BENEFITS ASSISTANCE SERVICE (BAS)

ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

Disabilities determined by VA to be related to your military service can lead to monthly non-taxable compensation, enrollment in the 

VA health care system, a 10-point hiring preference for federal employment and other important benefits. Ask your VA 

representative or Veterans Service Organization representative about Disability Compensation, Pension, Health Care, Caregiver 

Program, Career Services, Educational Assistance, Home Loan Guaranty, Insurance and/or Dependents and Survivors’ Benefits.

DOES VA HAVE PROGRAMS TO ASSIST HOMELESS VETERANS?

VA has many benefits and services to assist homeless Veterans. Disability benefits, education, 

healthcare, housing assistance, rehabilitation services, employment assistance, residential care, 

and compensated work therapy are among the many services we offer to eligible Veterans. See our 

Homeless Veterans website for additional information.

WHAT KIND OF VA BENEFITS AND SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS?

Disability Benefits

VA annually awards more than $29 billion in disability benefits to millions of Veterans. In many 

instances, these payments are the major source of income to Veterans and serve to prevent 

homelessness. 

Outreach

Staff from VA regional offices, the VA Health Care Network provides care to Veterans across the 

nation at VA Medical Centers, community-based outreach clinics, and Vet centers and special 

homeless programs regularly visit community shelters, agencies, and outside areas to help 

thousands of homeless Veterans each year

Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program

Operates at more than 135 sites and provides outreach, exams, treatment, referrals, and case 

management to Veterans who are homeless and dealing with mental health issues, including 

substance abuse. Trained and caring VA specialists provide tools and support necessary to help 

homeless Veterans get their lives on a better track.

Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program

Provides medical care and rehabilitation in a residential setting on VA medical center grounds to 

eligible ambulatory Veterans disabled by medical or psychiatric disorders, injury, or age and who 

do not need hospitalization or nursing home care.
Benefits Assistance Service-February 2015 

Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program 

Provide grants and technical assistance to community-based, nonprofit organizations to help 

Veterans and their families stay in their homes. 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and VA Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH) 

HUD and VA partner to provide permanent, supportive housing and treatment services to 

homeless Veterans. HUD allocates “Housing Choice” vouchers across the country, which allows 

Veterans and their families to live in market rate rental housing while VA provides case 

management services. A housing subsidy is paid directly to the landlord by the local public housing 

authority on behalf of the participating Veteran. The Veteran then pays the difference between the 

actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. The case 

management services facilitate the attainment of the Veteran’s recovery goals.

Homeless Veterans Supported Employment Program 

Provide vocational assistance, job development and placement, and ongoing supports to improve 

employment outcomes among homeless Veterans and Veterans at-risk of homelessness the 

opportunity to return to healthy, productive lifestyles within their communities. Formerly 

homeless Veterans who have been trained as Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists provide these 

services. 

Compensated Work Therapy 

Comprised of three unique programs which assist homeless Veterans in returning to competitive 

employment: Sheltered Workshop, Transitional Work, and Supported Employment. Veterans in 

CWT are paid at least the Federal or State minimum wage, whichever is higher. 

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment VetSuccess Program 

Assist Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. 

Services that may be provided include: Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine 

abilities, skills, and interests for employment; employment services; assistance finding and keeping 

a job; and On-the-Job Training, apprenticeship, and non-paid work experiences. 

Acquired Property Sales for Homeless Providers Program 

This program allows homeless provider organizations to purchase available properties VA obtained 

through foreclosures on VA-insured mortgages at a discount rate of 20 to 50 percent. Some of 

these properties are also available for lease. 
Benefits Assistance Service-February 2015 

HOW CAN YOU GET MORE INFORMATION? 

To connect with any of these homeless services, please call VA’s toll-free National Call Center for 

Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) to speak to a trained VA responder. The 

hotline is available 24/7 and is free. Neither VA registration nor enrollment in VA healthcare or 

benefits is required to use this service.