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African American Civil War soldier in Union uniform holding a rifle, symbolizing U.S. Colored Troops service.

1898 Spanish American War

African American woman in military uniform representing World War II-era service.

Korean War

African American Red Cross nurse during World War I, symbolizing medical service.

Mexican–American War

African American U.S. soldier in modern combat gear representing contemporary veterans.

War in Afghanistan

M850 - US, VA Pension Payment Cards, 1907-1933

Historical portrait of African American woman symbolizing widows and dependents in pension claims.

M850 serve as the financial tracking system for pensions already awarded under earlier laws. These cards do not grant a pension, but document the disbursement of pension payments once a veteran—or their dependent—was approved.

M850 covers pension payments to veterans and their dependents from the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, and Philippine Insurrection. Note: World War I pensions are generally not included.

Cards are categorized into four main types: Army Invalid, Navy Invalid, Army Widow, and Navy Widow. Widow cards often include information about minor children and their benefit periods. Some cards may also note legal representatives and associated fees.

Monthly Pension Payment Amounts (1907–1933)
Year Common Law Typical Payment Rates (Monthly)
1890–1907 Act of 1890 $6 to $12 (based on disability)
1907–1912 Age-based (Act of 1907) $12, $15, or $20 based on age (62+, 70+, 75+)
1912–1918 Revised Act of 1912 $30 to $40+ for age and service
Post-1918 WWI-era updates Up to $72+ (especially for total disability)
1923 Onward Monthly payments began (vs. quarterly) Same amounts, paid monthly
African American U.S. soldier in uniform symbolizing pension eligibility after World War I.

How M850 Cards Fit into the Veterans Pension Process

Initial Pension Application (Not Part of M850)

Before a card exists:

M850 Pension Payment Cards and related records in biographical research.

Case Study:Richard Bryan Aka Blakes – Company C, 33rd U.S. Colored Infantry

Military Service Overview

Pension Application and Payment Records

Original M850 pension payment card documenting a widow’s monthly pension disbursement.
M850 Payment Record
Pension index card T288 linking pension applications to certificate numbers.
General Index to Pension File T288
Pension certificate card documenting a Civil War veteran’s entitlement payments.
Veteran - Pension Certificate (SC)
Widow dependent pension certificate card showing transition of benefits after veteran’s death.
Widow - Dependent Pension Certificate (WC)

Insights from the Pension Records

Handwritten widow’s deposition in Civil War pension file describing marriage, service, and death.
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