Pension files for US military personnel prior to World War I,  are housed at the National Archives Records Administration in Washington, DC. If you had an ancestor who served his country in the American Revolution, the Indian Wars, the Mexican War, the Civil War, or the Spanish-American War; he might have received a government pension. If your ancestor did not apply, his widow, dependent children, or dependent parents might have applied for and received his pension. This is especially true for Civil War veterans.

• Pension files can  contain otherwise undocumented genealogical information such as: date of  birth, place of birth, parents' names, marriage information, places lived since serving, children's information, and date of death. The file usually contains affidavits from family, friends, and other servicemen about your ancestor's service to his country. Most files will also contain medical information.

• You will need NATF Form 80. This form can be requested at inquire@arch2.nara.gov.  Be sure to   include your snail mail address, your request for NATF Form 80, and how many copies you wish to receive. You can also request these forms by mail:

• When you receive the form fill out as much information as possible. The more information you are able to provide, the better chance the researcher has of finding your ancestor's file. You can file as many requests for files as you like, but each request must be submitted separately. 

• The usual cost of this process is $10.00 US. You do not send a check at the time of your request. If a file is found, the NARA will notify you and request payment, your copies will be sent after they receive your payment. This process can take 8-12 weeks.  NOTE: To speed up the process, a little, the NATF Form 80 has a place for you to provide credit card payment information. If you use this option, your copies will be mailed to you directly and your credit card charged.

• HELPFUL HINT: Pension files can be large. Your initial request will provide you with about 10 pages that are deemed important. Attach a note to your form requesting whether the file you are receiving is a complete or partial file and request what the additional cost would be for the complete file.

Lastly, be patient! Genealogists have learned from experience that it takes a lot of patience to put the pieces of their family puzzle together.