Field notes.Courtesy: read the category before the income

The question to resolve

PRA publishes a retired-military Courtesy category. Its August 2025 checklist places a $1,000 monthly pension or similar-benefit requirement under ages 40–49, while also listing a non-pensioner deposit tier. The overview uses different category wording. Separated service, VA benefits and the applicable age-specific requirements need written PRA confirmation. Income alone does not establish eligibility.

Read the two documents together

PRA’s live overview describes retired military service members from countries with recognized bilateral relations. The August 2025 checklist uses a narrower description involving military aid or training through a defense treaty or similar agreement. It places the $1,000 pension-or-similar-benefit clause under ages 40–49, yet also includes a non-pensioner deposit tier. These details require clarification, not an inferred universal test.

Prepare a record, not an assumption

List service periods, retirement status, current pay, any VA benefit and the applicant’s age. Ask PRA to identify the applicable category, accepted evidence and deposit tier in writing. A separated veteran should not assume that income replaces the published service category; a retiree should not assume a title settles every requirement.

Keep the budget usable

Until that answer arrives, compare Classic’s pensioner and non-pensioner deposits. Count only currently received income in the preliminary pensioner estimate and have PRA confirm the benefit type. A budget comparison keeps the move practical without treating the review as an approval.