As a veteran, you’re entitled to health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This includes access to a variety of services, from routine checkups to specialized care for service-related conditions. To get started, you’ll need to apply for VA health benefits through the VA’s website or by visiting a VA facility.
Be prepared to provide your discharge papers (DD-214) and financial information, as eligibility can depend on factors like income and service history. Once approved, you'll have access to a network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals, often with little or no cost involved. For assistance, contact the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 or visit your nearest VA Medical Center.
If you’ve been injured or developed a condition during your service, you might be eligible for disability compensation. Write it all down! This is a tax-free monetary benefit provided by the VA, designed to compensate for disabilities that are connected to your military service.
To apply, you’ll need to file a claim with the VA, providing medical records, service records, and any supporting evidence showing the connection between your condition and your time in the military. You can apply online through the VA’s eBenefits portal or visit a local VA office for assistance. Depending on the severity of your condition, the amount you receive will vary.
Veterans have access to several education benefits, the most well-known being the GI Bill. This program provides financial support for tuition, housing, and books, whether you’re attending a college, trade school, or pursuing technical training. To take advantage of the GI Bill, you must apply through the VA's website or the eBenefits portal.
You’ll need your DD-214 and proof of enrollment in an approved educational program. There are also other programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, which offer different levels of assistance. For help navigating your options, contact the VA at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 or visit your school’s veterans’ services office.
Veterans can take advantage of the VA’s Home Loan Guaranty Program, which helps you buy, refinance, or repair a home with little to no down payment. The VA guarantees a portion of your loan, making it easier to secure favorable terms and often eliminating the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
To apply, you'll need to provide your DD-214 and proof of income. The lender will also require a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which you can obtain through the VA’s eBenefits portal or by contacting the VA at 1-800-827-1000. This program is a great benefit for veterans looking to achieve homeownership with fewer financial hurdles.
Veterans have access to life insurance programs that can provide financial security for their families. The VA offers several options, such as Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) and Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI). VGLI allows you to convert your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to a renewable term policy after your discharge.
S-DVI, available to veterans with service-connected disabilities, offers affordable coverage. To apply for VGLI, contact your insurance provider within 240 days of separation from service. For S-DVI, veterans must apply through the VA and meet eligibility requirements, including a service-connected disability rating. For more information, contact the VA’s insurance office at 1-800-669-8477 or visit the VA’s website.
The VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment. If your disability impacts your ability to work, VR&E can assist with job training, resume development, career counseling, and even job placement.
To qualify, you must have a service-connected disability rating and meet certain employment readiness criteria. Apply through the VA’s eBenefits portal or visit your local VA office for help. The program also offers educational assistance if needed to help you transition into a new career. For more information, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit a VR&E counselor to learn about available services.
The VA provides burial benefits to honor veterans after they’ve passed, ensuring a respectful and dignified resting place. This includes financial assistance for funeral expenses, a gravesite in a national cemetery, and a headstone or marker. If eligible, you can receive a burial allowance to help cover costs, which is based on factors like whether the death was service-connected.
To access these benefits, family members or authorized representatives must submit an application, along with the veteran’s death certificate and DD-214. Burial in a national cemetery is free, but certain conditions apply. For more details, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit the National Cemetery Administration’s website to learn more about eligibility and application steps.
Veterans have an edge when it comes to federal job opportunities, thanks to Veterans’ Preference. This benefit gives veterans priority over non-veterans in hiring for most federal positions, as long as they meet the qualifications for the job.
There are two categories: 5-point preference for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of less than 10%, and 10-point preference for veterans with a disability rating of 10% or higher, or those who received a Purple Heart.
To apply, you’ll need to submit your DD-214 and, if applicable, your VA disability rating documentation. Make sure to mark your veteran status on job applications to ensure your preference is applied. For more information, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website or contact the VA.
Veterans are entitled to a wide range of mental health services through the VA, designed to help address the psychological challenges that often come with military service. From counseling to therapy, PTSD treatment, and substance abuse support, the VA offers specialized care tailored to veterans' unique experiences.
To access these services, veterans can contact their local VA Medical Center or use the VA’s mental health services website. You’ll need to provide your DD-214 and may be required to complete a mental health assessment. If you’re struggling with mental health concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out, the VA is there to support you. For immediate help, the Veterans Crisis Line is available at 1-800-273-8255.
Veterans with dependents may be eligible for additional benefits to support their family members. These can include financial assistance, health care, and educational benefits for spouses and children.
For example, eligible spouses and children can receive health care through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA), and children may qualify for education benefits like the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program.
To apply for dependent benefits, you’ll need to provide proof of your service-connected disability (if applicable), marriage or dependency documents, and your DD-214. For assistance, visit the VA’s website or contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to ensure you’re accessing all benefits available to your loved ones.
