Are There Any WWII Veterans Alive in New Hampshire Today? Latest Numbers for 2026
Yes. As of 2026, 397 World War II veterans are alive in New Hampshire, according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs statistics compiled by the National WWII Museum. Nationwide, 30,607 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in WWII remain living — less than 0.2% of those who served. The youngest surviving WWII veterans are now in their late 90s.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Count | 397 living WWII veterans in New Hampshire (2026) |
| National Total | 30,607 living WWII veterans nationwide (2026) |
| Youngest Age | Late 90s; most are centenarians |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); National WWII Museum (data compilation) |
| Primary Benefits | VA pension, VA health care, VA disability compensation, burial benefits, NH property tax credits |
| Key NH Benefit | Town-voted property tax credits up to $750 for wartime service |
| Surviving Spouse Benefits | VA survivors pension, NH surviving spouse tax credit |
| Updated For | 2026 |
How Many WWII Veterans Are Alive in New Hampshire in 2026?
397 WWII veterans are alive in New Hampshire as of 2026. This figure comes from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs statistics compiled and published by the National WWII Museum, which updates its state-by-state projections each September.
To put that number in perspective:
397 is roughly 0.5% of New Hampshire’s total veteran population of approximately 81,535 to 85,000.
397 represents about 1.3% of the 30,607 living WWII veterans nationwide.
At the national level, less than 0.2% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in WWII are still alive.
The National WWII Museum’s state-by-state breakdown shows New Hampshire’s 397 living WWII veterans ranking in the middle tier of states by raw count. For comparison, California has 3,414; Florida has 2,506; Texas has 1,918; and neighboring Massachusetts has 606. Vermont, New Hampshire’s neighbor to the west, has just 45.
Why this matters: These numbers are projections based on VA mortality data, not a live census. The actual count could be slightly higher or lower. What is certain is that the number declines every month. VA statistics show that of the 16.4 million Americans who served in WWII, fewer than 50,000 are still alive today, and nearly all are centenarians or approaching that milestone.
New Hampshire vs. Other States: WWII Veteran Population Comparison
| State | Living WWII Veterans (2026) | Total Veteran Population | WWII Share of Veterans |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 397 | ~81,535–85,000 | ~0.5% |
| Maine | 146 | ~110,000 | ~0.1% |
| Vermont | 45 | ~40,000 | ~0.1% |
| Massachusetts | 606 | ~350,000 | ~0.2% |
| Connecticut | 533 | ~180,000 | ~0.3% |
| New York | 1,574 | ~700,000 | ~0.2% |
| Florida | 2,506 | ~1.5 million | ~0.2% |
| California | 3,414 | ~1.6 million | ~0.2% |
New Hampshire’s 397 living WWII veterans represent a higher raw count than Vermont and Maine combined, despite those states having comparable or larger veteran populations. This reflects New Hampshire’s relatively high percentage of older veterans, a pattern also seen in the state’s Korean War and Vietnam War veteran cohorts.
Who Are New Hampshire’s Living WWII Veterans?
New Hampshire’s living WWII veterans are men and women in their late 90s and older. The youngest would have been born around 1927–1928, meaning they were 17 or 18 when the war ended in 1945.
Demographic profile
Age: Most are 98 to 105 years old. The youngest living WWII veterans are in their late 90s.
Gender: The vast majority are men. Women who served in WWII — in the WAVES, WAC, Army Nurse Corps, and other roles — number in the dozens nationwide.
Service branches: Army, Navy, Army Air Forces, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. New Hampshire veterans served in both the European and Pacific theaters.
Residence: Many live independently or with family. Some reside at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton, which as of its 2024–2025 budget had 11 WWII-era residents.
Notable New Hampshire WWII veterans
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilitySeveral New Hampshire WWII veterans have been publicly recognized in recent years:
Robert Payne of Concord, described as one of New Hampshire’s oldest veterans, turned 100 in January 2026. He served in the Pacific theater.
Lloyd Freese of Manchester celebrated his 100th birthday in May 2026. He served in the U.S. Infantry, Fifth Army Division, during the Liberation of Italy from 1944 to 1945.
Francis “Frank” Guimond of Manchester, who served with the Army’s 32nd Red Arrow Division in three major Pacific engagements, died in June 2026 at age 101.
Bill Peterson of Loudon was honored by the VA at a July 2026 ceremony.
Cecelia E. Watson of Berlin, who served in the U.S. Army during WWII, was recognized as the oldest surviving female WWII veteran in New Hampshire’s North Country at the time of her death in June 2026.
What VA Benefits Are Available to WWII Veterans in New Hampshire?
WWII veterans qualify for the same VA benefits as veterans of other eras, with some provisions specific to their wartime service. The VA recognizes World War II as a wartime period from December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946.
VA Pension
The VA pension is a needs-based monthly benefit for wartime veterans who meet age or disability requirements and have income and net worth within certain limits. WWII veterans automatically meet the wartime service requirement.
2026 VA Pension rates for a single veteran: up to $17,441 annually (about $1,453 monthly). The VA adjusts these rates annually for cost-of-living changes. Veterans with dependents or those who are housebound or require aid and attendance may qualify for higher rates.
How to apply: Submit VA Form 21P-527EZ (Application for Veterans Pension). You can file online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. The Manchester VA Medical Center and the VA Regional Office in Manchester can assist with applications.
VA Health Care
All WWII veterans are eligible for VA health care. The VA operates the Manchester VA Medical Center and community-based outpatient clinics throughout New Hampshire. Veterans enrolled in VA health care can also use community care when VA facilities cannot provide needed services.
What to do next: If you are a WWII veteran not currently enrolled in VA health care, apply online at VA.gov or call 1-877-222-8387.
VA Disability Compensation
WWII veterans with service-connected disabilities can receive monthly tax-free compensation. The VA rating determines the amount. Veterans who were previously denied benefits may reapply if their condition has worsened or if new evidence is available.
Required form: VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits).
Burial Benefits
The VA provides burial benefits for eligible veterans, including a gravesite in a national or state veterans cemetery, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a presidential memorial certificate. The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen provides burial options for veterans and eligible family members.
Survivor Benefits
Surviving spouses and dependents of deceased WWII veterans may qualify for:
VA Survivors Pension (also called Death Pension) — needs-based monthly payments for surviving spouses and dependent children.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — for survivors of veterans who died from service-connected causes.
Burial and funeral reimbursement — partial reimbursement for burial and funeral costs.
Presidential Memorial Certificate — a signed certificate honoring the veteran’s service.
How to apply: Use VA Form 21P-534EZ for survivors pension, or contact the VA Regional Office in Manchester.
New Hampshire State Benefits for WWII Veterans
New Hampshire offers several state-level benefits that supplement VA benefits. These are administered by the state and individual towns, not the VA.
Property Tax Credits
New Hampshire’s property tax credits for veterans are town-voted, meaning each municipality decides whether to offer them and at what amount. The state sets maximums.
| Benefit | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Wartime Veteran Tax Credit | $50 standard; towns may vote up to $750 | Honorable discharge; 90+ days wartime service |
| All Veterans’ Tax Credit | Towns may vote to adopt; amount varies | Any veteran who served on active duty |
| Service-Connected Total Disability Exemption | $700 standard; towns may vote up to $5,000 | Veterans with 100% service-connected disability |
| Surviving Spouse Tax Credit | $50 standard; towns may vote higher | Unremarried surviving spouse of qualifying veteran |
Filing deadline: Applications for the 2026 tax year were accepted January 1 through April 15, 2026. Contact your town assessor’s office for the specific application form and deadline for your municipality.
Veteran License Plates
New Hampshire issues special veteran number plates for a $4 fee plus the regular registration fee. Veterans with a general discharge under honorable conditions or better qualify — a lower bar than most states, which require an honorable discharge. Allied WWII veterans with an honorable discharge also qualify.
New Hampshire Veterans Home
The New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton provides residential care for veterans. As of its 2024–2025 operating budget, the home had 11 World War II-era residents, along with 42 Korean Conflict-era, 65 Vietnam-era, and 1 Gulf War-era resident. The home has expanded its capacity to 155 residents.
Education Benefits
Children of certain wartime veterans who die from a service-connected disability may qualify for free tuition at New Hampshire public institutions of higher learning. Surviving spouses may also qualify.
War Bonuses
New Hampshire has historically offered war bonuses to veterans of certain conflicts. Veterans should contact the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services to inquire about any current or retroactive bonus programs.
How to Verify WWII Service Records
If you are researching a family member’s WWII service or applying for benefits, you will need to verify service records.
National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
The NPRC in St. Louis maintains military personnel records for veterans separated before 1950. Most WWII records are stored there. To request records:
Complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180).
Submit online at archives.gov, by mail, or by fax.
Include the veteran’s full name, service number, branch, and dates of service if known.
Processing time: NPRC requests for WWII records can take several weeks to several months. Some records were damaged in the 1973 fire at the NPRC, but alternative records (pay records, draft records) can sometimes substitute.
VA Benefits Records
For VA benefit records, contact the VA Regional Office in Manchester or call 1-800-827-1000. You can also access some records through your VA.gov account.
What to do next: If you are a surviving spouse or family member seeking benefits based on a WWII veteran’s service, start by requesting the veteran’s DD-214 (discharge document) or an equivalent separation document. The VA and New Hampshire Veterans Home can help you navigate this process.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Assuming all WWII veterans automatically receive VA pension. VA pension is needs-based. Veterans with income and assets above the annual limits do not qualify. The 2026 single veteran income limit is $17,441 annually.
2. Missing the property tax credit filing deadline. New Hampshire’s town-voted tax credits require an application by April 15 each year. Late applications are not accepted.
3. Not applying for survivor benefits after a veteran’s death. Surviving spouses often do not know they qualify for VA survivors pension, DIC, or the New Hampshire surviving spouse tax credit. Apply promptly — some benefits are not retroactive.
4. Assuming VA health care enrollment is automatic. WWII veterans must enroll in VA health care. Enrollment is not automatic, even for those who served in wartime.
5. Not keeping service records accessible. The 1973 NPRC fire destroyed many WWII records. If you have original documents — discharge papers, service photos, letters — store them safely and make digital copies.
6. Forgetting to update direct deposit and address information with the VA. The VA pays benefits by direct deposit. Changes to bank accounts or addresses must be reported to the VA immediately to avoid payment delays.
The Future: What Happens When No WWII Veterans Remain?
Demographic projections indicate that the last WWII veterans will likely pass away within the next decade. The VA’s Veteran Population Projection Model (VetPop) projects the total veteran population declining from about 17.6 million in 2026 to approximately 13.6 million by 2037.
For New Hampshire, the practical implications include:
Veterans service organizations (DAV, American Legion, VFW) will continue to serve surviving spouses and dependent benefits.
The New Hampshire Veterans Home will continue to serve veterans of Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and post-9/11 conflicts.
The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen will continue to provide burial options for veterans and eligible family members.
Surviving spouses may remain eligible for VA survivors pension and New Hampshire tax credits for years after the veteran’s death.
What to do now: If you are a WWII veteran or the family member of one, document service history, apply for any benefits for which you may qualify, and contact a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for free assistance. The New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services can connect you with a VSO.
Key Takeaways
397 WWII veterans are alive in New Hampshire as of 2026, per VA statistics compiled by the National WWII Museum.
30,607 WWII veterans are alive nationwide — less than 0.2% of the 16.4 million Americans who served.
New Hampshire’s WWII veterans are in their late 90s or older. Most are centenarians or approaching that milestone.
VA pension, health care, disability compensation, and burial benefits are available to eligible WWII veterans.
New Hampshire offers town-voted property tax credits up to $750 for wartime service, plus a service-connected disability exemption up to $5,000.
Surviving spouses may qualify for VA survivors pension, DIC, and New Hampshire tax credits.
The New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton has 11 WWII-era residents as of its 2024–2025 budget.
Service records for WWII veterans are held at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis.
Apply for benefits promptly. Some benefits are not retroactive, and the number of living WWII veterans declines every month.
Free assistance is available through Veterans Service Officers and the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services.
Common Questions
How many WWII veterans are alive in New Hampshire in 2026?
There are 397 living WWII veterans in New Hampshire as of 2026, according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs statistics compiled by the National WWII Museum. This represents about 0.5% of New Hampshire’s total veteran population of roughly 81,535 to 85,000.
How many WWII veterans are alive nationwide in 2026?
Nationwide, 30,607 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II are alive as of 2026. That is less than 0.2% of those who served. The youngest surviving WWII veterans are in their late 90s.
Who is the oldest living WWII veteran in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire’s oldest living veterans are centenarians. Robert Payne of Concord, who turned 100 in January 2026, has been described as one of the state’s oldest veterans. Specific rankings change frequently as veterans reach milestones.
Do WWII veterans automatically qualify for VA pension?
WWII veterans meet the wartime service requirement for VA pension, but the benefit is needs-based. Veterans must also meet income and net worth limits. In 2026, the maximum annual pension for a single veteran is $17,441. Those with income above the limit do not qualify.
What New Hampshire property tax credits are available to WWII veterans?
New Hampshire offers town-voted property tax credits. The standard wartime veteran credit is $50, which towns may vote to increase up to $750. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability may qualify for an exemption of $700, which towns may vote up to $5,000.
Can surviving spouses of WWII veterans get VA benefits?
Yes. Surviving spouses may qualify for VA Survivors Pension (Death Pension), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the veteran’s death was service-connected, and burial reimbursement. They may also qualify for New Hampshire’s surviving spouse tax credit.
How do I get a copy of a WWII veteran’s discharge papers?
Submit Standard Form 180 (SF-180) to the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. You can submit online at archives.gov or by mail. Some WWII records were damaged in the 1973 fire, but alternative records may be available.
Is the New Hampshire Veterans Home accepting new WWII residents?
The New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton accepts eligible veterans. As of its 2024–2025 budget, the home had 11 WWII-era residents. Contact the home directly for current admission requirements and availability.
Are WWII veterans eligible for VA health care?
Yes. All WWII veterans are eligible for VA health care. They must enroll in the VA health care system. Apply online at VA.gov or call 1-877-222-8387. The Manchester VA Medical Center serves New Hampshire veterans.
What happens to VA benefits when the last WWII veteran passes away?
VA benefits do not end with the veteran’s death. Surviving spouses and dependent children may remain eligible for survivors pension, DIC, and other benefits. The VA continues to serve survivors of wartime veterans regardless of how much time has passed since the veteran’s service.
Official Resources
National WWII Museum — WWII Veteran Statistics — nationalww2museum.org/war/wwii-veteran-statistics
VA.gov — Veterans Pension — va.gov/pension
VA.gov — VA Form 21P-527EZ (Veterans Pension Application) — va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21p-527ez
VA.gov — VA Form 21-526EZ (Disability Compensation) — va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-526ez
VA.gov — Survivors Pension — va.gov/pension/survivors-pension
VA.gov — Burial Benefits — va.gov/burials-memorials
National Personnel Records Center — archives.gov/personnel-records-center
New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services — nhveterans.nh.gov
New Hampshire Veterans Home — nh.gov/nhvh
New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen — nh.gov/nhsvc
VA Regional Office — Manchester, NH — va.gov/manchester-regional-benefit-office
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
