For the 60 living recipients of the U.S. Medal of Honor, recognition goes beyond ceremonial applause and public honours. These extraordinary individuals receive a monthly pension, a gesture of gratitude from the nation for their selfless bravery. But as the cost of living rises, many are questioning whether the current payment truly reflects the magnitude of their sacrifice.
The Medal of Honor Pension, established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is more than just a symbolic gesture. It is a tangible financial benefit granted to those who have been awarded the nation’s highest military honour. For recipients, it serves as both a financial cushion and a lasting tribute to their unparalleled acts of heroism. However, as inflation continues to impact the daily lives of American citizens, some feel the pension amount fails to adequately honour these veterans’ sacrifices.
The Current Medal of Honor Pension: A Modest Honour
As of December 1, 2024, each Medal of Honor recipient receives a monthly payment of $1,712.94, a sum that is tax-free and unaffected by other VA benefits or retirement pay. According to the VA, this amount is adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation, mirroring increases in Social Security cost-of-living adjustments.
While this tax-free Pension is undoubtedly a form of recognition, the amount has sparked debate, especially given the veterans’ extraordinary contributions to national security. The current sum is considered modest by many financial standards and, while not tied to any specific disability or injury, is meant to reflect the honour attached to the Medal itself. The VA has confirmed that this pension is intended to provide financial stability for recipients without diminishing any other government allowances or benefits they may receive.
A Call for Change: Legislative Efforts to Increase the Pension
In January 2025, lawmakers introduced the MEDAL Act, a bill aimed at dramatically increasing the pension to $8,333.33 per month, which would be five times the current amount. Proponents argue that the existing sum, while a meaningful gesture, does not adequately represent the magnitude of the sacrifice these veterans have made. While the proposal has garnered support, it remains to be seen whether it will be signed into law.
If approved, the increase would be one of the largest in recent history for veterans’ benefits. However, as of October 2025, no such changes have been enacted, and recipients continue to receive the established monthly amount. Nevertheless, the introduction of the MEDAL Act has sparked important conversations about the financial treatment of veterans and the importance of symbolic gestures that reflect the nation’s gratitude in a meaningful way.
While the Medal of Honor Pension remains a vital part of the nation’s recognition of its most courageous citizens, there are calls for a more substantial financial commitment to match the legacy of these heroes.
