members as of December 20, 2022. The submitted documents must be verified and authentic according to official guidelines.
Purpose: To provide financial support and recognition to senior veterans for their service.
Features and benefits:
- One-time cash assistance of P5,000
- Eligibility limited to senior veterans of specific wars
- Certification by veterans’ organization required
- Verification of authentic documents
- Access to other benefits and support programs for veterans
16. VA Benefits for Filipino Veterans
Provider: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Filipino veterans who served under U.S. command during World War II may qualify for U.S. veterans’ benefits. Eligibility depends on which unit they served in, with full or partial benefits granted based on their service group. Benefit levels also vary depending on where the veteran or their survivors currently live.
Purpose: To provide U.S. veterans’ benefits—such as compensation, health care, and burial support—to eligible Filipino veterans who served under U.S. military command, especially during World War II.
Features and benefits:
- Eligible service groups:
- Regular Philippine Scouts (Old Scouts)
- Commonwealth Army of the Philippines
- Recognized Guerrilla Forces
- New Philippine Scouts
- Full VA benefits (including health care and full compensation rates) for Old Scouts and other veterans residing in the U.S. who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Partial benefits (50% rate) for other eligible veterans living in the Philippines.
- VA health care in the U.S. for eligible Filipino veterans residing there legally.
- Burial benefits including national cemetery burial, burial flag, and headstone, with full-dollar payments for those who meet residency and citizenship conditions.
- Survivor benefits vary based on location and legal status of the survivor and the veteran.
- Special support to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in the Philippines for equipment and facility upgrades.
- Laws updated in 2000 and 2003 expanded full-dollar benefits for certain veterans and their survivors living in the U.S.
Video: Filipino Veterans Still Fighting for Recognition Decades After WWII
Veterans are men and women who have served in the armed forces, whether in times of war or peace. They are people who have made great personal sacrifices—including time away from family, physical and emotional hardships, and even risking their lives—to protect the freedom, security, and way of life that we now enjoy. Governments and organizations offer programs to honor the veterans for their service and preserve the memory of their contributions, though for some WWII veterans, the honor has yet to be received as they are still fighting for recognition of their contributions until now. Watch this video and learn more about the struggles of these Filipino WWII veterans.