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Where can I get a copy of a military pension file? |
| The military pension files are stored at the National Archives.
Unless you can visit in person or hire a researcher, you must request
a copy of the pension file by mail or online. You can order online
at https://eservices.archives.gov/orderonline/.
If you prefer to order them by mail you will need NARA form #85. You will need one form for each soldier's file you want. For example one form for the service record; another form for the pension application; etc. Go to http://www.archives.gov To order a pension file you will need to know as much about the soldier as possible. The name of his regiment is helpful. This is why it is important to find the ancestor in one of the indexes mentioned previously. For best service, you should have his pension application number and his certificate number. Many indexes will give you that information. Study the samples in this lesson and the previous lesson. You can ask for a Pension Document Packet for $14.75. The archives will send at least eight of the documents from the pension file with the most genealogical information in them per their way of thinking. I always ask for the full Pension Application file. It costs $37 and they will send you everything. It might cost more if it is say 300 pages in size. I’ve only seen that on a couple of occasions, and it was well worth the price. If you order the Pension Documents Packet and then decide you want the Full Pension Application File, there is no discount. They will send everything the second time. Or you can go online to www.GRAonline.com and check out their look-up services to obtain the records faster. Samples of the various forms used when visiting the archives can be seen below.
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