my partner recently passed away. a friend of his said that i should look into the possibility of an army pension. i dont think that i would be entitled as he wasn't in the army for very long, two years, i think; plus we weren't together at that point. however it's something i promised i'd look into. can anyone advise??
2007-10-19 04:08:51 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
No...Partner? Only if you were married and then you would have to wait until you are 65 or something. A pension is for retirement purposes....If you were named as a beneficiary from your partners SGLI (Insurance) then yes.
2007-10-19 04:16:42 · answer #1 · answered by Nikki 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Partners" are not entitled to anything. The military does not recognize common law marriages so you can not try that approach either.
You only get a military pension (retired pay) if you served 20 years, served over 15 years and were retired under TERA or were medically retired. Since the "partner" served only two years, there is no way he was entitled to a "pension."
If he was wounded or otherwise developed a health problem on active duty, he may have been entitled to a VA disability pension. If that was the case, the wife would be entitled to a spousal amount from the VA. She would have to check with the VA about that.
However, if he did not do the paper work when he got out and was not getting one during his lifetime, it is highly unlikely the wife can do it now.
Again, "partners" are entitled to nothing so do not waste your time if you do not have a marriage certificate.
2007-10-19 12:58:50 · answer #2 · answered by forgivebutdonotforget911 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rebecca R is 100% correct. You only get a pension if you do 20 years or more in the service. Your partner may have been entitled to some benefits through the Veterans Administration, but since you were not married to him while he was in the Army you wouldn't be entitled to any benefits he may have had.
2007-10-19 11:16:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. Two years is not a career. No pension was promised. Friends comfort friends at times of loss and should not advise on such matters.
2007-10-19 11:19:57 · answer #4 · answered by murphy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here is my advice...keep looking for elsewhere for your free handout. First, 2 years is 18 years short of retirement for the military, therefore he is not entitled to a retirement. Second, unless you are married to him you are NOT entitled to any of his benefits. I am sure your friend appreciates you keeping your promise, but you can quit looking now.
2007-10-19 12:09:12 · answer #5 · answered by erehwon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you weren't married, you get squat.
If he (or she) didn't retire from the military after 20+ years, I don't think anyone is entitled to a pension, spouse or otherwise.
2007-10-19 11:13:46 · answer #6 · answered by SurrepTRIXus 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
1st, which country? Different countries have different rules.
In the US, you wouldn't be. You must be married to the person, not just a partner or common law spouse. And, death benefits would only be paid out if he was still on active duty.
My condolences
2007-10-19 11:16:30 · answer #7 · answered by usafbrat64 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You might want to check with the Department of Veterans Affairs. They may be able to give you the guide lines and help you out.
2007-10-19 12:17:25 · answer #8 · answered by knight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that "friend" of his is trying to make you look like a fool.
2007-10-20 02:33:36 · answer #9 · answered by santokieann 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Partner?????? Tell your friend he 's full of it.
2007-10-19 12:07:54 · answer #10 · answered by Barry auh2o 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋