Are There Any WWII Veterans Alive Today? Latest Numbers for 2026
Yes. Approximately 30,607 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive as of 2026, according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs statistics. That represents less than 0.2% of all who served. Most living WWII veterans are in their mid-to-late 90s or older, with many having surpassed 100.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Who Served | 16.4 million Americans |
| Living WWII Veterans (2026) | Approximately 30,607 |
| Percentage Alive | Less than 0.2% |
| Youngest Age | Mid-to-late 90s |
| Oldest Known | 105+ |
| States with Most | California (3,414), Florida (2,506), Texas (1,918), Pennsylvania (1,741) |
| States with Zero | Alaska (0) |
| Daily Loss Rate | Approximately 44–131 veterans per day (estimates vary) |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Updated For | October 2026 |
How Many WWII Veterans Are Alive in 2026?
Approximately 30,607 World War II veterans are alive in the United States as of 2026, based on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs statistics compiled by the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. This is down from an estimated 45,000 in 2025 and 66,000 in 2024.
The number represents less than 0.2% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II. The youngest surviving WWII veterans are now in their mid-to-late 90s, while the oldest are well over 100.
Historical Context
| Year | Estimated Living WWII Veterans |
|---|---|
| 2020 | ~240,000 |
| 2021 | ~167,000 |
| 2022 | ~119,000 |
| 2023 | ~89,000 |
| 2024 | ~66,000 |
| 2025 | ~45,000 |
| 2026 | ~30,607 |
Why it matters: These numbers represent a rapidly closing window to document firsthand accounts of World War II. The National WWII Museum and oral history projects like The War Remembered are racing to record veterans’ stories before they are lost.
What to do next: If you know a living WWII veteran, contact the National WWII Museum or a local oral history project about recording their story. The museum offers guidance on conducting and preserving interviews.
How Old Are Living WWII Veterans?
Most living WWII veterans are in their mid-to-late 90s or older, according to the VA. The youngest men who served were born around 1927–1928, making them 97–99 years old in 2026. Veterans who served earlier in the war are now over 100.
Age Distribution (Estimates)
| Age Range | Estimated Share |
|---|---|
| 95–99 | Majority |
| 100–104 | Significant minority |
| 105+ | Small number |
The National WWII Museum notes that the youngest WWII veterans will soon turn 100. At gatherings of WWII veterans in 2026, attendees were routinely described as “centenarians” — none younger than 100.
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityWhy it matters: The age of surviving veterans means that most are dealing with age-related health challenges. Families and caregivers should be aware of VA benefits available to elderly veterans, including Aid and Attendance.
What to do next: If you’re caring for a WWII veteran, review VA benefits for elderly veterans, including the Veterans Pension program with Aid and Attendance. Contact a VA accredited representative or VSO for help.
Which States Have the Most Living WWII Veterans?
California has the most living WWII veterans (3,414), followed by Florida (2,506), Texas (1,918), and Pennsylvania (1,741). Every U.S. state except Alaska has at least one living WWII veteran, according to VA data.
Living WWII Veterans by State (2026)
| State | Living WWII Veterans |
|---|---|
| California | 3,414 |
| Florida | 2,506 |
| Texas | 1,918 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,741 |
| New York | 1,574 |
| Illinois | 1,152 |
| Michigan | 1,113 |
| Ohio | 1,092 |
| Virginia | 980 |
| Washington | 897 |
| Wisconsin | 837 |
| North Carolina | 835 |
| Minnesota | 823 |
| New Jersey | 716 |
| Georgia | 690 |
| Arizona | 687 |
| Oregon | 646 |
| Missouri | 611 |
| Massachusetts | 606 |
| Tennessee | 594 |
| Indiana | 589 |
| Maryland | 587 |
| Connecticut | 533 |
| South Carolina | 508 |
| Colorado | 435 |
| New Hampshire | 397 |
| Utah | 377 |
| Kentucky | 350 |
| Oklahoma | 318 |
| Alabama | 271 |
| Nevada | 254 |
| Mississippi | 243 |
| Rhode Island | 211 |
| Iowa | 190 |
| Arkansas | 186 |
| Montana | 176 |
| Idaho | 162 |
| Kansas | 162 |
| Louisiana | 147 |
| Maine | 146 |
| Delaware | 135 |
| North Dakota | 122 |
| Hawaii | 114 |
| Nebraska | 109 |
| Puerto Rico | 98 |
| West Virginia | 90 |
| South Dakota | 55 |
| District of Columbia | 48 |
| Vermont | 45 |
| Wyoming | 41 |
| New Mexico | 28 |
| Island Areas & Foreign | 49 |
| Alaska |
Source:
Why it matters: State-level data helps families, researchers, and veterans service organizations plan outreach, honor flights, and recognition ceremonies.
What to do next: If your state has a significant number of living WWII veterans, consider volunteering with an Honor Flight program or a local veterans organization to ensure they receive recognition.
How Many WWII Veterans Die Each Day?
Estimates vary widely, but most sources place the daily loss at approximately 44 to 131 WWII veterans per day. The VA has projected roughly 14,000 deaths per year, which averages about 44 per day. Other estimates, including some cited by the VA in recent years, place the number at more than 130 per day.
Daily Loss Estimates Compared
| Source | Estimated Daily Loss | Estimated Annual Loss |
|---|---|---|
| VA (2026 projection) | ~44 | ~14,000 |
| Various news reports | 131 | ~47,800 |
| Other estimates | 900–1,000 | Not projected |
The wide range reflects differing methodologies and the difficulty of tracking an aging population in real time. What is consistent across all sources is that the number of living WWII veterans is declining rapidly.
Why it matters: The rapid decline means that opportunities to hear firsthand accounts, honor veterans in person, and document their stories are limited. VA projections suggest the last WWII veteran will pass away by approximately 2037.
What to do next: If you have a family member or know a WWII veteran, consider participating in an oral history project or Honor Flight. The National WWII Museum offers resources for recording veterans’ stories.
VA Benefits for WWII Veterans in 2026
WWII veterans remain eligible for VA benefits, including disability compensation, pension, health care, and burial benefits. The VA recognizes World War II as a wartime period from December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946.
Key Benefits Available
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| VA Disability Compensation | Monthly tax-free payments for service-connected disabilities |
| Veterans Pension | Needs-based monthly payments for wartime veterans; up to $17,441 annually for a single veteran in 2026 |
| Aid and Attendance | Additional monthly payment for veterans who need help with daily activities |
| VA Health Care | Free hospital and outpatient care for WWII veterans (no copays) |
| Burial Benefits | Burial allowance, headstone, and burial in a VA national cemetery |
| Survivors Pension | Monthly payments for surviving spouses and dependent children |
Veterans Pension for WWII Veterans
The Veterans Pension program provides monthly payments to wartime veterans who meet age or disability requirements and have income and net worth within certain limits. For 2026, a single veteran can receive up to **$17,441 annually** ($1,453 monthly). A veteran with a spouse or dependent child can receive more.
Why it matters: Many elderly WWII veterans may not realize they qualify for VA pension benefits, particularly if they need assistance with daily living. Aid and Attendance can provide significant additional monthly income.
What to do next: Apply for VA pension using VA Form 21P-527EZ. The VA also offers a free “Veterans Pension” application online at VA.gov. Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for free assistance.
How to Help Preserve WWII Veterans’ Stories
The National WWII Museum, the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, and local oral history initiatives are actively recording interviews with surviving WWII veterans. These projects aim to preserve firsthand accounts before the last veterans pass away.
Organizations Recording WWII Veterans’ Stories
| Organization | How to Participate |
|---|---|
| National WWII Museum | Contact the museum’s oral history program to schedule an interview |
| Library of Congress Veterans History Project | Submit a veteran’s story through a participating organization or directly |
| The War Remembered | Oral history project based in Texas; records veterans’ memories |
| Honor Flight Network | Escorts veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials |
| Local historical societies | Many communities maintain their own veterans oral history projects |
Why it matters: These stories are irreplaceable. Once the last WWII veteran passes, firsthand accounts will be gone forever.
What to do next: Contact one of the organizations above to learn how to record and submit a veteran’s story. The process is typically free and can often be done remotely.
Common Questions
1. How many WWII veterans are alive in 2026?
Approximately 30,607 U.S. WWII veterans are alive as of 2026, according to VA statistics compiled by the National WWII Museum. That is less than 0.2% of the 16.4 million who served during the war.
2. How old are the youngest WWII veterans?
The youngest living WWII veterans are in their mid-to-late 90s. Most are over 100. At 2026 gatherings, attendees were routinely described as centenarians.
3. Which state has the most living WWII veterans?
California has the most (3,414), followed by Florida (2,506), Texas (1,918), and Pennsylvania (1,741). Every state except Alaska has at least one living WWII veteran.
4. How many WWII veterans die each day?
Estimates range from 44 to 131 per day. The VA projected about 14,000 deaths per year in 2026, or roughly 44 per day. Other estimates place the number higher, at 130+ per day.
5. Are there any WWII veterans in Alaska?
No. Alaska is the only U.S. state with zero living WWII veterans, according to VA data.
6. What benefits are available to WWII veterans in 2026?
WWII veterans remain eligible for VA disability compensation, Veterans Pension (up to $17,441 annually for a single veteran), Aid and Attendance, free VA health care, and burial benefits.
7. Do WWII veterans pay copays for VA health care?
No. WWII veterans are eligible for free VA hospital and outpatient care with no copays, according to VA policy.
8. How do I apply for VA pension for a WWII veteran?
Use VA Form 21P-527EZ. Apply online at VA.gov or contact a Veterans Service Organization for free assistance.
9. What is Aid and Attendance for veterans?
Aid and Attendance is an additional monthly VA pension payment for veterans who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating. It is available to wartime veterans who meet income and medical requirements.
10. How can I record a WWII veteran’s story?
Contact the National WWII Museum’s oral history program, the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, or a local historical society. The process is typically free and can be done remotely.
11. Will the last WWII veteran die by 2037?
Yes. VA projections cited in 2026 indicate the last American WWII veteran will likely pass away by approximately 2037, based on actuarial estimates.
12. What is the Library of Congress Veterans History Project?
The Veterans History Project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans. It accepts audio and video interviews, letters, photos, and other documents from all veterans, including WWII veterans.
Key Takeaways
Approximately 30,607 U.S. WWII veterans are alive in 2026, less than 0.2% of the 16.4 million who served.
California (3,414), Florida (2,506), and Texas (1,918) have the largest populations of living WWII veterans.
Alaska is the only state with zero living WWII veterans.
Most living WWII veterans are 95+ years old, with many over 100.
Estimates of daily losses range from 44 to 131 veterans per day.
The VA projects the last WWII veteran will pass away by approximately 2037.
WWII veterans remain eligible for VA pension, Aid and Attendance, free health care, and burial benefits.
The Veterans Pension program pays up to $17,441 annually for a single veteran in 2026.
Organizations like the National WWII Museum and the Library of Congress Veterans History Project are recording veterans’ stories.
Honor Flight programs continue to escort WWII veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials.
Official Resources
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.va.gov/
VA Pension Benefits: https://www.va.gov/pension/
VA Health Care Enrollment (VA Form 10-10EZ): https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction
National WWII Museum Statistics: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/wwii-veteran-statistics
Library of Congress Veterans History Project: https://www.loc.gov/vets/
VA Form 21P-527EZ (Veterans Pension): https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21p-527ez/
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
USA.gov Veterans Benefits: https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits
VA National Cemetery Administration: https://www.cem.va.gov/
Social Security Administration (for survivor benefits): https://www.ssa.gov/
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