Disabled veterans and their dependents will enjoy a more dependable and stable source of income after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the law increasing their monthly disability pension by as much as five-fold, according to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
“With the recent signing of the law increasing pension benefits for disabled veterans, a brighter future awaits those who have selflessly served our nation,” Romualdez said.
“This significant step ensures that disabled veterans will not only receive the recognition they deserve but also gain the financial support they need to lead fulfilling lives, free from the economic burden of their disabilities. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to our heroes, demonstrating that we stand with them, providing the means for a more secure and dignified future,” he added.
Republic Act (RA) 11958 or “An Act Rationalizing the Disability Pension of Veterans” was signed by President Marcos last August 24. It amends RA 6948 enacted in 1990 to provide a monthly pension to veterans who were disabled due to sickness, disease or injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Under the new law, a veteran’s disability benefit increased by 350 percent from the current P1,000 to P4,500.
Consequently, veterans who were receiving the highest disability benefit of P1,700 will now receive P10,000, representing a 488 percent adjustment under the newly enacted law.
Romualdez noted that disabilities often limit a veteran’s ability to work and earn a living. “Thus, a more substantial disability pension ensures that veterans and their dependents have a reliable source of income to cover daily living expenses, healthcare costs, and other essential needs,” he pointed out.
According to the Speaker, veterans who suffer from disabilities incurred during in line of duty also require ongoing medical care and assistance.
“A higher disability pension provides them with the financial means to access the necessary medical treatment, adaptive equipment, and support services to improve their quality of life,” he said.
Since families of disabled veterans often bear the financial and caregiving burdens associated with disabilities, Romualdez said a higher pension can alleviate some of these pressures, allowing families to better support their loved ones and maintain their own well-being.
The disability pension rates have been adjusted as follows: from P1,000 to P4,500 if the disability is rated from 10 percent to 30 percent; fromP1,100 to P5,300 if the disability is rated from 31 percent to 40 percent; from P1,200 to P6,100 if the disability is rated from 41 percent to 50 percent; from P1,300 to P6,900 if the disability is rated from 51 percent to 60 percent; from P1,400 to P7,700 if the disability is rated from 61 percent to 70 percent; from P1,500 to P8,500 if the disability is rated from 71 percent to 80 percent; from P1,600 to P9,300 if the disability is rated from 81 percent to 90 percent; and from P1,700 to P10,000 if the disability is rated from 91 percent to 100 percent, with the addition of P1,000 for the spouse and each unmarried minor child from the previous rate of P500.
The new law also provides that a veteran, upon reaching the age of 70, is “deemed disabled and shall be entitled to a monthly pension of P1,700.”
