The PVAO Death Pension is a government benefit extended to the qualified heirs of deceased veterans as a form of financial support in recognition of the sacrifices made by the former members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Applicants must go through a step-by-step process involving submission of documents, evaluation, and bank account setup before the pension is released. This benefit was established to ensure that the families left behind by veterans continue to receive assistance even after the veteran’s passing.
This program provides continued support to spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died in the line of duty or due to service-connected disability. It also underscores the government’s commitment to honor and care for the families of its defenders. Public awareness of the program and how to apply is essential so more beneficiaries can rightfully claim and access these benefits without unnecessary delay or hardship. But, if your loved one served in the military and passed away either in the line of duty or due to a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for this financial support. This detailed and easy-to-follow guide explains who qualifies, the benefits you can receive, and how to apply for the PVAO Death Pension in the Philippines.
What is the PVAO Death Pension?
The PVAO Death Pension is a government-provided monthly pension of PHP 1,000 for the qualified beneficiaries of veterans who died either:
- In the line of duty, or
- Due to service-connected disability or illness, as a PVAO disability pensioner
Its primary goal is to recognize the service and sacrifice of Filipino veterans by extending financial assistance to their surviving family members. The program is designed specifically for those whose death is either service-connected or occurred while in the line of duty. Unlike other government death pensions, this benefit is exclusive to military veterans under PVAO’s jurisdiction and includes a structured application process with specific documentation requirements. Its distinction lies in its targeted scope, minimal monetary value (₱1,000 per month), and eligibility based on military service status, setting it apart from other social pension or GSIS/SSS death benefits.
History and Legal Basis
The program was established under Republic Act No. 6948, as amended by Republic Act No. 7696, which rationalized and upgraded the benefits for veterans. These laws laid the legal foundation for recognizing military service through pensions and financial assistance to veterans and their qualified dependents. Over time, the program evolved to include clearer documentation requirements, stricter verification processes, and digitized banking coordination through Land Bank for disbursements. The program’s application system has also been refined for greater transparency and efficiency. Today, it remains as a mechanism for veteran support and government acknowledgment of national service.
Features and Benefits
Here are the most notable features and benefits of the PVAO Death Benefit program:
- Monthly pension of ₱1,000 for eligible beneficiaries
- For deaths between April 9, 1990, and April 9, 1994 (non-combat), beneficiaries receive only 50% of the prescribed pension rate
- Support for spouses, children, or parents of deceased veterans
- Separate application process for different causes of death (line of duty, service-connected, etc.)
- Clear documentation requirements and identity verification
- Nationwide accessibility through the PVAO central and field offices
- Secure disbursement through Land Bank accounts
When Will the Pension Take Effect?
The pension starts from either:
- The date of the veteran’s death, or
- April 9, 1990: whichever comes later
Who Can Avail the PVAO Death Pension?
Eligible individuals include:
- Surviving spouse
- Parents of a single deceased veteran (if no spouse or children exist)
- Minor children (unmarried, unemployed, legitimate, and below 18 years old)
- Illegitimate, acknowledged, or legally adopted children
- Surviving parents (if the veteran was unmarried)
Limitations to Eligibility
- Pension stops for a spouse upon remarriage
- Pension ends for children once they turn 18 or get married
- Beneficiaries cannot receive similar pensions from other government agencies or the U.S. government
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, the applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be the legitimate spouse, legitimate, illegitimate, adopted, or legally acknowledged child, or parent of a deceased veteran
- The veteran must have died in the line of duty or due to a service-connected disability
- The child beneficiary must be unmarried, unemployed, and under 18 years old
- The surviving spouse must not have remarried
- The beneficiaries must not be receiving another similar pension for the same reason from another government source or the US government
Requirements
Before sending an application, interested parties must first secure the following documents:
General Requirements
- Duly accomplished application form.
- Two (2) 2×2 colored ID pictures of the applicant.
- Photocopy of AFP Dependent’s ID (back to back).
For Death in Line of Duty
- Original or certified copy of Statement of Service.
- Original or certified copy of Casualty Report.
- Original or certified copy of Declaration of Line of Duty Status (not applicable for those killed-in-action).
- Original or certified true copy of the Declaration of Legal Beneficiaries.
For Death Due to Service-Connected Disability
- Original or certified true copy of the registered Death Certificate.
- Original or certified true copy of registered Marriage Certificate (for surviving spouse).
- Original copy of CEMAR (CRS Form #5 Advisory of Marriages from PSA).
- Original or certified true copy of registered Birth Certificate/s of all minor child/ren (for surviving spouse and child/ren).
- Original or certified true copy of Birth Certificate of Veteran (if the applicant/s are the parents of the veteran who died single).
For Consolidation of Death Pension (Transfer of Pension of Deceased Parent Pensioner)
- Letter request for transfer of pension.
- Original or certified true copy of the registered Death Certificate of the deceased parent pensioner.
- Original or certified true copy Marriage Certificate of the parent of the veteran from LCR/PSA.
- Photocopy Birth Certificate of the deceased veteran.
- Photocopy of the registered Death Certificate of the deceased veteran.
- Accomplished Identity and Specimen of Signatures and Thumb Print Form.
- Photocopy of AFP Beneficiaries’ ID.
- Photocopy of the bank account of claimant.
Requirements for the Issuance of Notice of Approval (NOA)
- If applicant is the claimant/beneficiary:
- Two (2) Government Issued IDs.
- Original copy of Acknowledgement Receipt.
- If claimed by a representative:
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA), ID of representative (must be a direct descendant of the claimant).
- Original copy of Acknowledgement Receipt.
- Photocopy of Government Issued ID of the Claimant.
Requirements After Issuance of NOA / Opening a Bank Account
- Bank Confirmation Slip (BCS) with 1×1 ID photo.
- Snapshot or photocopy of ATM or Passbook.
- Photocopy of two (2) government-issued ID cards.
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) or authorization letter (only if pensioner is represented by a relative).
Requirements for the Issuance of Notice to Open a PVAO Pension Account (NOPPA)
- Approval Sheet.
- Bank Enrolment Form.
Requirements After Opening a Bank Account
- Filled-out NOPPA/BCS.
- Snapshot (Land Bank of the Philippines / LBP).
Step-by-Step Application Procedures
To apply, simply follow these steps:
Step 1. Identify What Type of Death Applies
There are different document requirements depending on the nature of the veteran’s death:
- Killed in action / Line of duty
- Death due to service-connected disability
- Consolidation of Death Pension (for transferring pension from deceased parent pensioner)
Step 2. Secure Application Form
Obtain the application form from the PVAO Central Office, Field Service Offices, or download it from the PVAO website.
Step 3. Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary documents as listed above.
Step 4. Visit the PVAO Office
Sign the visitors log, get a queue number from the security guard, and wait for your turn.
Step 5. Submit Application
Submit the duly accomplished application form along with the complete documentary requirements to the PVAO office.
Step 6. Verification and Evaluation
The PVAO will verify the submitted documents and evaluate the application.
Step 7. Issuance of Notice of Approval (NOA)
Once approved, a Notice of Approval will be issued to the applicant.
Step 8. Opening of Bank Account
The applicant will be instructed to open a bank account where the pension will be deposited.
Step 9. Issuance of Notice to Open a PVAO Pension Account (NOPPA)
After opening the bank account, a NOPPA will be issued.
Step 10. Start of Pension Release
The monthly pension will commence upon completion of all requirements and processes.
Where to Apply
You may apply in person at the following locations:
- PVAO Central Office: Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City
- PVAO Field Service Offices nationwide
Where to Get the Forms
Forms may be secured from any PVAO Office or downloaded from the PVAO official website: https://pvao.gov.ph/downloadable-forms
Cost and Processing Time
Applying for the PVAO Death Benefit is free of charge. However, applicants must shoulder any incidental expenses related to document procurement (e.g., PSA-certified birth/marriage certificates, photocopies, or transportation). According to the PVAO, the total processing time is approximately 14 working days, 1 hour, and 12 minutes from the time of complete submission of documents.
Video: PVAO @ 78 – Highlights of Accomplishments
Applying for the PVAO Death Pension is a financial assistance program designed to offer dependable support to families of veterans. It was meant to support the families while at the same time, honor the veteran’s service and sacrifice for the nation. The process is pretty straightforward if you know the requirements and procedures and prepare for it. To learn more about PVAO and its programs and achievements, you may check out this video:
For more information and updates, always refer to the official Philippine Veterans Affairs Office website. You may also contact them via the following:
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)
- Office Address: Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Compound, Col. Boni Serrano Avenue, Quezon City
- Telephone: (+63-02) 8912-4526, Claims – 09308361097, Finance – 09176688072, Records/updating- 09192123074
- Email Address: pvao.publicaffairs@pvao.gov.ph
- Website: https://pvao.gov.ph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PVAO1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePVAO