Medal of Honor Benefits
Recipients of the Medal of Honor — the nation's highest military decoration — receive a special monthly pension and additional privileges. These benefits are not based on disability, income, or length of service.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.
Monthly Pension
Medal of Honor recipients receive a special monthly pension of $5,780.00 per month (effective December 1, 2025), adjusted annually for inflation. This pension:
- Does not require a service-connected disability
- Is not based on income or net worth
- Is not tied to length of military service
- Is paid in addition to any other VA benefits the recipient receives
Surviving Spouses
Since January 5, 2021, surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients are also eligible for the special monthly pension. This was a significant expansion of the benefit.
Additional Benefits
Beyond the monthly pension, Medal of Honor recipients receive:
- Special TRICARE enrollment — available even without 20 years of service
- Children eligible for admission to U.S. military academies (if otherwise qualified)
- Space-Available travel on military aircraft
- Commissary and exchange privileges
- ID card for access to military installations and privileges
- 10% increase in retired pay (for those who are also military retirees)
- State-level benefits vary — many states offer additional tax exemptions, special license plates, and other honors
How to Access
The Medal of Honor pension is administered through VA. No separate application is needed if the Medal of Honor is documented in the recipient's service record.
Contact: VA at 1-800-827-1000 | Congressional Medal of Honor Society at cmohs.org