Veterans Benefits

If you served in the U.S. military, you may be entitled to significant benefits — disability compensation, pension, healthcare, housing, education, and more. An estimated 1 in 3 eligible veterans are not receiving all the benefits they've earned.

VA Disability Compensation

Tax-free monthly payments for veterans whose disability is service-connected — meaning it was caused or worsened by military service. This is the most common and most valuable VA benefit. The amount depends on your disability rating:

Rates are adjusted annually for COLA. See va.gov for current rates. Additional compensation is available for dependents and for veterans needing special monthly compensation (SMC) for severe disabilities.

How to apply: File at va.gov/disability or get free help from a VSO (see below). File as early as possible — benefits are back-dated to your claim date, not the decision date.

• You need: DD-214, medical records documenting the condition, and any service records showing the in-service event or exposure
• Even if you were previously denied, you can re-file if your condition has worsened or if you have new evidence
• Combat veterans who served after November 11, 1998 have a presumptive service connection for many conditions — you don't have to prove the connection

VA Pension

Needs-based monthly cash payments for wartime veterans with low income and limited assets — regardless of whether their disability is service-connected. This is often overlooked by veterans who think they "don't qualify" because their disability wasn't caused by service.

• Eligibility: Served during a period of war (most veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 conflicts qualify); low income and assets; generally age 65+ or with a permanent disability
• Aid & Attendance: A higher pension rate for veterans who need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating) — often $700–$1,200/month more than the base pension. Many assisted living residents qualify.
• Housebound: Enhanced rate for veterans who are substantially confined to their home due to disability

Apply at va.gov/pension or through a VSO. The Aid & Attendance enhancement is significantly underused — if you or a veteran family member is in assisted living, apply.

VA Healthcare

Most veterans who served on active duty for at least 24 months are eligible for VA healthcare — including doctor visits, mental health care, prescription drugs, surgery, and preventive services, often at very low or no cost.

• Enrollment: Apply at va.gov or call 1-877-222-8387
• Priority groups: Veterans with service-connected disabilities, low income, and Purple Heart recipients receive higher priority and lower (or zero) copays
• Community care: If a VA facility is not accessible, you may be eligible to see non-VA providers through the VA Community Care Network
• Mental health: Same-day mental health appointments are available at VA facilities. The Veterans Crisis Line is 988, then press 1 (24/7)
• CHAMPVA: Spouses and dependent children of veterans with 100% P&T disability can receive CHAMPVA — comprehensive health coverage at little or no cost. Apply at va.gov/champva

HUD-VASH — Housing Vouchers for Veterans

The HUD-VASH program combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA case management for homeless or at-risk veterans. The voucher covers rent above 30% of your income at any qualifying private rental. VA case managers help with mental health, substance use treatment, and employment.

• You do not need to be currently homeless — veterans at imminent risk of homelessness also qualify
• Call the VA Homeless Veterans hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)
• You can also walk into any VA medical center and ask for the HUD-VASH coordinator

Other housing resources: The SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) program provides emergency rental assistance and case management to prevent homelessness. Contact your local VA or call 1-877-424-3838.

VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating can access free job training, education, and placement services through VR&E (Chapter 31). This can pay for a college degree, trade certification, or on-the-job training — including tuition, books, fees, and a monthly housing stipend.

• Requires a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more (or a memorandum rating)
• Benefits can last up to 48 months; extended for severe disabilities
• Apply at va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation

Benefits for Surviving Spouses & Dependents

• DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation): Tax-free monthly payments to surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died from a service-connected cause — currently ~$1,600/month for a surviving spouse, adjusted annually. Apply at va.gov/DIC.
• CHAMPVA: Health coverage for spouses and dependent children of veterans with 100% permanent and total (P&T) disability or who died from a service-connected cause.
• Social Security Survivor Benefit: Widows and widowers of veterans may be able to claim the deceased veteran's Social Security benefit — often significantly higher than their own. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

Get Free Help from a VSO

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide free, accredited representation and claims assistance. Using a VSO typically increases approval rates and benefit amounts significantly. They are free — never pay someone to file a VA claim.

Find an accredited VSO near you at benefits.va.gov/vso or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000.