Federal

Benefits

for Veterans, Dependents

and Survivors

2021 Edition
www.va.gov/getstarted
Phone Numbers

Veterans Crisis Line............................................................................................1-800-273-8255 and Press

1

Bereavement Counseling ....................................................................................................1-202-461-6530

Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA)................................................1-800-733-8387

Caregiver Stipend ...................................................................................................................1-877-733-7927

Debt Management Center ...................................................................................................1-800-827-0648

Education....................................................................................................................................1-888-442-4551

Foreign Medical Program....................................................................................................1-303-331-7590

Spina Bifida Program............................................................................................................1-888-820-1756

Camp Lejeune Family Member Program.....................................................................1-866-372-1144

Headstones and Markers.....................................................................................................1-800-697-6947

Health Care.................................................................................................................................1-877-222-8387

Homeless Veterans.................................................................................................................1-877-424-3838

Home Loans...............................................................................................................................1-877-827-3702

Life Insurance...........................................................................................................................1-800-669-8477

National Cemetery Scheduling Office............................................................................1-800-535-1117

Pension Management Center ............................................................................................1-800-827-1000

Presidential Memorial Certificate Program...............................................................1-202-565-4964

Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD).......................................................1-800-829-4833

VA Benefits.................................................................................................................................1-800-827-1000

Vet Center Call Center...........................................................................................................1-877-927-8387

Women Veterans.....................................................................................................................1-877-222-8387

Web Sites

Mental Health

..............................................................................................................................................www.mentalhealth.va.go

v

Burial and Memorial Benefits...............................................................................................www.cem.va.gov

Caregiver Support

.....................................................................................................................................................www.caregiver.va.go

v

CHAMPVA

.....................................................................www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/dependents/c

hampva/

Community Care

.......................................................................................................................................www.va.gov/communitycar

e/

Connected Care

....................................................................................................................................................connectedcare.va.gov

/

eBenefits

.....................................................................................................................................................www.ebenefits.va.go

v

Education Benefits

...................................................................................................................................................www.va.gov/educatio

n

Environmental Exposures

...........................................................................................................................www.publichealth.va.gov/exposu

res

Federal Recovery Coordination Program
.......................................................................................................................www.va.gov/VADODHEALTH/FRC

P.asp

Health Care Eligibility................................................................................................. www.va.gov/healthcare

Homeless Veterans

....................................................................................................................................................www.va.gov/homeles

s

Home Loan Guaranty

.................................................................................................................................www.benefits.va.gov/homeloa

ns

Life Insurance

....................................................................................................................................www.benefits.va.gov/insuran

ce

Memorial Certificate Program

........................................................................................................................................www.cem.va.gov/pmc.as

p

My HealtheVet

................................................................................................................................................www.myhealth.va.go

v

National Resource Directory........................................................................................................www.nrd.gov

Records.........................................................................................www.archives.gov/st-louis/militarypersonnel

Returning Service Members................................................................................................www.oefoif.va.gov

State Departments of Veterans Affairs

.............................................................................................................................................www.va.gov/statedva.ht

m

Women Veterans

...........................................................................................................................................www.womenshealth.va.go

v

VA Vet Centers

.....................................................................................................................................................www.vetcenter.va.go

v

VA Home Page........................................................................................................................................www.va.gov

VA Forms.............................................................................................................................www.va.gov/findforms

Veteran Readiness and Employment ..................................................................................www.va.gov/vre
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Introduction

Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad 

range of benefits and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans 

Affairs (VA). These benefits are codified in Title 38 of the United States 

Code. This booklet contains a brief overview of the most commonly sought

information concerningVeterans benefits and services. For the most 

accurate information, Veterans andfamily members should visit the 

websites provided within this publication as regulations, payments, and 

eligibility requirements are subject to change. For additional information, 

please visit www.va.gov. To find the nearest VA facility, goto

www.va.gov/find-locations.

General Eligibility: Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge

fromactive military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active 

service means full-time service, other than active duty for training, as a 

member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a

commissioned officer

of the Public Health Service, Environmental Science Services 

Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its

predecessor, the Coastand Geodetic Survey.

Eligible Wartime Periods: Certain VA Benefits Require Wartime Service.

For information on eligible wartime periods please visit

www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/.

Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courtsmartial may bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison must contact VA to

determine eligibility.VA benefits will not be provided to any Veteran or 

dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant.

Important Documents: In order to expedite benefits delivery, Veterans

seeking aVA benefit for the first time can submit a copy of their service

discharge form (DD-214, DD-215, or for World War II Veterans, a WD 

form), which documents servicedates and type of discharge, or provides full 

name, military service number, and branch and dates of service. The 

Veteran’s service discharge form should be kept in a safe location accessible

to the Veteran and next of kin or representative.

The following documents may be needed for claims processing related to a

Veteran’s death: Veteran’s marriage certificate for claims of a surviving

spouse orchildren; Veteran’s death certificate if the Veteran did not die in a 

VA health care facility; children’s birth certificates or adoption papers to 
ii | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

determine children’s benefits; or Veteran’s birth certificate to determine 

parents’ benefits. For information and updates on VA benefits and services, 

follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VeteransBenefits and/or

Twitter www.twitter.com/VAVetBenefits.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Attention Veterans, Family Members 

and VA Employees

The 2021 Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and 

Survivors provides information on benefits and services

currently available by law and regulation. However, due to VA’s 

ongoing response to COVID-19 we encourage Veterans, their 

families and caregivers to visit VA.gov. Specifically, for

information about COVID-19 and how it

affects VA health care and benefit services, visit our coronavirus 

FAQsat www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-askedquestions/ or read VA’s public health response at

www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/. 

Please contact us first before going to any VA location at

www.va.gov/find-locations to seek health care, benefits, or 

memorial and burial services. Contacting us first helps us keep 

you and our employees safe. For the latest Federal government 

coronavirus information, please visit the CDC website at 

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ index.html. 
iv | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Contents

Introduction....................................................................................... i

eBenefits............................................................................................ 1

Health Care ................................................................................................2

Non-Health Care Benefits............................................................. 16

Education and Training Benefits .....................................................................25

Special Groups of Veterans...................................................................46

Burial and Memorial Benefits ...................................................... 62

Burial in VA National Cemeteries.......................................................62

Other Memorialization............................................................................65
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

eBenefits

eBenefits is a joint VA/Department of Defense (DoD) Web portal that 

provides resources and self-service capabilities to service members, 

Veterans, and their families to apply, research, access, and manage their VA

and military benefits andpersonal information through a secure Internet 

connection.

Through eBenefits Veterans can: apply for benefits, view their disability

compensation claim status, access official military personnel documents 

(e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active 

Duty), transfer entitlement of Post-9/11 GI Bill to eligible dependents 

(service members only), obtain a VA-guaranteed home loan Certificate of

Eligibility, and register for andupdate direct deposit information for

certain benefits.

Accessing eBenefits: The portal is located at www.ebenefits.va.gov. Service

members or Veterans must register for an eBenefits account at one of two

levels:Basic or Premium. A Premium account allows the user to access

personal data in VA and DoD systems, as well as apply for benefits online, 

check the status of claims, update address records, and more. The Basic

account allows access to

information entered into eBenefits by the service member or Veteran only.

Basicaccounts cannot access VA or DoD systems.

VA has built a new online portal www.va.gov which contains information and

manyself-service tools in one location. Many eBenefits features have already 

moved to va.gov. This site will replace eBenefits.

Reporting Fraud: Help VA’s Secretary ensure integrity by reporting

suspectedfraud, waste or abuse in VA programs or operations.

Report Fraud to:

VA Inspector General Hotline

810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, D.C.

20420 E-mail: vaoighotline@va.gov

VAOIG hotline: 1-800-488-8244

Fax: (202) 495-5861
2 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Health Care

More information on VA health care is available at the following resources:

www. va.gov/health/, www.va.gov/health-care/ and VA Health Benefits tollfree 1-877-222- VETS (8387) Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and

8:00 p.m. EST.

Basic Eligibility: A person who served in the active military, naval, or air 

service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than 

dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying

Reserve and NationalGuard members.

Former servicemembers who have an Other Than Honorable discharge 

can receive an initial mental health assessment and will be connected with

neededmental and behavioral healthcare services.

Minimum Duty Requirements: Veterans who enlisted after 

September 7,1980, or who entered active duty after October 16, 1981,

must have served

24-continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active 

duty in order to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply 

to Veteransdischarged for hardship, early out or a disability incurred or 

aggravated in the lineof duty.

Enrollment: Veterans can complete applications for enrollment in VA health

careby using one of the options below:

• To apply by phone, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through 

Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST. VA staff members will collect 

the neededinformation and process the enrollment application for 

an enrollment determination.

• When applying online at va.gov, Veterans fill out the application 

and electronically submit it to VA for processing. VA will search 

for your supporting documentation through its electronic

information systemsand will contact you if it is unable to verify 

your military service.

• The application form can also be downloaded from 

www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction. Mail the 

completed form to: Health Eligibility Center, ATTN: Enrollment

Eligibility Division, 2957 ClairmontRoad Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 

30329-1647.

• Apply in person at any VA health care facility or VA regional office.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

Onceenrolled, Veterans can receive health care at VA health care 

facilities anywhere in the country.

The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll, but are

urgedto do so to permit better planning of health resources:

1. Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or

more.
4 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

2. Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was

incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not yet

rated,within 12 months of discharge.

3. Veterans seeking care for a service-connected disability only.

4. Veterans seeking registry examinations (ionizing radiation, Agent

Orange,Gulf War/Operation Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi 

Freedom/ Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) depleted uranium,

airborne hazards and Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry).

Priority Groups: During enrollment, each Veteran is assigned to a priority

group.VA uses priority groups to balance demand for VA health care 

enrollment with resources. Changes in available resources may reduce the 

number of priority groups VA can enroll. If this occurs, VA will publicize the 

changes and notify affected enrollees. A description of priority groups 

follows:

Group 1: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or

more; Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to serviceconnectedconditions; and Veterans who have been awarded the Medal of

Honor.

Group 2: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30 or 40 percent.

Group 3: Veterans who are former Prisoners of War; Veterans awarded the 

Purple Heart medal; Veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred or

aggravatedin the line of duty; Veterans with VA service-connected disabilities

rated 10 or

20 percent; and, Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under 

Title 38, U.S.C., § 1151, “benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or 

vocationalrehabilitation.”

Group 4: Veterans who receive increased compensation or pension

based ontheir need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being 

permanently housebound; and, Veterans determined by VA to be

catastrophically disabled.

Group 5: Nonservice-connected Veterans and non-compensable 

service- connected Veterans rated by VA as 0-percent disabled and who 

have an annualincome below the VA’s geographically-adjusted income 

limit (based on your resident ZIP code); Veterans receiving VA Pension

benefits; and Veterans eligiblefor Medicaid benefits.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

Group 6: Compensable 0 percent service -connected Veterans; Veterans

exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the

occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Project 112/SHAD participants;

Veteranswho served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and 

May 7, 1975; Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of

operations from Aug.

2, 1990, through Nov. 11, 1998; Veterans who served in a theater of 

combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998, as follows: Veterans discharged

from active duty
6 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

on or after Jan. 28, 2003, for five years post discharge; and Veterans who

served onactive duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between Aug.1,

1953, and Dec.

31, 1987. Currently enrolled Veterans and new enrollees who served in a 

theater of combat operations after Nov.11, 1998 and those who were 

discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, are eligible for the

enhanced benefits for fiveyears post discharge

Note: At the end of this enhanced enrollment priority group placement

time period, Veterans will be assigned to the highest priority group their

eligibility forwhich their status at that time qualifies.

Group 7: Veterans with gross household income below the

geographically-adjusted VA income limit for their resident location and, 

who agree to pay copayments.

Group 8: Veterans with gross household incomes above VA national 

income limit and the geographically-adjusted income limit for their resident 

location and, who agree to pay copayments. Veterans eligible for enrollment:

Noncompensable0-percent service-connected and are:

Subpriority a: Enrolled as of Jan. 16, 2003, and who have remained

enrolled since that date and/or placed in this subpriority due to

changedeligibility status.

Subpriority b: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009, whose income exceeds 

the current VA national income limits or VA national geographic income 

limits by 10 percent or less Veterans eligible for enrollment: nonserviceconnected and:

Subpriority c: Enrolled as of Jan. 16, 2003, and who remained enrolled

since that date and/ or placed in this subpriority due to changed

eligibility status.

Subpriority d: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009 whose income 

exceeds the current VA national income limits or VA national geographic 

income limits by 10 percent or less Veterans NOT eligible for enrollment:

Veterans not meetingthe criteria above:

Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0-percent service-connected 

(eligible forcare of their service-connected condition only).

Subpriority f: Nonservice-connected.

VA’s income limits change annually and current levels can be located at:

www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apps/explorer/AnnualIncomeLimits/.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

Eligible Veterans can seek this care from an urgent care facility or walk -in 

retail health clinic that is part of VA’s community provider network, but not

all urgentcare facilities or walk-in retail health clinics are in VA’s network.

As VA implement the MISSION Act, Veterans should continue to talk to their VA
8 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

health care team or scheduler to get the care they need. For more

information,please visit missionact.VA.gov.

Community Care: Veterans may be eligible for care through a provider in 

their local community depending on their health care needs or 

circumstances, and if they meet specific eligibility criteria. Even if a Veteran 

is eligible for community care, they generally still have the option to receive

care from a VA medical facility.

In most cases, Veterans must receive approval from VA before receiving 

care from a community provider to avoid being billed for the care. VA staff 

membersgenerally make all eligibility determinations for community care.

Eligibility: You may be eligible to see a community provider if you meet 

one ofthese six eligibility criteria:

1. Service Unavailable – You need a service that is not available at VA 

(e.g.maternity care, in vitro fertilization)

2. Facility Unavailable – You reside in a U.S. state or territory without 

a full-service VA medical facility

3. Grandfathered Choice – You were eligible for community care under 

theVeterans Choice Program distance criteria

4. Medical Interest – Your VA provider determines it is in your best 

medicalinterest to be referred to a community provider

5. Quality Standards – You need care from a VA medical service that VA

determines is not providing care that complies with VA’s quality

standards

6. Access Standards – You meet the access standards for average drive

timeor wait time for a VA appointment

A. Drive time access standards

You may be eligible to see a community provider if your

averagedrive time from home to a VA medical facility that 

provides the service you need takes more than:

• 30 minutes travel time to receive primary care, mental

health, and non-institutional extended care services 

(including adulthome day care)

• 60 minutes travel time to receive specialty care services

B.Wait time access standards?

You may be eligible if the wait time for an appointment at
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

a VA medical facility that provides the service you need

exceeds:

• 20 days for primary care, mental health, and noninstitutionalextended care services
10 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

• 28 days for specialty care from the date of request with

certainexceptions

Process Overview:

1. Eligibility: VA confirms a Veteran’s eligibility to receive community care.

2. Appointments: Veteran or a VA staff member schedules

appointmentwith a provider in VA’s network.

3. Getting Care: Veteran receives care from a community provider in

theVA’s network.

4. Billing: Community provider sends the claim to a Third

PartyAdministrator (TPA) or VA for payment.

For more information, visit: www.va.gov/communitycare. 

Meeting the Unique Needs of Women Veterans: VA staff delivers the 

highest quality health care in a setting that ensures privacy, dignity, and 

sensitivity. Local VA facilities offer a variety of services, including women’s 

gender-specific health, screening and disease prevention, maternity care and

routine gynecologic services.

Women Veterans are eligible to receive care provided in the community 

when they meet the eligibility criteria and are authorized by VA. A Veteran’s 

eligibility forcommunity care depends on individual health care needs or

circumstances. Thereare six criteria that can qualify a Veteran to receive 

community care. Veterans only need to meet one of these criteria to be 

eligible:

1. Veteran needs a service not available at a VA medical facility

2. Veteran lives in a U.S. state or territory without a fullservice VAmedical facility

3. Veteran qualifies under the “Grandfather” provision related to

distanceeligibility for VCP

4. VA cannot provide care within certain designated access standards

5. It is in the Veteran’s best medical interest

6. A VA service line does not meet certain quality standards.

Visit www.va.gov/communitycare to learn more about eligibility for community

care.

Contact a local VA facility’s Women Veterans Program Manager for more

information on available services, call or text 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

6636)or visit www.womenshealth.va.gov .

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Veterans: VA works with 

the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal Health Programs (THP) to 

reimburse the cost of care provided to eligible Veterans at IHS and local

THP facilities. Through

reimbursement agreements between VA and IHS/THP facilities, care is provided

to
12 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Veterans closer to home in a culturally sensitive environment.

If you are an eligible AI/AN Veteran, you do not need preauthorization to 

receivecare through an IHS facility or a THP facility that has a

reimbursement agreementwith VA, and you do not have to pay a VA 

copayment. However, in Alaska, due to the rural nature of the state and the

limited presence of VA there, reimbursementagreements also cover eligible 

non-AI/AN Veterans. Preauthorization is required and you may be subject 

to VA copayments.

To learn more, visit: www.va.gov/tribalgovernment/.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/questioning 

(LGBTQ+) Veterans: LGBTQ+ Veterans are eligible for the same VA 

benefits as any other Veteran and will be treated in a welcoming

environment. Transgender

Veterans will be treated based upon their self-identified gender, including 

room assignments in residential and inpatient settings. Same-sex couples:

VA launcheda website to inform Veterans and beneficiaries of the recent 

changes in the law and procedures involving same-sex marriages.

Veterans can learn more about VA’s guidance regarding same-sex marriages at

www.va.gov/opa/marriage.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST): VA uses the term “military sexual trauma” 

(MST) to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during

military service.VA has expanded eligibility for Veterans in need of mental 

health care due to sexual assault or sexual harassment to Reservists and 

National Guard members participating in weekend drill. To receive free 

treatment related to MST, Veterans do not need a VA service-connected 

disability. Veterans do not need to have reported the incident when it 

happened or have other documentation that it occurred. There are no 

length-of-service requirements to receive care, and some Veterans may be 

able to receive free MST-related care even if they are not eligible for other 

VA care. Counseling, assessment and referral services for MST are also

provided at Vet Centers. Veterans can learn more about VA’s MST-related 

services online at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp.

Care Management for Post 9/11 Era Veterans: Each VA medical

center hasa Transition and Care Management (formerly Operation 

Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn

(OEF/OIF/OND) Care

Management) team in place to coordinate patient care activities and ensure 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

that Veterans are receiving patient-centered, integrated care and benefits. 

Veterans who served in a theater of operations after November 11, 1998, are

eligible for anextended period of eligibility for health care for five years after

their discharge.

In the case of multiple call-ups, the five-year enrollment period begins on 

the most recent discharge date. This special eligibility includes cost-free 

health care services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related 

to military serviceand enrollment in Priority Group 6 or higher for five years

from their date of
14 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

discharge or release from active duty, unless they are eligible for 

enrollment in a higher priority group. More information for connecting with

Transition and Care Management (TCM) teams can be found at

www.oefoif.va.gov.

Tax Credit: Veterans who are enrolled with VA for their health care meet 

the standard for minimum health care coverage; therefore, they are not

eligible for assistance to lower their cost of health insurance premiums if

they chose topurchase additional health insurance outside of their VA

health care coverage.

Remember, Veterans cannot receive a tax credit for themselves when 

enrolling within the marketplace, if they are currently enrolled with VA for 

their health care. For the latest information about VA and the health care law,

visit www.va.gov/health/aca/FAQ.asp or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Financial Assessment: Most Veterans not receiving VA disability 

compensation or pension payments must provide a financial assessment

upon initial applicationto determine their eligibility for free medical care, 

medications and/or travel benefits. This financial information also may be 

used to determine the Veteran’s enrollment priority group.

For more information, visit www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-healthbenefits/cost-of- care/, call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday

through Friday between 8 a.m.and 8 p.m. EST or contact the enrollment 

coordinator at your local VA medical facility. VA’s income limits are located 

at www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apps/explorer/ AnnualIncomeLimits.

VA no longer requires enrolled non-service connected and 0-percent noncompensable service connected Veterans to provide their financial

informationannually. An assessment will continue to be collected from

Veterans at the timeof application for enrollment. In lieu of the annual 

financial reporting, VA will confirm the Veteran’s financial information using

information obtained from theInternal Revenue Service and Social Security 

Administration.

Medical Services and Medication Copayments: While many Veterans

qualify forfree health care based on a VA compensable service-connected

condition or otherspecial eligibilities, most Veterans are required to 

complete a financial assessmentat the time of enrollment to determine if 

they qualify for free health care services. Veterans whose income exceeds the

VA income limits as well as those who choosenot to complete the financial 

assessment at the time of enrollment must agree to pay required
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

copayments for care to become eligible for VA healthcare services.

For more information on medical services and copays, visit

www.va.gov/health-care/copay-rates/.

Private Health Insurance Billing: Veterans with private health 

insurance may choose to use these sources of coverage as a 

supplement to their VA benefits. Veterans are not responsible for

paying any remaining balance of

VA’s insurance claim not paid or covered by their health insurance. By law, VA is
16 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

obligated to bill health insurance carriers for services provided to treat a

Veteran’snonservice-connected conditions. Veterans are asked to disclose 

all relevant health insurance information to ensure current insurance 

information is on file, including coverage through a spouse.

Any payment received by VA may be used to offset “dollar for dollar” a 

Veteran’s VA copay responsibility. Funds that VA receives from third party 

health insurance carriers go directly back to VA medical center’s operational 

budget. That money can be used to hire more staff or buy medical 

equipment to improve Veterans

healthcare. Enrolled Veterans can provide or update their insurance information

by:

1. Using the online Health Benefits Renewal form (10-10-EZR) at

www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction.

2. Calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday between

8 a.m.and 8 p.m. EST.

3. Presenting their health insurance card to the clinic clerk or using the 

self- service kiosks available at their local VA health care facility. VA 

health careis NOT considered a health insurance plan.

Reimbursement of Travel Costs: Eligible Veterans and non-Veterans may 

be provided mileage reimbursement or, when medically indicated, special 

mode transport (e.g., wheelchair van, ambulance), when travel is in relation 

to VA medical care. Mileage reimbursement is 41.5 cents per mile and is 

subject to a deductible of $3 for each one-way trip and $6 for a round trip; 

with a maximum deductible of $18 or the amount after six one-way trips 

(whichever occurs first) per calendar month. The deductible may be waived 

when travel is; in relation to a VA compensation or pension examination; by 

a special mode of transportation;by an eligible non-Veteran; or will cause a

severe financial hardship, as defined bycurrent regulatory guidelines.

Eligibility: A Veteran may be eligible for beneficiary travel services if the

followingcriteria are met:

• have a service-connected (SC) rating of 30 percent or more, or

• are traveling for treatment of a SC condition, or

• receive a VA pension, or your income does not exceed the

maximumannual VA pension rate, or

• are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension, or if

nototherwise eligible as noted above and;
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

• have a vision impairment, spinal cord injury or disorder, or a 

double or multiple amputation who’s travel in connection with

care providedthrough a VA special disabilities rehabilitation 

program (including programs provided by spinal cord injury

centers, blind rehabilitation
18 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

centers and prosthetics rehabilitation centers) if such care is 

provided on an inpatient basis or during a period in which you are

provided withtemporary lodging at a facility of the Department to 

make such care more accessible.

Veterans may qualify for special mode transportation: (ambulance,

wheelchair van, etc.) if they meet one of the eligibility criteria in the list 

above, and have a medical condition requiring an ambulance or a specially

equipped van as determined by a VA clinician, and the travel is

preauthorized (authorizationis not required for emergencies if a delay would

be hazardous to life or health).

More information on Beneficiary Travel is available at: www.va.gov/healthcare/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/.

Veteran Health Registries: Certain Veterans can participate in a VA health

registry and receive free evaluations. VA maintains health registries to 

provide special health evaluations and health-related information. To

participate, contactthe environmental health coordinator at the nearest VA

health care facility or

visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures to see a directory which lists 

environmentalhealth coordinators by state and U.S. territory. Veterans

should be aware that

a health registry evaluation is not a disability compensation exam. A 

registry evaluation does not start a claim for compensation and is not 

required for any VA benefits. No in person medical evaluation is required to 

become registered. Veterans not already enrolled in VA health care should

contact an environmentalhealth coordinator at a nearby VA facility by 

visiting the following link: (www.

publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp) or calling 1-877-222-8387. 

To learn more and for a list of current health registries, visit: 

www.publichealth.va.gov/ exposures/benefits/registry-evaluation.asp.

Vet Center Readjustment Counseling Services: Vet Centers provide

confidential, community-based counseling, outreach and referral services for 

a wide range of concerns to eligible Active Duty Service Members, Veterans,

servicemembers, including members of the National Guard and Reserves.

You are eligible for Vet Center services if you: served on active military duty

in any combattheater or area of hostility; experienced sexual trauma while 

serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training; 

provided direct emergent medical care or mortuary services to the casualties

of war while serving on active military duty, or; served as a member of an 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to ope rations in a 

combat zone or area of hostility; are a Vietnam Era Veteran who accessed 

care at a Vet Center prior to January 2, 2013; served on active military duty in 

response to a national emergency or major disaster declared by the 

president, or under orders of the governor or chief executive of a state in

response to a disaster or civil disorder in that state; or,

are a current or former member of the Coast Guard who participated in a 

drug interdiction operation, regardless of the location. Services are

available to family
20 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

members when it is found to aid in the readjustment of the Veteran or 

service member, including getting through a deployment. Bereavement 

counseling is also offered for families who experience an active duty death.

Vet Centers are separate from VA Medical Centers and release no 

information to any person or agency without the individual’s written

consent, except in serious circumstanceswhen there is an intent to harm.

300 Vet Centers and 83 Mobile Vet Centers

are in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin 

Islands,and American Samoa, and offer non-traditional hours, including

evenings and

weekends to accommodate busy schedules. Visit www.vetcenter.va.gov to

find a VetCenter nearest you or call the 24/7 Vet Center Call Center at 1-877-

927-8387.

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations: VA provides up to 

$6,800 lifetime benefits for service-connected Veterans and up to $2,000 

lifetime benefits for nonservice-connected Veterans to make home 

improvements and/ or structural changes necessary for the continuation of

treatment or for disabilityaccess to the Veterans home and essential 

lavatory and sanitary facilities. For application information, contact the 

prosthetic representative at the nearest VA medical center.

Special Eligibility Programs: VA provides comprehensive health care

benefits,including outpatient, inpatient, pharmacy, prosthetics, medical

equipment, andsupplies for certain Korea and Vietnam Veterans’ birth 

children diagnosed with spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta).

Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Veterans: Severely disabled

blind Veterans may be eligible for case management services at a VA

medicalcenter and for admission to an inpatient or outpatient VA blind 

or vision rehabilitation program.

Mental Health Care Treatment: Veterans eligible for VA medical care may

receivegeneral and specialty mental health treatment as needed. Mental 

health services are available in primary care clinics (including Home Based 

Primary Care), general and specialty mental health outpatient clinics, 

inpatient mental health units, residential rehabilitation and treatment 

programs, specialty medical clinics, and Community Living Centers. For more 

information on VA mental health services, visit

www.va.gov/healthbenefits/access/mental_health_care.asp and 

www.mentalhealth. va.gov or contact your local VA health care facility’s

Enrollment Office.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll -free, confidential 

resource that connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with

qualified, caringVA responders. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-

800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at veteranscrisisline.net, or send a 

text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24-hours a day, 7-

days a week, 365-days a year even if they are not registered with VA or

enrolled in VA health care.

The professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and

experienced
22 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances from Veterans coping 

with mental health issues that were never addressed to Veterans 

struggling with relationships or the transition back to civilian life.

European access: Veterans and members of the military community in 

Europe may dial 0800-1273-8255 or DSN 118. For more information 

about VA’s suicide prevention program, visit:www.Veteranscrisisline.net.

VA Dental Insurance Program: VA would like all Veterans to have access to

good oral health care; however, VA is limited to providing dental benefits to

those

Veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria. To help Veterans who are not

eligiblefor VA dental benefits or need more comprehensive dental care, VA 

offers enrolledVeterans and beneficiaries of CHAMPVA the opportunity to 

purchase dental insurance at a reduced cost through its VA Dental Insurance

Program (VADIP).

VADIP has been extended for an additional five years, until Dec. 31, 2021 

by the VA Dental Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2016. Delta Dental of 

California

and MetLife will be offering private dental insurance plans for enrolled 

Veteransand beneficiaries of CHAMPVA for VADIP. VADIP provides eligible

individuals the opportunity to purchase discounted dental insurance

coverage, including

diagnostic services, preventive services, endodontic and other restorative

services,surgical services and emergency services. Individuals who enroll in 

one of the dental insurance plans will pay the entire premium in addition to

the full cost

of any copayments. Enrollment is voluntary and does not affect eligibility 

for VA outpatient dental services and treatment. The plans are available to

eligible

individuals in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the

U.S.Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern 

Mariana Islands. Individuals who were enrolled in VADIP during the pilot period

(Jan. 1, 2013

– Jan. 31, 2017) must re-enroll in one of the new plans offered by Delta Dental 

or MetLife. While the insurance providers will remain the same, plan options, fees

andother factors may have changed from those offered during the pilot.

For more information about this program, call toll free 1-877-222-VETS 

(8387) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST or visit 

www.va.gov/ healthbenefits/vadip. Veterans may also review each insurer for
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

specific informationregarding their registration, rates and services: Delta 

Dental at deltadentalins.com/vadip or call 1-855-370-3303; MetLife at 

metlife.com/VADIP or call 1-888-310-1681.

Long-term Services: VA provides institution based services (nursing home

levelof care) to Veterans through three national programs: VA owned and 

operated Community Living Centers (CLC), State Veterans’ Homes owned 

and operated

by the states, and the community nursing home program. Each program has

admission and eligibility criteria specific to the program. VA is obligated to 

pay the full cost of nursing home services for enrolled Veterans who need 

nursing home care for a service-connected disability, or Veterans who have a

70 percent orgreater service-connected disability and Veterans with a rating

of total disability
24 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

based on individual unemployability. VA-provided nursing home care for all 

other Veterans is based on available resources. For more information on 

Extended Care Services and Geriatrics, visit

www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/index.asp.

Emergency Medical Care in U.S. Community Facilities: A medical 

emergencyis generally defined as a condition of such a nature that a 

sensible person wouldexpect that a delay in seeking immediate medical

attention would be hazardousto life or health. Eligible Veterans may receive 

emergency care at a community health care facility, possibly at VA expense, 

when a VA facility (or other Federal health care facility with which VA has an 

agreement) cannot furnish efficient care due to the distance from the 

facility, or when VA is unable to furnish the needed emergency services.

Since payment may be limited to the point when the condition is stable 

enough for the Veteran to travel to a VA facility, a family member or friend 

must contact the closest VA medical facility within 72 hours ofthe 

emergency. The emergency is deemed to have ended when a VA provider

has determined that, based on sound medical judgment; the Veteran could

be transferred from the community facility to a VA medical center. For 

more information on emergency care, visit 

www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/

veterans/Emergency_Care.asp.

Urgent Care: VA offers urgent care services to eligible Veterans at VA

medicalfacilities or at in-network urgent care clinics closer to home.

Use VA’s urgent care benefit to treat minor injuries and illnesses that are 

not life-threatening, such as colds, strep throat, sprained muscles, and

skin and earinfections.

To be eligible, Veterans must be enrolled in the VA health care system AND 

have received care through VA from either a VA or community provider

within the past24 months.

Use the VA Urgent Care Assistance Card to locate an in-network urgent 

care provider and receive assistance when using this benefit. To access this 

card, visit:

www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/docs/programs/UC_Assistance_Cards.pdf.

Fore more information about urgent care, visit:

www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/Urgent_Care.asp.

Flu Shots: VA offers no-cost flu shots to Veterans enrolled in VA health. Flu 

shots are provided at VA medical facilities and in-network community
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

providers annuallyduring flu season, typically from August 1 through May 31. 

For more information, visit: www.prevention.va.gov/flu/ and 

www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/flushot.asp. 

Foreign Medical Program: VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP) provides

healthcare payment/reimbursement for U.S. Veterans with VA-rated serviceconnectedconditions who live or travel abroad. Veterans may also register 

by email at iris. custhelp.va.gov/. All other Veterans living or planning to

travel outside the U.S.
26 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

should register with the Foreign Medical Program, P.O. Box 469061,

Denver, CO 80246-9061, USA; telephone 303-331-7590. For information, 

visit: www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/Veterans/fmp/index.asp.

Caregiver Programs and Services: Caregivers are eligible for a host of VA

services including services offered under the Program of General Caregiver

Support Services (PGCSS). These services are available to eligible Veterans of 

anyera. PGCSS includes training, education, respite care, self-care courses 

and the Caregiver Support Line 1-855-260-3274 (Monday through Friday 

8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST). These services are available to support all 

caregivers, where the Veteran is enrolled for healthcare at any Veterans 

Health Administration facility, regardless of illness or injury. In addition to 

services offered under the PGCSS, caregivers in the Program of 

Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) may also receive a 

monthly stipend, beneficiary travel, mental health counseling, enhanced 

respite services, and health insurance, if applicable. Underthe MISSION Act,

the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to give morefamily

caregivers access to the PCAFC and support them as they care for Veterans

of all eras. Currently, the PCAFC is only available to eligible Veterans injured 

in theline of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Prior to expanding 

eligibility for the PCAFC, VA must upgrade its information technology (IT) 

system and implement other improvements to strengthen the program. For 

detailed information about VA’s CSP and the full range of services available 

to caregivers, visit: www.caregiver. va.gov/. For information on the MISSION

Act, visit: missionact.va.gov/.

Camp Lejeune Family Member Program: The Camp Lejeune Family 

Member Program (CLFMP) is a medical care cost reimbursement program for 

family members of Veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 

August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987. VA will reimbursement eligible 

Camp Lejeune Family Members for health care costs related to one or more 

of 15 specified illnesses or medical conditions. For more information visit

www.clfamilymembers.fsc.va.gov/ or call the toll-free CLFMP customer 

service line at 1-866-372-1144.

Traveling Veterans: Enrolled Veterans, who receive their health care with VA,

willreceive the same, coordinated care, whether at their local VA treatment 

site or an alternate VA site of care. In order to help VA ensure Veterans 

receive consistent care while they are traveling, Veterans are asked to notify

their VA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and specialty care provider(s) four 

to six weeks before traveling,or as soon as possible. Early planning will allow 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

time for PACT and the Traveling Veteran Coordinator to coordinate care at

an alternate VA facility. VA providers

at the alternate site will record the care in the Veteran’s electronic medical 

record for follow-up treatment options with their PACT. To coordinate health 

care with another VA health care facility, Veterans should inform their PACT

of the following:

• travel destination(s), and temporary address
28 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

• valid telephone number

• arrival and departure dates

• specific care concerns

Their PACT will contact the Traveling Veteran Coordinator, who will assist in

coordinating care at the alternate facility. For more information, contact 

PACT or aTraveling Veteran Coordinator at the local VA facility.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Non-Health Care Benefits

Disability Compensation: Disability compensation is a tax-free monetary 

benefitpaid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or 

injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. The benefits 

amount is graduated according to the degree of the Veteran’s disability on a 

scale from 10 percent to 100 percent (in increments of 10 percent).

Compensation may also be paid for disabilities that are considered related or 

secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to 

be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise 

after service.

To be eligible for compensation, the Veteran must have been separated or

discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Monthly disability

compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of eligible

dependents. Veterans with disability ratings of at least 30 percent are eligible 

for additional allowances for dependents, including spouses, minor children,

childrenbetween the ages of 18 and 23 who are attending school, children 

who are permanently incapable of self-support because of a disability arising 

before age 18, and dependent parents.

The additional amount depends on the disability rating and the number of

dependents. For detailed 2021 compensation rate information visit:

www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/.

The Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program allows transitioning 

Service members to apply for their disability benefits before separation. This 

provides time for VA to schedule exams, review treatment records and 

evaluate the claim before separation and to get new Veterans their benefits 

sooner. Some BDD claimants receive their decision as soon as the day after 

leaving active duty. For more information on VA’s Pre-Discharge Programs

visit: www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-dischargeclaim/.

The payment of military retirement pay, disability severance pay and 

separationincentive payments, known as Special Separation Benefit (SSB) 

and Reservists’ Involuntary Separation Pay (RISP), and Voluntary Separation 

Pay (VSP), may affect the amount of VA compensation paid to disabled 

Veterans. For additionaldetails on types of disability claims and how to 

apply, visit: www.benefits.va.gov/ compensation/.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): SMC is an additional tax-free 

benefit that can be paid to Veterans as well as their spouses, surviving 
30 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

spouses, and parents. For Veterans, SMC is a higher rate of compensation 

paid, due to specialcircumstances such as the need for aid and attendance 

by another person, or due to a specific disability such as the loss of use of 

one hand or leg. A Veteran who is determined by VA to be in need of the

regular aid and attendance of
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

another person, or a Veteran who is permanently housebound, may be

entitledto additional payments. For detailed 2020 special monthly

compensation

rate information visit: www.va.gov/disability/compensationrates/veteran-rates/past-rates-2020/.

Allowance for Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound Veterans:

Veteransdetermined by VA to be in need of the regular A&A of another 

person, or permanently housebound, may be entitled to additional disability

compensationor pension payments. A Veteran evaluated at 30 percent or 

more disabled is entitled to receive an additional payment for a spouse who 

needs the aid and attendance of another person. Additional information 

may be found at www. va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/.

Automobile Allowance: Service members and Veterans may be eligible for a

one-time payment of $21,795.57, beginning October 1, 2020, toward the 

purchaseof an automobile or other conveyance if you have certain serviceconnected disabilities. Rates can be found at 

www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special- benefit-allowance-rates/.

To apply, contact a VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000 orthe nearest VA 

health care facility, which may be located at: www.va.gov/directory/

guide/home.asp. An application for benefits may also be made online at

www.va.gov.

Clothing Allowance: Any Veteran who has service-connected disabilities 

that require prosthetic or orthopedic appliances may receive clothing 

allowances. This allowance is also available to any Veteran whose serviceconnected skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably 

damages outer garments. To receive annual payment, you must establish 

eligibility by August 1st of the year for which you claim payment. To apply, 

contact the prosthetic representative at the nearest VA medical center 

located at: www.va.gov/find- locations. For information on current rates visit:

www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-benefit-allowance-rates.

Additional Benefits for Eligible Military Retirees: Concurrent

Retirementand Disability Pay (CRDP) is a DoD program that allows

some individuals to

receive both military retired pay and VA disability compensation. Normally,

suchconcurrent receipt is prohibited. Veterans do not need to apply for this 

benefit, as payment is coordinated between VA and the military pay center.

To qualify for

CRDP, Veterans must have a VA service-connected disability rating of 50
32 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

percent orgreater, be eligible to receive retired pay, and:

• Retire from military service based on longevity, including

TemporaryEarly Retirement Authority (TERA) retirees; or

• Retire due to disability with 20 or more years of service*; or

• Retire from National Guard or Reserve service with 20 or 

morequalifying years.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

*For Veterans who retired due to disability with 20 or more years of service,

CRDPis subject to an offset for the difference between retired pay based on 

disability and retired pay based on longevity.

Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans: Service members and Veterans 

with certain service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a housing

grant from VA to help build a new specially adapted house, to adapt a 

home they already own, or buy a house and modify it to meet their 

disability-related requirements. Eligible Veterans or service members may

now receive up to six uses of the grant,

with the total dollar amount of the grants not to exceed the maximum

allowable.Housing grant amounts may be adjusted Oct. 1st every year 

based on a cost-of- construction index. These adjustments will increase the 

grant amounts or leave them unchanged; grant amounts will not decrease.

Previous grant recipients who had received assistance of less than the

current maximum allowable may beeligible for an additional grant usage.

To obtain general information about the Specially Adapted Housing 

program, visit: www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/ or

call the program’s local office of jurisdiction at 1-877-827-3702.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: VA may approve a grant of not 

more than 50 percent of the cost of building, buying, or adapting existing 

homes or paying to reduce indebtedness on a currently owned home that is

being adapted,up to a maximum benefit amount of $100,896. Rates can be 

found by visiting: www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/.

In certain instances, the

full grant amount may be applied toward remodeling costs. The SAH grant 

is available to certain Service members and Veterans who are entitled to

disabilitycompensation due to the following:

1. Loss or loss of use of both legs, OR

2. Loss or loss of use of both arms, OR

3. Blindness in both eyes with 20/200 acuity or less, OR

4. Loss or loss of use of one leg together with residuals of organic

disease orinjury, OR

5. Certain severe burns, OR loss, or loss of use of one or more lower

extremities due to service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, which so affects 

the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude ambulating

without theaid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.*

*(This eligibility criteria is limited to 120 recipients per fiscal year (FY).
34 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

Service members or Veterans that have the qualifying disabilities to 

be rated eligible but did not receive one of the 120 grants due to the 

cap being reached, may be able to utilize this benefit in future years,

providedthe new FY cap is not also surpassed.)

Note: The property may be located outside the United States, in a country

orpolitical subdivision which allows individuals to have or acquire a 

beneficial
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

property interest, and in which the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, in his 

or her discretion, has determined that is reasonably practicable to aid 

in acquiring specially adapted housing. For more information on SAH, 

visit: www.va.gov/ housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/ or call 

the program’s local office ofjurisdiction at 1-877-827-3702. 

Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant: VA may approve a benefit amount

of

$20,215 for the cost of necessary adaptations to a service member’s or 

Veteran’s residence or to help him/her acquire a residence already adapted 

with special features for his/her disability, to purchase and adapt a home, or 

for adaptations to a family member’s home in which he/she will reside.

Information on currents ratesmay be found by visiting: www.va.gov/housingassistance/disability-housing-grants/. 

To be eligible for this grant, service members and Veterans must be entitled 

to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability due to 

one ofthe following:

1. Anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.

2. Certain severe burn injuries.

3. Certain severe respiratory injuries.

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA): Eligible Service members and

Veteranswho are temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member 

may also receive a TRA grant to help the Veteran or service member adapt 

the family member’s home to meet his or her special needs. Temporary 

Residence Adaption SAH is $40,637 and SHA is $7,256. Information on 

currents rates may be found by visiting: www.va.gov/housingassistance/disability-housing-grants. Under the Honoring America’s Veterans 

and Caring for Camp LeJeune Families Act of 2012, TRA grant amounts do 

not count against SAH or SHA grant maximum amounts, starting

Aug. 6, 2013. Grant amounts are adjusted annually Oct.1st based on a 

cost- of-construction index.

Supplemental Financing: Service members and Veterans with 

available VA Home Loan Guaranty entitlement may also obtain a 

guaranteed loan to

supplement the grant to acquire a specially adapted home. For more

informationon SAH, visit: www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housinggrants/. 

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) – Housing Adaptation
36 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

Assistance: 

SAH, in collaboration with VR&E, may provide home adaptations to 

participants of the VR&E program who are not currently able to work

because of the effects of their service-connected disabilities, or who require 

adaptations to achieve a vocational goal, via the VR&E Housing Adaptation 

Grant. The benefits are limitedto those required to improve independence

at home and/or in the community.

• Home adaptations up to $92,569 may be provided as part of an

approvedrehabilitation plan.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

VR&E may provide all services and assistance necessary to maximize

independence in activities in daily living. For more information about

Independent Living (IL), please visit the following website for more 

information:www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocationalrehabilitation/programs/independent-living.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): VR&E, also referred to as 

the Chapter 31 program, provides services to eligible service members and 

Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap

to help them to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment. For 

Service members and Veterans with service- connected disabilities so severe 

that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E provides services to

improve their ability to liveas independently as possible. For additional 

information on VR&E benefits pleasevisit:

www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp.

VR&E Eligibility for Veterans: A Veteran must have a VA service 

connected disability rating of at least 20 percent and determined to have 

an employment handicap, or rated 10 percent and determined to have a 

serious employment handicap, and must be discharged or released from

active military service underother than dishonorable conditions.

VR&E Eligibility for Service Members: Service members are eligible to

apply if they expect to receive an honorable discharge upon separation 

from active duty, obtain a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more from

VA, or automaticentitlement through the Integrated Disability Evaluation

System (IDES).

VR&E Entitlement: A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) works 

with the Veteran to determine if an employment handicap exists. An 

employment handicap exists if a Veteran’s service-connected disability

impairs his/her abilityto prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable

employment. After an entitlementdecision is determined, the Veteran and

VRC work together to develop an

individualized rehabilitation plan. The individualized rehabilitation plan

outlinesthe necessary rehabilitation services to be provided to the Service 

members andVeterans that are wounded, ill, injured, or in the IDES 

program and can receive National Defense Authorization Act authorized 

entitlement to VR&E when automatic referral by their chain of command.

VR&E Services: Veterans work with a VRC to select one of the five tracks to

employment based on their individualized needs. The Five Tracks to 
38 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

Employment provide greater emphasis on exploring employment options 

early in the rehabilitation planning process, better informed choices for the

Veteran regardingoccupational and employment options, faster access to 

employment for Veteranswho have identifiable and transferable skills for 

direct placement into suitable employment, and an option for Veterans who 

are not able to work, but need assistance to lead a more independent life. If

a program of training is selected,

VA pays the cost of the approved training and services (except those

coordinated
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

through other providers) that are outlined in the Veteran’s rehabilitation

plan,including subsistence allowance.

The Five Tracks to Employment are:

• Reemployment targets Service members and Veterans who served 

on active military service or in the National Guard or Reserves, and 

now returning to employers for whom they worked prior to going

on activeduty. Reemployment is protected under USERRA.

• Rapid access to employment targets Veterans who express a desire 

to obtain employment as soon as possible and already have the

necessaryskills to qualify for competitive employment in a suitable 

job.

• Self-employment targets Veterans who have limited access to

traditional employment, need flexible work schedules, or need a 

more accommodating work environment due to their disabling

conditions orother life circumstances.

• Employment through long-term services targets Veterans who 

need long-term services such as remedial or refresher courses, 

specialized training, and/or post-secondary education, to obtain

and/or maintainsuitable employment.

• Independent living targets Veterans who may be unable to

immediatelyreturn to work, but with assistance of VR&E services, 

they are able to improve their independence in daily living.

Period of a Rehabilitation Program: The basic period of eligibility in which

VR&Ebenefits may be used is 12 years from the latter of the following: 1) A 

Veteran’s date of separation from active military service, or 2) The date VA 

first notified

a Veteran that he/she has been granted a compensable service-connected

disability. Veterans may be provided up to 48 months of full-time services

or thepart-time equivalent based on the extent of services needed to 

complete the rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation plans that provide

services to achieve the maximum level of independence cannot exceed 24 

months which may be extended in certain circumstances.

Employment Services: In partnership with the Department of Labor, VA

providessupport to Veterans and transitioning service members at all stages 

of their job search, including career advice, resume building, and access to 

employers who want to hire Veterans and military spouses. Additional 
40 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

information and access to services are available at www.va.gov/careersemployment/ and www.va.gov/vre.

VR&E also establishes partnerships with Federal, state, and private

agencies that help facilitate direct placement of Veterans or service

members into civiliancareers. VR&E can assist with placement using the 

following resources:
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

On the Job Training (OJT) Program: Employers hire Veterans at an 

apprentice wage, and VR&E supplements the salary at the journey-man wage 

(up to the maximum amount allowable under OJT). As the Veterans progress

through training,the employers begin to increase the salary until the Veterans

reach journeyman level and the employers pay the entire salary. VR&E may 

also pay for any necessarytools, supplies, and equipment to support

reasonable accommodations .

Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE): The NPWE program provides eligible

Veterans the opportunity to obtain training and practical job experience.

This program is ideal for Veterans or service members who have a clearly 

established vocational goal and who learn easily in a hands-on setting. This 

program is also well suited for Veterans who are having difficulties obtaining

employment due tolack of work experience.

The NPWE program may be established in a federal, state, or local (i.e. city, 

town, school district) government agencies only. The employer may hire the 

Veteran atany point during the NPWE program.

Special Employer Incentive (SEI): The SEI program is for eligible Veterans 

who face challenges in obtaining employment. Veterans approved to

participate in theSEI program are hired by participating employers and

employment is expected

to continue following successful completion of the program. Employers are

provided this incentive to hire Veterans. If approved, the employer will 

receive reimbursement for up to 50 percent of the Veteran’s salary during the

SEI program,which can last up to six months.

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC): The VSOC program aims to help 

Veterans, service members, and eligible dependents succeed through a 

coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling,

leading to successfulcompletion of their education and preparing them to 

enter the labor market in viable careers. For additional information on the 

VSOC program please visit: www.va.gov/careers-employment/vetsuccesson-campus/.

Chapter 36 Personalized Career Planning and Guidance: VA’s Education 

and Career Counseling Program (Title 38 U.S.C. Chapter 36) offers a great 

opportunity for transitioning Veterans, service members, and dependents to 

get personalized counseling and support to guide their career paths, ensure 

the most effective useof their VA benefits, and help them achieve their goals. 

For additional informationplease visit: www.va.gov/careers-
42 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

employment/education -and-career-counseling/.

VA Pension: VA helps Veterans and their families cope with financial 

challenges by providing supplemental income through the Veterans Pension 

and Survivors Pension benefit programs. Payments are made to bring the 

Veteran’s or survivor’stotal income, including other retirement or Social 

Security income, to a level set by Congress. Unreimbursed medical expenses 

may reduce countable income forVA purposes.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Veterans Pension: Congress establishes the maximum annual pension rate

(MAPR). Payments are reduced by the amount of countable income of the

Veteran, spouse, and dependent children. When a Veteran without a 

dependentis furnished nursing home or domiciliary care by VA, the pension

is reduced to anamount not to exceed $90 per month after three calendar 

months of care. The reduction may be delayed if nursing home care

continues to provide the Veteran

with rehabilitation services. For additional information on pension benefits

pleasevisit: www.va.gov/pension/.

Eligibility for Veterans Pension: Veterans who entered active duty after 

Sept. 7, 1980, generally must have served at least 24 months or for the full 

period for which they called or ordered to active duty (with some

exceptions), with at leastone day during a war time period. For those 

separated prior to September 7, 1980, a Veteran must have at least 90 days

of active military service, with at leastone day during a recognized wartime

period to qualify for a VA pension. The

90-day active military service requirement does not apply to Veterans 

discharged from the military due to a service-connected disability. The 

Veteran’s discharge must have been under conditions other than

dishonorable, and the disability mustbe for reasons other than the Veteran’s 

own willful misconduct. In addition to meeting minimum service requirement,

low-income wartime Veterans may qualifyfor pension if they meet certain 

service, income and net worth limits set by law and are: Age 65 or older, OR 

permanently and totally disabled, OR a patient in a nursing home receiving 

skilled nursing care or VA approved medical foster home, OR receiving Social

Security Disability Insurance, OR receiving Supplemental Security Income.

Yearly family income and net worth must be less than the amount set by 

Congressto qualify for the Veterans pension benefit. Payments are made to 

bring the Veteran’s total income, including other retirement or Social Security 

income (SSI), to a level set by Congress. Unreimbursed medical expenses may

reduce countableincome for VA purposes.

How to Apply for Veterans Pension: To apply for Veterans Pension, 

download and complete VA Form 21P 527EZ, “Application for Veterans 

Pension”. You can mailyour application to the address below:

Pension & Survivors Benefits Department of Veterans

AffairsPension Intake Center

PO Box 5365

Janesville WI 53547
44 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

For additional information on pension benefits please visit

www.va.gov/pension/.

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits (Special Monthly

Pension): Veterans and survivors who are eligible for VA pension and

require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound,

maybe eligible for a higher
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

maximum annual pension rate. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly

pension, and they are not paid without eligibility to pension. Since aid and

attendance and housebound allowances increase the pension amount, 

people who are not eligible for a basic pension due to excessive income may 

be eligible for pension at these increased rates. A Veteran or surviving 

spouse may not receive aid and attendance benefits and housebound 

benefits at the same time. For additional information on aid and attendance 

and housebound benefits including how to apply please visit:

www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/.

To apply for aid and attendance or housebound benefits, submit a VA

Form 21- 2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for 

Regular Aid andAttendance to the address shown below.

Pension & Survivors Benefits Department of Veterans

AffairsPension Intake Center

PO Box 5365

Janesville WI 53547

Please include copies of any evidence, preferably a report from an 

attending physician or a nursing home, validating the need for aid and 

attendance or housebound status. The report should contain enough detail 

to determine whether there is disease or injury producing physical or

mental impairment, lossof coordination, or conditions affecting the ability 

to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, and to 

keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable, or whether confined to the

immediate premises due to disability.

Reductions for Medicaid Covered Nursing Facility Care: Veterans, who 

are in a Medicaid-approved nursing facility, and covered by a Medicaid plan

for services

furnished by the nursing facility are limited to receiving $90 per month in

pension benefits. No part of the $90 monthly pension may be used to reduce 

the amount of Medicaid paid to a nursing facility.
46 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Education and Training Benefits

Education and Training Benefits help Veterans, service members, and 

their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition,

finding the rightschool or training program, and getting career counseling.

Post–9/11 GI Bill: The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit program 

for service members and Veterans who served on active duty after Sept.10, 

2001. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after Aug. 1, 2009.

No paymentscan be made under this program for training pursued before 

that date. For additional information on education and training 

opportunities please visit: www.va.gov/education/about-gi-billbenefits/post-9-11/ or by calling 1-888-GI-BILL-1(1-888-442-4551).

Post–9/11 GI Bill Eligibility: To be eligible, the service member or Veteran 

mustserve at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, 

and remain on active duty or be honorably discharged. Active duty includes 

active service performed by National Guard members under title 32 U.S.C. 

for the purposes of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or 

training the National Guard;or under section 502(f ) for the purpose of 

responding to a national emergency. Veterans may also be eligible if they

were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected 

disability after serving 30 continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001. Additionally, 

under the Colmery Act of 2017, all Purple Heart award recipients are eligible

for Post 9/11 GI Bill entitlement providing the awardwas made during 

service occurring on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and the recipient continues on 

duty or receives an honorable discharge.

Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP): VRRAP gives 

eligible Veterans who lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic access to 

employmentreeducation to qualify for high-demand occupations. The highdemand occupations identified by VA in partnership with the Department of

Labor, includehealth care, education, media, engineering and high-tech

opportunities. Veteransparticipating in VRRAP will receive up to 12 months 

of tuition and fees and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI 

Bill rates.

Visit Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program for eligibility criteria

andapplication at www.va.gov/education/other-va-educationbenefits/veteran-rapid- retraining-assistance/.

Contents of Benefit: Generally, service members or eligible Veterans may

receiveup to 36 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Based on 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

the length of active duty service, eligible participants are entitled to receive a 

percentage

of the cost of in-state tuition and fees at public institutions or the tuition 

and fees capped at a national maximum rate for private or foreign

schools. Currentrates can be found at www.va.gov/education/benefitrates/. The percentages and corresponding service requirements are 

noted in the chart on next page.
48 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Service requirements after 9/10/01, an individual 

mustserve an aggregate of:

Payment 

Tiers

Percentage

At least 36 months or received a Purple Heart 100 percent

At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged

dueto a service connected disability

100 percent

At least 30 months, but less than 36 Months 90 percent

At least 24 months, but less than 30 Months 80 percent

**At least 18 months, but less than 24 Months 70 percent

**At least 6 months, but less than 18 months 60 percent

**At least 90 days, but less than 6 months 50 percent

**Excludes time in basic military training and/or skill training.

If a service member or Veteran is eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill or the

Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve and qualifies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, 

an irrevocable election must be made to receive benefits under the Post9/11 GI Bill.In most instances, once the election to receive benefits under 

the Post-9/11 GI Bill is made, the individual will no longer be eligible to 

receive benefits under therelinquished program.

Tuition and fees are paid to the institution on the student’s behalf as well as 

a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) currently equal to the basic allowance 

for housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents, in the same ZIP code 

of the main campus of the primary school (paid directly to the Veteran, or 

eligible dependents) but prorated based on benefit level and rate of pursuit

(e.g., full-timestudent, 3⁄4-time student, etc.). Please note, however, that MHA

is not payable

to individuals enrolled in flight or correspondence training, to individuals 

whilepursuing training at half time or less (regardless of the type of 

training), or to individuals while on active duty or their spouses. Current

rates can be found at:www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/.

Effective January 2020, the MHA is calculated based on the ZIP code of the

campus location where the student physically attends most of clas ses rather

thanthe location of the main campus of the school. Adjustments will be 

retroactive toAugust 1, 2018 based on the Colmery Act.

Additional benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill include a yearly books and

suppliesstipend of up to $1,000 per year (paid directly to the service 

member, Veteran, or eligible dependents), and a one-time payment of $500 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

paid to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas. 

Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate 

and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the

job and
50 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

apprenticeship training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing

andnational testing programs, and tutorial assistance.

The Yellow Ribbon G.I. Bill Education Enhancement Program: The Yellow

Ribbon Program allows institutions of higher learning (such as colleges,

universities, and other degree-granting schools) in the United States to

voluntarilyenter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition and fees that

exceed the

amounts payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The institution can contribute 

a specified dollar amount of those expenses, and VA will match the 

contribution, not to exceed 50 percent of the difference. To be eligible, the 

student must be a Veteran or a transfer-of-entitlement-eligible dependent 

child receiving benefit atthe 100-percent benefit rate. It is not available to

active-duty-service members or their spouses using transferred entitlement, 

regardless of benefit level, or Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry 

Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) recipients.However, the Colmery Act will

expand the Yellow Ribbon Program, as of Aug. 1, 2018, to include individuals

who were awarded a Purple Heart on or after Sept.

11, 2001, as well as Fry Scholarship recipients, and, as of Aug. 1, 2022, to

include active-duty service members eligible at the 100-percent benefit 

level, and theirspouses using transferred entitlement.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Eligibility: The 

Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to the children and 

surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after 

Sept. 10, 2001. Eligible beneficiaries attending school may receive up to 36 

months of benefits at the 100-percent level. The Fry Scholarship includes 

full tuition and fees paid directly to the school for all public school in-state

students. For those attendingprivate or foreign schools, tuition and fees 

are capped at a statutory maximum amount per academic year. A monthly 

housing allowance and a books and supplies stipend are also paid to the 

student.

Surviving children who are eligible may begin an approved program of

educationbefore the age of 18. A child’s marital status has no effect on 

eligibility. Eligible children are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100-

percent level. If the qualifying parent’s death occurred before Jan. 1, 2013, 

the child’s eligibility ends on his or her 33rd birthday. If the qualifying 

parent’s death occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2013, the child’s eligibility never

expires.

Surviving spouses who are eligible have no timeline on when they can
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

use thebenefit; however, a spouse will lose eligibility for this benefit upon

remarriage.

Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship: The Rogers STEM (Science,

Technology,Engineering, and Math) Scholarship will provide up to nine 

months of additional Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (to a maximum of $30,000) to

qualifying Veterans and Fry Scholars seeking an undergraduate STEM degree 

or who have earned a STEM degree and are seeking a teaching certification.
52 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Eligible Veterans or Fry Scholars must have exhausted or are about to 

exhaust their Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement within 180 days and have 

completed at least60 semester credit hours (or 90 quarter credit hours) 

toward their degree. A qualifying undergraduate STEM program requires

at least 120 semester (or 180

quarter) credit hours for completion or is a teaching certification program.

Prioritywill be given to individuals who are entitled to 100% of Post-9/11 GI 

Bill benefits and to those who require the most credit hours. The Yellow 

Ribbon Program may not be used with this extension. Schools may apply

Yellow Ribbon funding, but VAcannot match it. These additional benefits

can’t be transferred to dependents.

For more information, please visit: www.va.gov/education/other-vaeducation-benefits/stem-scholarship/.

Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC):

A pilot program that pairs eligible Veterans with market-leading Training 

Providers offering the hightech training and skills development sought by 

employers. VA pays for classes and training, and participants receive a 

monthly housing stipend during training. Approved training programs are in 

one of five areas: computer software, information science, computer

programming, media application, or dataprocessing.

Veterans with at least one day of unexpired GI Bill entitlement, may be 

eligible for VET TEC. Participation in the VET TEC program does not count

against GI Billentitlement. VA pays approved Training Providers on a “pay 

for performance” model:

• An initial 25 percent of tuition and fees when the Veteran

enrollsand attends.

• Another 25 percent when the Veteran completes his or

hertraining program.

• The remaining 50 percent once the Veteran secures

meaningfulemployment in his or her field of study.

For more information, please visit: www.va.gov/education/about-gi-billbenefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/.

Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): The DEA 

programoffers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents 

of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a servicerelated condition
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service -

related condition. Eligible surviving dependents may be eligible for 45

months of degreeand certificate courses, apprenticeship, and on-the-job 

training.

To be eligible, you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

• A Veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result
54 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active

service in the armed forces.

• A Veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and

totalservice-connected disability was in existence.

• A service member missing in action or captured in line of duty 

by ahostile force.

• A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty

by aforeign government or power.

• A service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient 

treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and 

is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective

December 23, 2006.

Surviving spouses lose eligibility if they remarry before age 57 or are living 

with another person who has been recognized publicly as their spouse. They 

can regain eligibility if their remarriage ends by death or divorce or if they 

cease livingwith the person. Dependent children do not lose eligibility if the 

surviving spouseremarries.

Provisions of the Colmery Act of 2017 will limit the months of benefit

entitlementunder DEA to 36 months (instead of 45) if enrollment in an 

education program occurs after Aug. 1, 2018.

Visit www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependentseducation-assistance for more information.

Period of Eligibility: The period of eligibility for Veterans’ spouses expires 10

years from either the date they become eligible or the date of the Veteran’s 

death.Children generally must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to receive 

educational benefits. VA may grant extensions to both spouses and children.

The period of eligibility for spouses of service members who died on active

duty expires 20 yearsfrom the date of death. Spouses of service members 

who died during active duty whose 10-year eligibility period expired before 

Dec. 10, 2004 have 20 years from the date of death to use educational 

benefits.

Training Available: Benefits may be awarded for pursuit of associate, 

bachelor, or graduate degrees at colleges and universities; independent

study; cooperativetraining; study abroad; certificate or diploma from 

business, technical, or vocational schools; apprenticeships; on-the-job 

training programs; farm cooperative courses; and preparatory courses for 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

tests required or used for admission to an institution of higher learning or 

graduate school.

Benefits for correspondence courses under certain conditions are available 

to spouses only. Beneficiaries without high-school degrees can pursue 

secondary schooling, and those with a deficiency in a subject may receive

tutorial assistanceif enrolled half-time or more.
56 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Special Benefits: Dependents over age 14 with physical or mental disabilities

thatimpair their ability to pursue an education may receive specialized 

vocational or restorative training, including speech and voice correction,

language retraining, lip reading, auditory training, Braille reading and writing,

and similar programs.

Certain disabled or surviving spouses are also eligible.

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD): The MGIB-AD (Chapter 30) 

is an education benefit that provides up to 36 months of education benefits

to eligibleService members and Veterans for college degree and certificate 

programs, technical or vocational courses, flight training, apprenticeships or 

on-the-job training, high tech training, licensing and certification test, 

entrepreneurship training, certain entrance examinations, and 

correspondence courses. Remedial,deficiency, and refresher courses may be 

approved under certain circumstances. Benefits generally expire 10 years 

after discharge. Current payment rates are available at 

www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-educationassistance. Veteran may be eligible for this benefit if he or she entered 

active dutyafter June 30, 1985, has an honorable discharge, did not decline 

MGIB in writing, and served three continuous years of active duty (or have

an obligation to serve four years in the Selected Reserve after active duty 

service). There are exceptionsfor disability, re-entering active duty, and 

upgraded discharges. All participants must have a high school diploma, 

equivalency certificate, or have completed 12 hours toward a college degree

before applying for benefits.

GI Bill Resident-Rate Requirements: Section 3679, title 38, United States 

Code, requires VA to disapprove programs of education for payment of 

benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty at 

public Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs) if the school charges qualifying 

Veterans and dependentstuition and fees in excess of the rate for resident 

students. To remain approved for VA’s GI Bill programs, schools must 

charge in-state tuition and fee amounts to“covered individuals.” A covered 

individual is defined as: A Veteran who lives in the state where the IHL is

located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence)and enrolls in the 

school within three years of discharge from a period of active duty service 

of 90 days or more.

An individual using transferred benefits who lives in the state where the IHL 

is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the 

school within three years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

duty serviceof 90 days or more. 

Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled 

(other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, 

or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled 

in the school prior to the expiration of the three-year period following

discharge or release as

described above and must be using educational benefits under either

chapter 30or chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.
58 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits who lives in the state 

where the IHL is located and the transferor is a member of the uniformed

service who isserving on active duty.

Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry

Scholarship who lives in the state where the IHL is located (regardless of

his/herformal state of residence).

The in-state tuition provisions do not apply to those individuals on active

dutyusing benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI BillActive Duty.

Application Process: We recommend that you find an accredited attorney, 

claimsagent, or Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to assist you with your 

education benefits.You can find a local representative including a recognized 

VSO, attorney, or claimsagent by state/territory, zip code, or by the 

organization’s name online using eBenefits at 

www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vso-search.

To file online for education benefits, visit www.va.gov/education/survivordependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance.

You can also apply for education benefits by doing any of the following options:

Visit your nearest VA regional benefit office 

(www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp)and apply in person.

Consult with the VA Certifying Official who is usually in the registrar’s or

financial aid office at the school of your choice. This official has application 

forms and canhelp you apply.

Call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (888-442-4551) to have the application form mailed to

you.

Home Loan Guaranty: The VA Home Loan Guaranty program assists 

eligible Veterans, active duty personnel, certain surviving spouses, and 

members of the Reserves and National Guard to obtain, retain, and adapt

homes in recognition oftheir service to the Nation.

Home Loan Guaranty Uses: A VA loan guaranty helps protect lenders

from lossif the borrower fails to repay the loan. It can be used to obtain a 

loan to: buy an existing dwelling or build a home; buy a residential 

condominium unit; repair, alter, or improve a residence owned and

occupied by the Veteran; refinance

an existing home loan; buy a manufactured home and/or lot and install a 

solarheating or cooling system or other energy-efficient improvements.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

Home Loan Guaranty Eligibility: Eligibility applications can be submitted 

electronically by going through your lender, who will use the Automated

Certificate of Eligibility system.

Although it’s preferable for lenders and Veterans to apply electronically

dueto most of these requests being approved instantaneously by the

eligibility

system, it is possible to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) using VA Form
60 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

26-1880, Request for Certificate of Eligibility. Please note that while VA’s

electronicapplications can establish eligibility and issue an online COE in a 

matter of seconds, the system can only process cases for which VA has

enough data in

its records. Therefore, certain applicants will not be able to establish 

eligibility online and additional information might be requested prior to the 

issuance of a COE. If a COE cannot be issued immediately, users have the

option of submitting a hardcopy application. If applying manually for a COE 

using VA Form 26-1880, it is typically necessary that the eligible Veteran to 

present a copy of his/her report of discharge or DD Form 214, Certificate of

Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other adequate substitute evidence

to VA, and be aware that it could take moretime to process requests in this 

manner. An eligible active duty service member should obtain and submit a 

statement of service signed by an appropriate militaryofficial to the

appropriate Regional Loan Center mentioned on VA Form 26-1880.

For general program information or to obtain VA loan guaranty forms

please visitwww.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ or call 1-877-827-3702 to 

reach the home loan program’s local office of jurisdiction.

A completed VA Form 26-1880 and any associated documentation 

should be mailed to the nearest Regional Loan Center (RLC) of

jurisdiction. The RLC

jurisdictions and mailing addresses are located on page 3 of VA Form 26-1880,

www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-26-1880-are.pdf.

Credit and Income Qualifications: In addition to the periods of eligibility 

and conditions of service requirements, applicants must have enough 

income and credit, and agree to live in the property in order to be

approved by a lender for aVA home loan.

Surviving Spouses: Some spouses of Veterans may have home loan 

eligibility: The unmarried surviving spouse of a Veteran who died as a result 

of service or service-connected causes; The surviving spouse of a Veteran 

who dies on active duty or from service connected causes, who remarries 

on or after attaining age 57 and on or after December 16, 2003. Surviving 

spouses of Veterans who died from non-service-connected causes may also 

be eligible if any of the following conditions are met: The Veteran was rated

totally service-connected disabled for10 years or more immediately 

preceding death, or was rated totally disabled for not less than five years

from date of discharge or release from active duty to dateof death, or was a 

former prisoner of war who died after Sept. 30, 1999, and was rated totally 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

service connected disabled for not less than one year immediately 

preceding death.

Eligibility under the MIA/POW: The spouse of an active duty member who 

is listed as missing in action (MIA), forcibly detained in the line of duty by a 

foreign government, or a prisoner of war (POW) for at least 90 days.

Provisions are limitedto one-time use only.
62 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Home Loan Guaranty Limits: VA does not make guaranteed loans to 

Service members and Veterans; VA guarantees loans made by private 

sector lenders. The guaranty is what VA could pay a lender should the loan

go to foreclosure. VAdoes not set a cap on how much an individual can 

borrow to refinance a home. However, there are limits on the amount of

liability VA can assume, which usuallyaffects the amount of money an 

institution will lend. For information on loan limits please visit:

www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-limits/.

Other Types of Loans: An eligible borrower can use a VA-guaranteed 

Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan to refinance an existing VA loan

and lower theinterest rate and payment.

• A “covered Veteran” as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 3703(a)(1) is a Veteran 

who has previously used entitlement under this chapter and for

whom the fullamount of entitlement so used has not been restored 

as a result of the exclusion in section 3702(b) of this title.

• The “Freddie Mac conforming loan limit (CLL)” means the limit

determined by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and

published at 

www.fhfa.gov/DataTools/Downloads/Pages/Conforming-LoanLimits.aspx.

Home Loan Guaranty Appraisals: In most cases, a home loan cannot be

guaranteed by VA without first being appraised by a VA-assigned fee 

appraiser. A home appraisal by a VA-assigned fee appraiser is required for

purchase and certainrefinance loans guaranteed by VA. A lender can request 

a VA appraisal through VAsystems. The Veteran borrower typically pays for 

the appraisal upon completion, according to a fee schedule approved by VA. 

This VA appraisal estimates the valueof the property. An appraisal is not an 

inspection and does not guarantee the house is free of defects. VA

guarantees the loan, not the condition of the property.

A thorough inspection of the property by a reputable inspection firm 

may help minimize any problems that could arise after loan closing. In an 

existing home, attention should be given to plumbing, heating, electrical,

roofing, and

structural components. In addition, VA strongly recommends testing for

radon,a known carcinogen.

Home Loan Guaranty Closing Costs: For purchase home loans, payment in

cashis required on all closing costs, including title search and recording fees, 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

hazard insurance premiums, and prepaid taxes. For refinancing loans, all 

such costs may be included in the loan, if the total loan does not exceed the 

reasonable value of the property. Interest rate reduction loans may include 

closing costs, including a maximum of two discount points.
64 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Home Loan Guaranty Funding Fees: The funding fee is a percentage of 

the loan amount collected in order to offset future anticipated costs 

associated with the loan. A funding fee must be paid to VA unless the 

Veteran is exempt from such a fee. Currently, exemptions from the funding 

fee are provided for Service members and Veterans receiving VA disability 

compensation, those who are ratedby VA as eligible to receive compensation 

as a result of pre-discharge disability examination and rating, and those who

would be in receipt of compensation, but

who were recalled to active duty or reenlisted and are receiving active-duty 

pay inlieu of compensation, and active-duty service members who have 

earned a PurpleHeart, still serving on active duty. Additionally, unmarried 

surviving spouses in receipt of dependency and indemnity compensation 

may be exempt. The fee maybe paid in cash or included in the loan. For all 

types of loans, the loan amount mayinclude the VA funding fee and up to

$6,000 of energy-efficient improvements.

However, no other fees including fees for the VA appraisal, credit report, 

loan processing fee, title search, title insurance, recording fees, transfer 

taxes, survey charges, or hazard insurance charges, or discount points may

be included in loansfor purchase or construction. For refinancing loans, most 

closing costs may be included in the loan amount.

Home Loan Guaranty Required Occupancy: To qualify for a VA home 

loan, a Veteran or the spouse of an active-duty service member must certify 

that he or she intends to occupy the home. A dependent child of an activeduty service member also satisfies the occupancy requirement. When 

refinancing a VA- guaranteed loan solely to reduce the interest rate, a

Veteran only needs to certifyprior occupancy.

Home Loan Guaranty Financing, Interest Rates and Terms: Veterans 

obtain VA-guaranteed loans through the usual lending institutions, 

including banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers. VA-guaranteed loans 

can have either a fixed interest rate or an adjustable rate, where the interest

rate may adjust up to 1percent annually and up to 5 percent over the life of

the loan. VA does not set the

interest rate. Interest rates are negotiable between the lender and borrower

on allloan types.

Veterans may also choose a different type of adjustable rate mortgage 

called a hybrid ARM, where the initial interest rate remains fixed for 3-10

years. If therate remains fixed for less than five years, the rate adjustment

cannot be morethan 1 percent annually and 5 percent over the life of the
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

loan. For a hybrid 

ARM with an initial fixed period of five years or more, the initial adjustment

maybe up to 2 percent.

The Secretary has the authority to determine annual adjustments thereafter.

Currently, annual adjustments may be up to 2 percentage points and 6 percent

overthe life of the loan. The term of the loan may be for as long as 30 years and

32 days.
66 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Home Loan Guaranty Assumption Requirements and Liability: VA loans

made on or after March 1, 1988, are not assumable without the prior 

approval of VA or its authorized agent (usually the lender collecting the 

monthly payments). To approve the assumption, the lender must ensure 

that the purchaser is a satisfactory credit risk and will assume all of the 

Veteran’s liabilities on the loan. Ifapproved, the purchaser will have to pay a 

funding fee that the lender sends to VA, and the Veteran will be released

from liability to the federal government. (A

VA-guaranteed loan may be assumed by Veterans, active duty personnel, and

non-Veterans alike.)

Loans made prior to March 1, 1988, are generally freely assumable, but

Veteransshould still request the lender’s approval in order to be released

of liability.

Veterans whose loans were closed after December 31, 1989, usually have no

liability to the government following a foreclosure, except in cases involving

fraud,misrepresentation, or bad faith, such as allowing an unapproved 

assumption.

However, for the entitlement to be restored, any loss suffered by VA must be

paidin full.

A release of liability does not mean that a Veteran’s guaranty 

entitlement is restored. That occurs only if the borrower is an eligible 

Veteran who agrees to substitute his or her entitlement for that of the 

seller. If the Veteran allowsassumptions of a loan without prior

approval, then the lender may demand

immediate and full payment of the loan, and the Veteran may be liable if the

loanis foreclosed and VA has to pay a claim under the loan guaranty.

VA Assistance to Veterans in Default: When a VA-guaranteed home 

loan becomes delinquent, VA may provide supplemental servicing 

assistance to help cure the default. The servicer has the primary 

responsibility of servicing the loan to resolve the default, and VA urges all

Veterans who are encountering

problems making their mortgage payments to speak with their servicers as 

soonas possible to explore options to avoid foreclosure. Contrary to 

popular opinion,servicers do not want to foreclose, because foreclosure

costs money. Dependingon a Veteran’s specific situation, servicers may 

offer any of the following options to avoid foreclosure:

• Repayment Plan – the borrower makes a regular installment each

monthplus part of the missed installments.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

• Special Forbearance – the servicer agrees not to initiate foreclosure 

to allow time for the borrower to repay the missed installments or

agrees toplace a hold or postpone foreclosures proceedings.

• Loan Modification – provides the borrower a fresh start by adding 

the delinquency to the loan balance and establishing a new payment

schedule.

• Short Sale – when the servicer agrees to allow the borrower to sell his/
68 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

her home for a lesser amount than what is currently required to

pay offthe loan.

• Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure – the borrower voluntarily agrees 

to deed the property to the servicer instead of going through a 

lengthy foreclosure process. In cases where the servicer is unable 

to help theVeteran borrower, VA has loan technicians at its eight 

RLCs and in Hawaii, who are available to take an active role in 

working with the mortgage servicer. Veterans with VAguaranteed home loans can call1-877-827-3702 to discuss their 

options.

• Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Home Loan

Guaranties: Veteran borrowers may be able to request relief 

pursuantto the SCRA. In order to qualify for certain protections 

available underthe Act, their obligation must have originated prior 

to their current period of active military service. SCRA may 

provide a lower interest rate during military service and for up to 

one year after service ends, provide forbearance, or prevent 

foreclosure or eviction up to nine months from period of military 

service.

Assistance to Veterans with VA-Guaranteed Home Loans: When a 

VA- guaranteed home loan becomes delinquent, VA may provide

supplementalservicing assistance to help cure the default. The servicer 

has the primary responsibility of servicing the loan to resolve the 

default.

Veterans with VA-guaranteed home loans can call 1-877-827-3702 to

reach a VA office where loan specialists are prepared to discuss potential 

ways to help savethe loan.

Assistance to Veterans with Non-VA Guaranteed Home Loans in 

Default: VA advises Veterans or service members who are having difficulty

making payments on a non-VA-guaranteed loan to contact their servicer as

quickly as possible

to explore options to avoid foreclosure. Although for non-VA loans, VA 

does not have authority to directly intervene on the borrower’s behalf, 

VA’s networkof loan technicians at eight Regional Loan Centers and an 

office in Hawaii can offer advice and guidance on how to potentially avoid

foreclosure. Veterans or

service members with non-VA loans may call 1-877-827-3702 to speak
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

with a VA loan technician, or visit: www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ , for 

more information on avoiding foreclosure.

If VA is not able to help a Veteran borrower retain his/her home (whether a 

VA- guaranteed loan or not), the Department of Housing and Urban 

Development (HUD) aids homeowners by sponsoring local housing 

counseling agencies. To findan approved agency in your area, search online 

at apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/ hcs.cfm or call HUD’s interactive voice 

system at 1-800-569-4287.
70 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

VA Refinancing of a Non-VA Guaranteed Home Loan: Veterans with 

non-VA guaranteed home loans have the option to refinance to a VAguaranteed home loan. The Veteran may obtain a VA cash-out refinance for 

any existing mortgage loan or other indebtedness secured by a lien of 

record on the home occupied bythe Veteran. The amount of the 

refinancing loan may not exceed 100 percent of the appraised value of the 

property. All fees and costs, including the VA fundingfee, may be included

in the loan amount. However, any portion of fees and coststhat would 

cause the refinancing loan amount to exceed 100 percent of the appraised

value, must be paid in cash at loan closing.

Other Assistance for Delinquent Veteran Borrowers: If VA is not able to

helpa Veteran borrower retain his/her home (whether a VA-guaranteed

loan or not),the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

offers assistance to homeowners by sponsoring local housing counseling

agencies. To find an

approved agency in your area, please visit:

apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfmor call HUD’s interactive voice 

system at 1-800-569-4287 to receive assistance in preventing

homelessness.

Preventing Veteran Homelessness: Veterans who believe they may be 

facing homelessness as a result of losing their homes can call 1-877-4AIDVET (877-424-3838).

VA Acquired Property Sales: VA acquires properties as a result of 

foreclosures ofVA-guaranteed and VA-owned loans. A private contractor 

currently markets the acquired properties through listing agents using local 

Multiple Listing Services. Alisting of“VA Properties for Sale” may be found at

www.vrmproperties.com/. Contacta real estate agent for information on

purchasing a VA-acquired property.

Loans for Native American Veterans: Eligible Native American Veterans

canobtain a loan from VA to purchase, construct, or improve a home on 

federal Trust Land, or to reduce the interest rate on such a VA loan. Native

American

Direct Loans (NADL) are only available if a memorandum of understanding 

exists between the tribal organization and VA. Veterans who are not Native 

American, but who are married to Native American non-Veterans, may be

eligible for a directloan under this program.

To be eligible for such a loan, the qualified non-Native American Veteran 

and the Native American spouse must reside on federal Trust Land, both
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

the Veteran 

and spouse must have a meaningful interest in the dwelling or lot, and the 

tribal authority that has jurisdiction over the Trust Land must recognize the 

non-NativeAmerican Veteran as subject to its authority. There is no loan 

limit for Veterans using their entitlement for a VA Native American Direct 

loan to build or purchase a home on Federal trust land. Eliminating the loan

limit enhances access to homeloan benefits for Native American Veterans. 

For additional information about the NADL program please visit: 

www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/ native-americandirect-loan/.
72 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

VA Life Insurance: VA’s life insurance benefits open to new applicants 

include Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, Veterans’ Group Life 

Insurance, Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, Servicemembers’ 

Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection, Service-Disabled

Veterans’ Insurance, and Veterans’Mortgage Life Insurance.

These programs are described below. Complete details are also available at:

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/ or by writing to Department of Veterans 

Affairs, Insurance Center, P.O. Box 42954, Philadelphia, PA 19101or by calling 

VA’s Insurance Center toll-free at 1-800-669-8477.

Specialists are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST

Mondaythrough Friday to discuss: eligibility, premium payments, insurance 

dividends, address changes, policy loans, naming beneficiaries, reporting the 

death of the insured and other insurance issues.

For information about Servicemembers’Group Life Insurance, Veterans’

Group LifeInsurance, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury 

Protection or Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage, please 

visit: www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/ or call the Office of Servicemembers’ 

Group Life Insurance directly at 1-800-419-1473.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI): The following persons 

are automatically insured by law for $400,000 ,or the current legislated

maximum,under SGLI:

• Active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines

andCoast Guard.

• Commissioned members of the National Oceanic and

AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA).

• Commissioned members of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS).

• Cadets or midshipmen of the U.S. military academies.

• Members, cadets and midshipmen of the Reserved Officers 

Training Corps (ROTC) while engaged in authorized training and

practice cruises.

• Members of the Ready Reserves/National Guard who are

scheduled toperform at least 12 periods of inactive training per

year.

• Service members who volunteer for a mobilization category in 

theIndividual Ready Reserve (IRR).
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

Individuals may elect in writing to be covered for less than the maximum

coverageor to decline coverage. SGLI coverage is available in $50,000 

increments up to the maximum of $400,000.
74 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Full-time SGLI Coverage: Full-time coverage (24 hours a day, 7 days a 

week for 365 days of the year) is in effect during periods of active duty

and for ReadyReserve and National Guard members assigned to a unit 

and scheduled to

perform at least 12 periods of inactive duty training per year that is

creditable forretirement purposes. Coverage is also provided for 120 days 

after separation or release from duty for service members who quality for

full-time SGLI coverage.

Part-time SGLI Coverage: Part-time coverage is provided for Reservists or

National Guard members who do not qualify for the full-time coverage 

described above. Part-time coverage generally applies to Reservists/National

Guard members who drill only a few days in a year. These individuals are 

covered only while on active duty or active duty for training, or while

traveling to and from such duty. Members covered part-time do not receive 

120 days of free coverage after separation unless they incur or aggravate a

disability during a period of duty.For additional information about SGLI 

coverage, please visit: www.benefits.va.gov/ insurance/sgli.asp.

SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI): Members of the uniformed

servicesserve our nation heroically during times of great need, but what 

happens when they have substantial financial needs of their own because 

they have sustained a traumatic injury? TSGLI provides payment to 

traumatically injured service members who have suffered certain physical 

losses. The TSGLI benefit ranges from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on

the loss suffered. TSGLI helps service

members by providing financial resources that allow their families to be with

themduring their recovery or by helping them with other expenses incurred 

during their recovery period.

TSGLI is a rider to SGLI coverage. An additional $1 is added to the service

member’s SGLI premium to cover TSGLI. As of Dec. 1, 2005, all service 

members who are covered by SGLI are automatically also covered by TSGLI.

TSGLI cannot be declined unless the service member also declines basic 

SGLI. TSGLI claims are adjudicated by the service members’ military branches 

of service. In addition, there is retroactive TSGLI retroactive coverage for 

service members who sustaineda qualifying loss between Oct. 7, 2001 and 

Nov. 30, 2005 regardless of where it occurred; TSGLI coverage is also payable 

to these service members regardless of whether they had SGLI coverage in 

force at the time of their injury.

For additional information about TSGLI eligibility and branch of service
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

contactinformation, please visit: benefits.va.gov/insurance/tsgli.a sp, or 

call:

1-800-237-1336 (Army);

1-877-270-2162 (Navy);

1-877-216-0825 or 1-703-432-9277 (Marine Corps);

1-800-433-0048 (Active Duty Air Force and Space Force);
76 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

1-800-525-0102 (Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard);

1-202-795-6638 (Coast Guard);

1-240-276-8799 (Public Health Service);

1-301-713-3444 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Coverage (FSGLI): FSGLI

coverage consists of spousal coverage and dependent child coverage. FSGLI

provides group term life insurance coverage for the spouse and dependent

children of service members insured under SGLI. The service member must

pay apremium for spousal coverage. Dependent children are insured at no 

cost to theservice member. Family coverage is available only to service 

members insured under the SGLI program, not Veterans’Group Life 

Insurance (VGLI).

Spousal Coverage: FSGLI provides up to $100,000 of life insurance 

coverage for a spouse of a service member with full-time SGLI coverage, but

cannot exceed theamount of SGLI the service member has in force. Coverage 

for spouses who are not in the military is automatic.

For spouses who are in the military at the same time as the SGLI insured service

member and who married on or after Jan. 2, 2013, coverage is not automatic.

The service members in this category must apply for spousal coverage 

for their military spouse and their spouses must meet good health

requirements.

Premiums for spousal coverage are based on the age of the spouse and the

amount of FSGLI coverage. FSGLI is a service member’ benefit; the member 

pays the premium and is the only person allowed to be the beneficiary of the

coverage.

FSGLI spousal coverage ends due to any of the following events:

• The service member elects in writing to terminate his or her 

ownSGLI coverage.

• The service member elects in writing to terminate FSGLI

coverage onhis or her spouse.

• The service member divorces his or her spouse.

• The service member dies.

• The service member separates from service.

The insured spouse may convert his or her FSGLI coverage to a permanent

policy offered by participating private insurers within 120 days of the date of 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

any of thetermination events noted above. 

Dependent Child Coverage: FSGLI coverage of $10,000 is also automatically

provided for dependent children of service members insured under full-time

SGLI,with no premium required. FSGLI Dependent Child coverage cannot be 

declined.FSGLI Dependent Child coverage ends 120 days after any of the

following events:
78 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

• The service member elects in writing to decline SGLI coverage.

• The child(ren) no longer qualifies as an insurable dependent as

definedby 38 U.S.C. 1965.

• The service member dies.

• The service member is discharged from the service.

Dependent child coverage cannot be converted to a commercial

policy.

For additional information about FSGLI coverage, please visit:

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/fsgli.asp.

SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES): Service members in all uniformed

services except Public Health Service can now manage their SGLI coverage 

usingthe SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES). SOES allows service 

members with full-time SGLI coverage to make changes to their life 

insurance coverage and beneficiary information online at any time without 

completing a paper form or making a trip to their personnel office. To

access SOES, the service member must

sign into the MilConnect portal at milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ and 

go to theBenefits Tab, Life Insurance SOES-SGLI Online Enrollment System.

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI): VGLI is renewable group term life

insurance coverage available to service members who recently separated 

from uniformed service and had SGLI at the time of separation. Service 

members haveone-year and 120 days from separation to apply for VGLI.

However, if they apply within 240 days of separation, they do not need to 

submit evidence of good health. Service members who apply after the 240-

day period after separation from service must submit evidence of 

insurability (i.e. proof of good heath). The initial VGLI coverage available is

equal to the amount of SGLI coverage held at the time of separation from 

service. Effective April 11, 2011, VGLI insureds who are under age 60 and

have less than the current maximum SGLI in coverage can

purchase up to $25,000 of additional coverage one year after they obtain

VGLI andon each subsequent five-year anniversary, up to the current SGLI 

maximum. No medical underwriting is required for the additional coverage.

VGLI is convertible at any time to a permanent plan policy with any 

participating commercial insurance company.

Eligible separating Service members can apply for VGLI coverage online 

or by using SGLV 8715 - Application for VGLI. For additional information 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

about VGLI coverage, please visit: www .va.gov/life-insurance/optionseligibility/vgli/.

SGLI Disability Extension: Service members who are totally disabled at 

the time of separation (i.e. unable to work due to disabilities or have certain

statutoryconditions), can apply for the SGLI Disability Extension, which 

provides free coverage for up to two years from the date of separation. To 

apply, service members must complete and return SGLV 8715, the SGLI

Disability Extension
80 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Application. Those covered under the SGLI Disability Extension are 

automatically converted to VGLI at the end of their extension period, subject 

to the payment of premiums. VGLI is convertible at any time to a permanent 

plan policy with any participating commercial insurance company. For

additional information about theSGLI Disability Extension, please visit:

www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/sgli/.

Accelerated Death Benefits: Like many private life insurance companies, the

SGLI, FSGLI and VGLI programs offer an accelerated benefits option to 

terminally ill insured members. An insured member is considered to be 

terminally ill if he or she has a written medical prognosis of nine months or

less to live. All terminally illinsureds are eligible to receive advance payment 

of up to 50 percent of their SGLI or VGLI coverage, and terminally ill spouses 

can receive up to 50 percent of their FSGLI in a lump sum. Payment of an

accelerated benefit does however reduce theamount payable to the 

beneficiaries at the time of the insured’s death.

To apply, an insured member must submit SGLV 8284, Service member/ 

Veteran Accelerated Benefit Option form, and spouses must complete SGLV

8284A, FamilyCoverage Accelerated Benefits Option form.

For additional information about the Accelerated Benefit Option, please visit:

www.va.gov/life-insurance/totally-disabled-or-terminally-ill/.

Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI): Veterans who separated 

from service on or after April 25, 1951, under other than dishonorable 

conditions who have VA rated service-connected disabilities, even disabilities

that are zero percentdisabling, but are otherwise in good health, may apply 

to VA for up to $10,000 in life insurance coverage under the S-DVI program.

Applications must be submitted to the VA Insurance Center in Philadelphia

within two years from the date of being notified of the approval of a new

service-connected disability by VA. Veterans who are totally disabled (i.e. 

unable to workdue to disability or who have certain statutory conditions) 

may apply for a waiverof their S-DVI premiums. If approved for waiver of 

premiums, the Veteran can apply for additional supplemental S-DVI 

coverage of up to $30,000. However, premiums cannot be waived on the

additional supplemental S-DVI.

To be eligible for supplemental S-DVI coverage, Veterans must meet all

threerequirements below:

1. be under age 65;
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

2. be eligible for a waiver of S-DVI premiums due to total disability; and

3. apply for additional insurance within one year from the date of

notification of approval of waiver of premiums on the basic S-DVI

policy.

The S-DVI and Supplemental S-DVI programs will close to new enrollment

afterDecember 31, 2022. VA will then open a new program of Insurance,

VA Life
82 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Insurance (VALI), on January 1, 2023. VALI will be available in increments of

$10,000, up to a maximum of $40,000, to all service-connected Veterans

youngerthan age 81. For additional information about S-DVI and 

Supplemental S-DVI, please visit: www.va.gov/life-insurance/optionseligibility/s-dvi/.

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): VMLI is mortgage 

protection insurance available to service members and Veterans under

the age of 70 whohave severe service-connected disabilities that qualify 

them for a Specially- Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant from the VA Loan

Guaranty Service. SAH Grantshelp severely disabled Veterans build,

remodel or purchase a home.

Maximum VMLI coverage is $200,000 or the mortgage balance, whichever 

is less and is payable only to the mortgage company upon the insured’s 

death. Toqualify for VMLI coverage, the service member or Veteran must:

• qualify for the VA SAH grant for the home

• have title to or ownership rights in the home, and

• have a mortgage on the home

VMLI premiums are based on the age of the service member or Veteran, the

lengthof the mortgage, the balance of the mortgage at the time of 

application and the amount of VMLI coverage requested. The service 

member/Veteran will need to provide this information to VA to determine the

premium.

VMLI coverage automatically terminates when: 1) the mortgage is paid off in

full;

2) the service member or Veteran terminates ownership in the property 

secured by the mortgage; 3) the service member or Veteran requests 

termination of coverage; 4) the service member or Veteran fails to provide 

required information(i.e. mortgage information); 5) the premium is not paid; 

or 6) the service memberor Veteran dies.

If a mortgage is disposed of through sale of the property, VMLI may be

obtainedon the mortgage of another home.

For additional information about VMLI, please visit: www.va.gov/lifeinsurance/options-eligibility/vmli/.

Other Insurance Information: The following information applies only to 

policiesissued to World War II, Korean-era, Vietnam-era Veterans and persons

with Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance policies. Policies in this group are 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

prefixed by the letters V, RS, W, J, JR, JS, or RH. 

Insurance Dividends Issued Annually: World War II and Korean Era 

Veterans with active policies beginning with the letters V, RS, W, J, JR, or JS 

earn tax-free dividends annually on the policy anniversary date. (Policies

prefixed by RH do notearn dividends.)
84 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Policyholders do not need to apply for dividends, but may select

among thefollowing dividend options:

Cash: The dividend is paid directly to the insured by direct deposit to a

bankaccount or by U.S. Treasury check.

Paid-Up Additional Insurance: The dividend is used to purchase

additionalinsurance coverage.

Credit or Deposit: The dividend is held in an account for the 

policyholder with interest. Withdrawals from the account can be made 

at any time. The interest rate may be adjusted. (There are, however,

limitations regarding thedividend credit option for term insurance 

policies.)

Net Premium Billing Options: These options use the dividend to 

pay the annual policy premium. If the dividend exceeds the 

premium, the policyholder has options to choose how the 

remainder is used. If the

dividend is not enough to pay an annual premium, the policyholder is 

billedfor the balance.

Other Dividend Options: Dividends can also be used to repay a policy 

loanor pay premiums in advance.

Reinstating Lapsed Insurance: Lapsed term policies may be reinstated 

within five years from the date of lapse. A five-year term policy that is not 

lapsed at the end of the term is automatically renewed for an additional five 

years. Lapsed permanent plans may be reinstated within certain time limits 

and with certain health requirements. Reinstated permanent plan policies

require repayment of allback premiums, plus interest.

Converting Term Policies: Term policies are renewed automatically every 

five years, with premiums increasing at each renewal. Premiums do not

increase afterage 70. Term policies may be converted to permanent plans, 

which have fixed premiums for life and earn cash and loan values.

Dividends on Capped Term Policies: Effective Sept. 11, 2000, VA provides 

either a cash dividend or paid-up insurance on term policies whose premiums

have beencapped. Veterans with National Service Life Insurance (NSLI) term 

insurance that has renewed at age 71 or older and who stop paying 

premiums on their policies will be given a “termination dividend”.

This dividend can either be received as a cash payment or used to 

purchase a reduced amount of paid-up insurance, which insures the 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

Veteran for life with no premium payments required. The amount of the

reduced paid-up insuranceremains level. This does not apply to S-DVI 

(RH) policies.

Borrowing on Policies: Policyholders with permanent plan policies may

borrowagainst the cash surrender value of their insurance after the policy is

in force for
86 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

one year or more. Interest is compounded annually. The loan interest rate 

isvariable and may be obtained by calling toll-free at 1-800-669-8477.

Reserve and National Guard Re-Employment Rights: A person who left a

civilian job to enter active duty in the armed forces is entitled to return to

the jobafter discharge or release from active duty if they:

• gave advance notice of military service to the employer;

• did not exceed five years’ cumulative absence from the civilian job 

(withsome exceptions);

• submitted a timely application for re-employment; and

• did not receive a dishonorable or other punitive discharge.

The law calls for a returning Veteran to be placed in the job as if he/she had

neverleft, including benefits based on seniority such as pensions, pay 

increases and promotions. The law also prohibits discrimination in hiring, 

promotion, or other advantages of employment on the basis of military 

service. Veterans seeking re- employment should apply, verbally or in 

writing, to the company’s hiring official and keep a record of their 

application. If problems arise, contact the Departmentof Labor’s Veterans’ 

Employment and Training Service (VETS) in the state of the employer.

Federal employees not properly re-employed may appeal directly to the 

Merit Systems Protection Board. Non-federal employees may file complaints

in U.S. District Court. For information, visit 

www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/ userra.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Special Groups of Veterans

Veterans and Survivors Needing Fiduciary Services: The fiduciary program

provides oversight of VA’s most vulnerable beneficiaries who are unable to

manage their VA benefits because of injury, disease, the infirmities of 

advanced age, or being under 18 years of age. VA closely monitors fiduciaries 

for compliancewith program responsibilities to ensure that VA benefits are 

being used for the purpose of meeting the needs, security, and comfort of 

beneficiaries and their dependents. In deciding who should act as fiduciary 

for a beneficiary, VA will always select the most effective and least restrictive 

fiduciary arrangement. For more information about VA’s fiduciary program, 

please visit our website at www.benefits.va.gov/fiduciary/index.asp.

Homeless Veterans: VA’s homeless programs constitute the largest integrated

network of homeless assistance programs in the country, offering a wide

array of services to help Veterans recover from homelessness and live 

as self-sufficiently and independently as possible. For more

information on VA

homeless programs and services, Veterans currently enrolled in VA health 

care can speak with their VA mental health or health care provider. Other 

Veterans and interested parties can find a complete list of VA health care 

facilities at www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp, or they can call VA‘s 

general information hotline at 1-800-827-1000. If assistance is needed

when contacting a VA facility,ask to speak to the Health Care for Homeless 

Veterans Program or the Mental Health service manager. For additional 

information please visit: www.benefits. va.gov/PERSONA/veteranhomeless.asp or call VA’s National Call Center for HomelessVeterans at 1-

888 AIDVET (1-888-424-3838).

Homeless Veterans Dental Program: The Homeless Veterans Dental 

Program was established by the Veterans Affairs in 1992. The program is 

funded through the Office of Dentistry and located at the James A. Haley 

Veterans’ Hospital. For additional information on the Homeless Dental

Program please visit: www.va.gov/homeless/dental.asp.

There are 32 Community Resource and Referral Centers (CRRCs) located

strategically across the country. CRRCs provide Veterans who are homeless 

and at risk of homelessness with one-stop access to community-based, 

multiagencyservices to promote permanent housing, health and mental 

health care, career development and access to VA and non-VA benefits. For

a list of CRRC locations,please visit: www.va.gov/HOMELESS/Crrc.asp.
88 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program: The HCHV 

Program provides a gateway to VA and community supportive services for

eligible Veterans.Through the HCHV Program, Veterans are provided with 

case management and residential treatment in the community.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

The program also conducts outreach to homeless Veterans who are not 

likely to come to VA facilities on their own. For more information on VA 

homeless programs and services, Veterans currently enrolled in VA health

care can speak

with their VA mental health or health care provider. Other Veterans and

interestedparties can find a complete list of VA health care facilities at

www.va.gov, or

they can call VA’s general information hotline at 1-800-827-1000. If 

assistanceis needed when contacting a VA facility, ask to speak to the

Health Care for

Homeless Veterans Program or the Mental Health service manager. For

additionalinformation on VA Homeless program website please visit:

www.va.gov/homeless/.

Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services (HVCES): HVCES

provides a range of site-specific employment services rather than being a

discreteprogram. There are no eligibility requirements for Veterans to 

receive assistance from HVCES other than participation in a VHA homeless

program.

HVCES staff ensure a range of employment services are accessible to 

Veterans who have experienced homelessness. Individualized

employment services areprovided to overcome barriers preventing the 

Veteran from returning to work,such as a poor work history, lack of 

transportation and appropriate clothing, history of justice involvement 

and co-occurring substance use and/or mental health issues.

HVCES staff, embedded in homeless programs within the medical centers,

complement existing medical center-based employment services, and are a

bridge to employment opportunities and resources in the local community.

HVCES is staffed by community employment coordinators (CECs), located 

at each VA medical center, and employment specialists within the Health

Care for

Homeless Veterans (HCHV) and Department of Housing and Urban

Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Programs, who are 

located at a limited number of VA medical centers.

For more information about HVCES, please visit:

www.va.gov/HOMELESS/HVCES.asp.

Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program (GPD): The GPD 

Program is offered annually (as funding permits) to fund non-profit
90 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

community agenciesthat provide services to Veterans who are

experiencing homeless, are at risk

for homelessness, or are formerly homeless. The purpose of the program is 

to promote the development and provision of supportive housing and/or

supportiveservices with the goal of helping homeless Veterans achieve 

residential stability, increase their skill levels and/or income, and obtain

greater self-determination.

Community-based organizations such as those with supportive transitional

housing,service centers (offering services such as education, crisis 

intervention, counseling, services targeted toward specialized populations 

including homeless women Veterans, etc.), or case management programs are

eligible to apply for these funds.

For more information, visit: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing

(HUD-VASH) Program: The HUD-VASH program provides permanent 

housing and case management for eligible homeless Veterans who need 

community-based supportto obtain and sustain housing. HUD-VASH 

combines HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with VA case 

management and supportive services. VA provides these services for 

participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs), community-based 

outreach clinics (CBOCs), through VA contractors, or through other VAdesignated providers. For more information, please visit: www.va.gov/

homeless/hud-vash.asp.

Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) Program: The SSVF

Program is designed to rapidly re-house homeless Veteran families and

preventhomelessness for those at imminent risk due to a housing crisis.

Funds are granted to private non-profit organizations and consumer 

cooperatives that will assist very low-income Veteran families by providing

a range of supportive

services and financial assistance designed to promote housing stability. To 

locatea SSVF provider in your community, please visit:

www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.aspand look for the list of current year 

SSVF providers or call VA’s National Call Centerfor Homeless Veterans at 1-

888-4AID-VET (1-888-424-3838).

Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP): The 

CFBNPis an office located in the VA Office of Public and Intergovernmental 

Affairs. Their mission is to engage, educate and inform faith-based, 

community, and non-profitorganizations about the VA tools and resources 

that will equip them to better serve the Veterans, their families, survivors, 

caregivers, and beneficiaries within their organizations. The VA Partnership 

participates in numerous outreach eventsto partner with organizations that 

serve our nation’s Veterans. During their partnership events, they bring a 

broad spectrum of VA resources and informationthrough breakout sessions 

that include Veteran E-Benefits, survivors assistance, Veteran homelessness, 

and suicide prevention training by a trained VA suicide prevention 

coordinator. We encourage you to help us to reach the over 20 million 

Veterans by partnering with them to host an event, through volunteering,

coordinating clergy specific suicide prevention training, or learning how to

establish a Veterans welcome center/ministry. For additional information 

please visit www.va.gov/CFBNP/.

VA Benefits for Veterans Living Overseas: VA monetary benefits, 
92 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

including disability compensation, pension, educational benefits, and burial 

allowances, are generally payable overseas. Some programs are restricted.

Home loan guaranties are available only in the United States and selected

U.S. territories andpossessions. The Specially Adapted Housing benefit is 

available outside of the continental United States. Educational benefits are

limited to approved, degree

granting programs in institutions of higher learning. Beneficiaries living in

foreigncountries should contact the nearest American embassy or consulate

for help. In
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Canada, contact an office of Veterans Affairs. For information, visit:

www.benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-abroad.asp.

Incarcerated Veterans: VA service-connected disability compensation

benefitsare affected if a Veteran is convicted of a felony and incarcerated 

for more than 60 days. VA non-service connected pension benefits are 

affected if a Veteran is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and

incarcerated for more than 60 days.

Disability compensation paid to an incarcerated Veteran rated 20 percent or

moredisabled is limited to the 10 percent rate. For a Veteran whose

disability rating

is 10 percent, the payment is reduced to half of the rate payable to a 

Veteran evaluated as 10 percent disabled. Payments are not reduced for 

participants in work-release programs, residing in halfway houses, or under 

community control.Disability, death or survivor pension paid to a Veteran or

beneficiary incarceratedfollowing conviction of a felony or misdemeanor

must be discontinued.

Benefits not paid to a Veteran or surviving spouse while incarcerated 

may be apportioned to eligible dependents. Failure to notify VA of a

Veteran orbeneficiary’s incarceration can result in overpayment of

benefits and the

subsequent loss of all VA financial benefits until the overpayment is recovered.

Note: VA benefits will not be provided to any Veteran, survivor or

dependentwanted for an outstanding felony warrant.

The Health Care for Re-Entry Veterans (HCRV) Program: The HCRV 

Program offers outreach, referrals, and short-term case management 

assistance for incarcerated Veterans who may be at risk for homelessness

upon their release. Tolocate an outreach worker please visit:

www.va.gov/homeless/reentry.asp.

The Veterans Justice Outreach Program (VJO): The VJO Program provides

outreach and linkage to needed treatment and services to Veterans involved 

in law enforcement encounters, seen in the court system, and/or incarcerated

in localjails who may be at risk for homelessness upon their release. To locate 

a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist, please visit:

www.va.gov/HOMELESS/VJO.asp.

Veterans of Recent Combat Operations: VA has personnel stationed at 

majormilitary hospitals to help seriously injured service members 

returning as they transition from military to civilian life. Service members 
94 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

who have questions about VA benefits or need assistance filing a VA claim 

or accessing services cancontact the nearest VA office or call 800-827-

1000.

VOW to Hire Heroes Act: The Act made Transition Assistance Program 

(TAP), including attendance at VA benefit briefings, mandatory for most 

service members transitioning to civilian status; upgraded career 

counseling options, focused TAP more heavily on job hunting skills, and 

tailored the program for the21st century job market. The Act allows service 

members to begin the post- military employment process prior to

separation or retirement from military
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

service. This enhances opportunities to connect transitioning service 

members to both private-sector employers and Federal agencies seeking to 

hire Veterans.It also provides disabled Veterans up to one year of additional

Veteran Readinessand Employment benefits. The Act provides tax credits 

for hiring Veterans and disabled Veterans who are out of work.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP is an interagency initiative to 

help Service members have a smooth and successful transition to civilian life. 

VA, alongwith the Defense Department (DOD) and other interagency 

partners, implement the five-day TAP curriculum. Service members are 

required to participate in TAP two years prior to retiring or one year prior to 

separation. The TAP curriculum provides the skill building, resources and 

tools Service members need to achieve emotional health, physical health and 

economic stability in civilian life.

The VA portion of TAP is a one-day in-person, virtual instructor-led or 

online course called VA Benefits and Services. The VA Benefits and Services 

course helps Service members navigate VA and the benefits and services

they’ve earnedthrough their military careers. The course offers interactive

exercises and real

examples. It covers important topics like family support, disability 

compensation,education and health care benefits. The in-person and virtual 

courses are led by VA Benefits Advisors (BAs). BAs support over 300 military

installations around

the world which includes Overseas locations. From one duty station to the

next, BAs are available to conduct Military Life Cycle (MLC) modules to 

inform Service members about benefits and services they can use while 

still in uniform;have One-On-One Assistance sessions to explain benefits 

and connect Service members, Veterans and their loved ones with local

resources and support other

transition-related activities like DOD’s Capstone. Service members can also 

accessthe self-paced TAP curriculum, including the VA Benefits and Services 

course, any time through Transition Online Learning (TOL) at 

TAPevents.org/courses. For moreinformation on VA TAP, visit

www.benefits.va.gov/transition/tap.asp.

In-Transition: In-Transition is a free, voluntary program with coaches who

provide psychological health care support to service members, Veterans, and

theirhealth care providers during times of transition. This program provides 

access to transitional support, motivation, and healthy lifestyle assistance and 

advice from qualified coaches through the toll-free telephone number 1-
96 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

800-424-7877 . For more information, visit:

www.pdhealth.mil/resources/intransition.

Pre-Separation Counseling through Military Service: Service 

members may receive pre-separation counseling 24 months prior to

retirement or 12

months prior to separation from active duty. These sessions present

informationon education, training, employment assistance, National Guard 

and Reserve programs, medical benefits, and financial assistance.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET): The VMET

Document,

DD Form 2586, helps service members verify previous experience and

trainingto potential employers, negotiate credits at schools, and obtain 

certificates or licenses. VMET documents are available only through each 

military branch’s support office and are intended for service members 

who have at least six months of active duty. Service members should

obtain VMET documents fromtheir Transition Support Office within 12

months of separation or 24 months ofretirement.

Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program: Recently separated Veterans 

and those with service-connected disabilities, significant barriers to 

employment, orwho served on active duty during a period in which a 

campaign or expedition badge was authorized, can contact the nearest 

state employment office for employment help through the Veterans 

Workforce Investment Program. The program may be conducted through 

state or local public agencies, community organizations or private, nonprofit organizations.

Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO): VESO provides 

professionalcoaching, primarily to Veterans seeking employment in the 

Department of Veterans Affairs, by teaching Veterans how to maximize 

their military skills to match the Department’s critical staffing needs.

VESO helps Veterans in

understanding the Federal hiring process through virtual training 

opportunities such as: Writing Your Federal Resume; Navigating Through 

USAjobs.gov; and Interview Techniques. VEO advocates and brings 

awareness of the Department’sVeteran Employment Initiatives specifically 

designed for disabled Veterans to increase employment opportunities. They 

help to support Veteran employees retention in the Department’s 

workforce by advocating for their career advancement in accordance with

merit promotion principles and laws. For moreinformation please visit 

www.vaforvets.va.gov and follow us on www.facebook.com/ Veso.VAforVets.

State Employment Services: Veterans can find employment information,

education and training opportunities, job counseling, job search 

workshops, and resume preparation assistance by visiting their individual

State Departmentof Veteran Affairs. Many states have Veterans

Employment Centers, at state

Workforce Career or One-Stop Centers. These offices also have specialists to 

help disabled Veterans find employment. Additional information and access
98 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

to servicesare available at www.va.gov/careers-employment/.

Unemployment Compensation: Veterans who do not begin civilian

employment immediately after leaving military service may receive weekly

unemployment compensation for a limited time. The amount and duration 

of payments are determined by individual states. Apply by contacting the

neareststate employment office listed in the local telephone directory.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Veterans Preference for Federal Jobs: Since the time of the Civil War, 

Veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in

appointmentsto federal jobs. Veterans’ preference in its present form comes 

from the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944, as amended, and now codified in 

Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.). By law, Veterans who are disabled or who 

served on active duty during certain specified time periods or in military 

campaigns are entitled to preference over others when hiring from 

competitive lists of eligible candidates, and also in retention during a 

reduction in force.

To receive preference, a Veteran must have been discharged or released

fromactive duty under honorable conditions or received a general

discharge.

Preference is also provided for certain widows and widowers of deceased

Veteranswho died in service, spouses of service-connected disabled

Veterans, and

mothers of Veterans who died under honorable conditions on active duty or

havepermanent and total service-connected disabilities.

Enrolled Veterans can print a copy of their preference letter from the 

eBenefits portal. For more information about Veterans Preference, please

visit: www.va.gov/careers-employment/.

Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment: Veterans’ recruitment appointment

allows federal agencies to appoint eligible Veterans to jobs without 

competition.These appointments can be converted to career or career 

conditional positions after two years of satisfactory work. Veterans should

apply directly to the agencywhere they wish to work. For additional 

information on Veterans Recruitment Appointment, please visit:

www.va.gov/careers-employment/.

Small Businesses: VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) verifies

eligibility of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned firms 

seekingto do business within VA’s Veterans First Contracting Program. For 

additional information call toll-free at: 1-866-584-2344 or visit:

www.va.gov/osdbu/.

Like other federal agencies, VA is required to place a portion of its contracts 

and purchases with small and disadvantaged businesses. VA has a special 

office to help small and disadvantaged businesses get information on VA 

acquisition opportunities. For additional information call toll-free at: 1-800-

949-8387 or visit:www.va.gov/osdbu/ or write to the:
100 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business 

Utilization(00SB)810 Vermont Ave, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20420

Dependents and Survivors Health Care - Civilian Health and Medical

Programof the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA): Under 

CHAMPVA, certain dependents and survivors can receive reimbursement for

most medical expenses
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

– inpatient, outpatient, mental health, prescription medication, skilled

nursingcare and durable medical equipment.

To be eligible for CHAMPVA, an individual cannot be eligible for TRICARE 

(the medical program for civilian dependents provided by DoD) and must 

be one of the following: the spouse or child of a Veteran whom VA has 

rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability

or the surviving spouseor child of a Veteran, who died from a VA-rated 

service-connected disability, or who, at the time of death, was rated 

permanently and totally disabled or the surviving spouse or child of a

Veteran who died on active duty service and in

the line of duty, not due to misconduct. However, in most cases, these family

members are eligible for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA. A surviving spouse under 

age 55 who remarries loses CHAMPVA eligibility at midnight of the date on

remarriage.He/she may re-establish eligibility if the remarriage ends by 

death, divorce or annulment effective the first day of the month following the 

termination of the remarriage or December 1, 1999, whichever is later. A 

surviving spouse who remarries after age 55 does not lose eligibility upon 

remarriage.

For those who have Medicare entitlement or other health insurance,

CHAMPVA isa secondary payer. Beneficiaries with Medicare must be 

enrolled in Parts A&B to maintain CHAMPVA eligibility. For additional 

information please call 1-800-733- 8387 or visit: 

www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/dependents/champva/champva_

eligibility.asp, or write:

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Community Care CHAMPVA

P.O. Box 469028 Denver, CO 80246

State Home Per Diem Program: The VHA National State Home Per Diem

Program (SHPDP), is a grant program providing federal assistance to 

Veterans receiving care in VA recognized State Veteran Home (SVH) 

facilities. Through this program, VHA provides a percentage of the cost of

construction of State VeteransHomes, which are owned and operated by the 

state. Additionally, VHA pays a daily payment to the qualifying SVHs for 

nursing home, domiciliary, or adult day health care provided to eligible 

Veterans receiving care in the SVH. For additionalinformation please visit: 

www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/providers/info_OtherCare. asp#SVH or 

email: VHA10D1B3StateHomePerDiemInquiries@va.gov.

Key Information for Family Members about the Affordable Care Act:

The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law, was created to 
102 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

expand access to affordable health care coverage to all Americans, lower 

costs, and improve quality and care coordination. Under the health care law, 

people will have health coverage that meets a minimum standard (called 

“minimum essentialcoverage”) by Jan. 1, 2014 or qualify for an exemption, or 

pay a fee when filing their taxes, if they have affordable options but remain

uninsured.

VA wants all Veterans and their families to receive health care that improves
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

their health and well-being. Dependents and survivors enrolled in the 

Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs 

(CHAMPVA) or the Spina Bifida Health Care Program meet the 

requirement to have health care coverage under the health care law and

do not need to take any additionalsteps. The law does not change 

CHAMPVA or Spina Bifida benefits, access or costs. Veterans’ family 

members who do not have coverage that meets the health care law’s 

standard should consider their options through the Health Insurance 

Marketplace, which is a new way to shop for and purchase private health

insurance.

For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit www.

healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. For additional information about the

VA andthe health care law, visit www.va.gov/aca or call 1-877-222-VETS 

(8387).

Dependents and Survivors Benefits - Death Gratuity Payment: Military

services provide payment, called a death gratuity, in the amount of $100,000 

to the next of kin of service members who die while on active duty (including 

those who die within 120 days of separation) as a result of service-connected 

injury or illness. If there is no surviving spouse or child, then parents or 

siblings designatedas next of kin by the service member may be provided the 

payment. The paymentis made by the last military command of the 

deceased. If the beneficiary is not paid automatically, application may be

made to the military service-concerned.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free 

monetary benefit generally payable to eligible survivors of military service 

members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans 

whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. DIC may also 

be paid to certain survivorsof Veterans who were totally disabled from

service-connected conditions at the

time of death, even though their service-connected disabilities did not cause 

theirdeaths. The survivor qualifies if the Veteran was:

1. Continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 years

immediatelypreceding death; or

2. Continuously rated totally disabled from the date of military

dischargeand for at least 5 years immediately preceding death; or

3. A former POW who was continuously rated totally disabled for a

periodof at least one year immediately preceding death.
104 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

For more detailed information, visit www.va.gov/disability/dependencyindemnity-compensation/.

DIC Eligibility (Surviving Spouse): To qualify for DIC, a surviving spouse

mustmeet the following requirements:

• married to a service member who died on active duty, active

duty fortraining, or inactive duty training, or
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

• validly married the Veteran before Jan. 1, 1957, or

• married the Veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period 

of military service in which the disease or injury that caused the

Veteran’sdeath began or was aggravated, or

• was married to the Veteran for a least one year, or

• had a child with the Veteran, and cohabitated with the

Veterancontinuously until the Veteran’s death, or

• if separated, was not at fault for the separation, and is not

currentlyremarried.

Note: A surviving spouse who remarried on or after Dec.16, 2003, and on or 

afterattaining age 55, is entitled to continue to receive DIC.

DIC Eligibility (Surviving Child): Not included on the surviving spouse’s

DIC,AND unmarried, AND under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 

23 and attending school at an approved institution.

Note: A child adopted out of the Veteran’s family may be eligible for DIC if all

othereligibility criteria are met.

DIC Eligibility (Surviving Parent): VA provides an income-based monthly

benefit to the surviving parent(s) of a service member or Veteran whose

death wasservice-related. When countable income exceeds the limit set by 

law, no benefits are payable. The spouse’s income must also be included if 

the parent is living witha spouse.

DIC and Aid and Attendance/Housebound Benefits: If a Veteran died on 

or after Jan. 1, 1993, his or her surviving spouse may receive additional 

benefits beyond the basic DIC rate if he or she is residing in a skilled nursing

facility, requirethe regular assistance of another person to perform the 

activities of daily living, orif he or she is permanently housebound. This 

additional benefit is referred to as “Aid and Attendance” or “Housebound.”

DIC 8-Year Special Allowances: If a deceased Veteran was considered

“permanent and totally disabled”(either by 100 percent rating or permanent

andtotal individual unemployability) for eight (8) continuous years prior to 

death, and the surviving spouse was married to the Veteran for those same 

eight years,may be entitled to an additional monthly on the DIC award. If 

there are any surviving dependent children under age 18 in the care of the 

surviving spouse, an additional child supplement payment may be further 

added to the DIC

award for the initial two (2) years of entitlement. This additional amount
106 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

will beautoma tically terminated two years after the DIC award grant.

Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors: An additional special benefit

maybe payable to Survivors of a Veteran who died of service-connected 

causes prior
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

to Aug. 13, 1981. The amount of the benefit is based on information

provided bythe Social Security Administration.

Survivors Pension: Survivors Pension is an income and net worth-based 

programpayable to low-income surviving spouses or children who have not 

married/ remarried since the death of the Veteran. Survivors Pension is an 

income-based program, and any benefit payable is reduced by annual income

from other sources,such as Social Security. If the Survivor has unreimbursed 

medical expenses, these costs can be deducted from countable income to 

increase the benefit amount (such as cost of care at an Assisted Living or

Skilled Nursing Facility).

To be eligible for Survivor’s Pension, the deceased Veteran must have

met thefollowing requirements:

1. If the Veteran served on or before Sept. 7, 1980, he/she must have

servedat least 90 days of active military service, with at least one day 

during a war time period.

2. If the Veteran entered active duty after Sept. 7, 1980, the Veteran

generally must have served at least 24 months or the full tour of

dutywith at least one day during a war time period.

3. Discharged from military service under other than dishonorable

conditions.

To qualify as a surviving child of a deceased Veteran, the child must meet 

the following requirements: under age 18 or under age 23 if attending a VAapprovedschool or permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability 

diagnosed before age 18. Additional information on pension benefits is 

available at www. va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/. To apply, complete 

VA Form 21P-534EZ and mailit to the Pension Management Center (PMC) 

of jurisdiction.

Survivors Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits: Survivors 

who are eligible for pension and require the aid and attendance of 

another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for a higher

maximum pension rate. Theseadditional benefits cannot be paid without 

eligibility to pension. An eligible individual may qualify if he or she 

requires the regular aid of another person inorder to perform personal 

functions required for everyday living, is bedridden,a patient in a nursing

home due to mental or physical incapacity, blind, or

permanently and substantially confined to his/her immediate premises

because ofa disability.
108 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

To apply for aid and attendance or housebound benefits, submit a VA

Form 21- 2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for 

Regular Aid andAttendance to the address below.

Pension & Survivors Benefits Department of Veterans

AffairsPension Intake Center

PO Box 5365

Janesville WI 53547
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Please include copies of any evidence, preferably a report from an 

attending physician or a nursing home, validating the need for aid and 

attendance or housebound status. The report should contain sufficient 

detail to determine whether there is disease or injury producing physical or

mental impairment, lossof coordination, or conditions affecting the ability 

to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, and to 

keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable, or whether confined to the

immediate premises due to disability.

Reductions for Medicaid Covered Nursing Facility Care: Surviving 

spouses and dependent children, who are in a Medicaid-approved

nursing facility, andare covered by a Medicaid plan for services furnished 

by the nursing facility are limited to receiving $90 per month in pension

benefits. No part of the $90

monthly pension may be used to reduce the amount of Medicaid paid to a

nursingfacility.

Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects:

Biological children of women Veterans who served in Vietnam at any time

duringthe period beginning on Feb. 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, 

may be eligible for certain benefits because of birth defects associated with

the mother’sservice in Vietnam that resulted in a permanent physical or

mental disability.

The covered birth defects do not include conditions due to family disorders,

birth-related injuries, or fetal or neonatal infirmities with well- established

causes.A monetary allowance is paid at one of four disability levels based on 

the child’s degree of permanent disability.

Disagreements With VA Claims Decisions Under Appeals 

Modernization: Veterans and other claimants for VA benefits have the 

right to disagree with decisions made by VA and to ask for reviews of 

those decisions. Any Veteran oreligible claimant who receives a VA 

decision on or after February 19, 2019, will follow the Appeals

Modernization process if they disagree with the decision.

Typical decisions subject to review include disability compensation, pension,

education benefits, recovery of overpayments, reimbursement for 

unauthorized medical services, and denial of burial and memorial benefits. A

claimant generallyhas one year from the date of the notice of a VA decision 

to request a decision review from one of three options. However, claimants

only have 60 days to file
110 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

an appeal for contested claims (claims where a favorable decision on one

claimrequires the denial or a lesser benefit to another claimant).

To file a disagreement with a VA decision, Veterans or claimants can choose

from three decision review options, a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level

Review, or anAppeal to the Board of Veterans’ Affairs:

Supplemental Claim: A claimant may file a supplemental claim using VA 

Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim. Claimants

must be sure to
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

identify or submit new and relevant evidence. New evidence means evidence

notpreviously part of the actual record before agency adjudicators at the 

time of the prior decision. Relevant evidence means evidence that tends to

prove or disprovea matter at issue in a claim. Claimants may file 

supplemental claims at any time; however, filing the request within one year 

of the date of notice of the prior decision on the issue(s) maintains 

entitlement to earliest possible effective date if VA later decides to grant the 

benefit.

Higher-Level Review: A claimant may request a higher-level review (HLR)

usingVA Form 20-0996, Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review.

With an HLR, a more experienced VA employee reexamines the same

evidence used in the priordecision and readjudicates the claim without

considering that prior decision.

The claimant, and/or representative may request one informal conference 

with the higher-level reviewer to identify any errors in law or fact VA made

in the priordecision.

VA must receive the completed VA Form 20-0996 within one year of the

identifiednotice of decision. A claimant may request an HLR for most 

decisions, except for another HLR or a Board decision involving the same 

issue.

For HLRs and supplemental claims, mail forms to:

Department of Veterans 

AffairsClaims Intake Center

P.O. Box 4444

Janesville, WI 53547-4444

Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Affairs: A Veteran or claimant may 

appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (“the Board”) using VA 

Form 10182, Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of 

Disagreement) within one year ofthe date of the VA decision.

Veterans or claimants appealing to the Board may request a hearing with a

Veterans Law Judge and/or have the opportunity to submit additional

evidence.The Board can also conduct a review without any additional 

evidence, which could result in a faster decision. The VA Form 10182

should be submitted to:

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

P.O. Box 27063 Washington DC 
112 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

27063or by fax to: 844-678-8979.

A Board decision under the modernized program also may be appealed to

the U.S.Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

For additional information on the decision review and appeals processes, or 

to download the appropriate request forms, please visit

www.va.gov/decision-reviews/.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Legacy Appeals: Prior to February 19, 2019, under the legacy appeals

process, a claimant had one year from the date of the notification of a VA 

decision to file an appeal by filing a written notice of disagreement with the 

VA department that made the decision. There are still some appeals cases

pending in the legacyappeals system.

In the legacy appeals system, following the receipt of the claimant’s written

notice, VA furnishes the claimant a “Statement of the Case” (SOC) describing

what facts, laws and regulations were used in deciding the case. To 

complete therequest for appeal, the claimant has to file a “Substantive 

Appeal” within 60 days

of the mailing of the SOC, or within one year from the date VA mailed its

decision,whichever period ended later.

Claimants can opt-in from a legacy appeal to the modernized appeals 

system when they receive an SOC or a Supplemental Statement of the 

Case (SSOC). Toopt-in, claimants must provide the required information 

within 60 days from the date of the SOC/SSOC or within the one-year 

appeal period. For further information on opting in and to locate the 

applicable forms, visit www.benefits. va.gov/benefits/appeals.asp.

Board of Veterans’ Appeals: The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (“the Board”)

decides appeals on behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Although it

is notrequired, a Veterans service organization, an accredited agent, or 

attorney may represent a claimant. Appellants who wish to have a hearing 

may present their cases in person to a member of the Board in 

Washington, D.C., at a VA regional office or by videoconference. Decisions 

made by the Board can be found at www.index.va.gov/search/va/bva.jsp.

The pamphlet,“How Do I Appeal,”is available on the website or may be 

requestedby writing: Mail Process Section (014), Board of Veterans’ Appeals, 

810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420.

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims: A final Board decision that 

does not grant a claimant the benefits desired may be appealed to the 

U.S. Court ofAppeals for Veterans Claims. The court is an independent

body, not part of theDepartment of Veterans Affairs.

Notice of an appeal must be received by the court with a postmark that is

within 120 days after the Board mailed its decision. The court reviews the

record considered by the Board. It does not hold trials or receive new 

evidence.Appellants may represent themselves before the court or have 

lawyers or approved agents as representatives. Oral argument is held only 
114 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

at the direction of the court. Either party may appeal a decision of the court 

to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and may seek review in

the Supreme Court of the

United States. Published decisions, case status information, rules and

procedures,and other special announcements can be found at

www.uscourts.cavc.gov/. For
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

questions, call (202) 501-5970 or write to:

Clerk of the Court

625 Indiana Ave. NW, Suite 900

Washington, DC 20004

Correcting Military Records: The Secretary of a military department, 

acting through a Board for Correction of Military Records, has authority to

change anymilitary record when necessary to correct an error or remove 

an injustice. A correction board may consider applications for correction 

of a military record, including a review of a discharge issued by courtmartial. Application is made with DD Form 149, available at VA offices, 

Veterans organizations or visit

www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd0149.pdf.

Review of Discharge from Military Service: Each of the military services

maintainsa discharge review board with authority to change correct or modify 

discharges or dismissals not issued by a sentence of a general court-martial. 

The board has no authority to address medical discharges. If the Veteran is 

deceased or incompetent, the surviving spouse, next of kin or legal 

representative, may apply for a review of discharge by writing to the military 

department concerned, using DD Form 293, “Application for the Review of 

Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States.” This form may be 

obtained at a VA regional office, from Veterans organizations or online at

www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd0149.pdf.

However, if the discharge was more than 15 years ago, a Veteran must

petition theappropriate Service’s Board for Correction of Military Records 

using DD Form 149,“Application for Correction of Military Records Under the 

Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552.” A discharge review is 

conducted by a review of an applicant’s record and, if requested, by a 

hearing before the board.

Discharges awarded as a result of a continuous period of unauthorized

absence in excess of 180 days make persons ineligible for VA benefits 

regardless of action taken by discharge review boards, unless VA determines 

there were compelling circumstances for the absence. Boards for the 

Correction of Military Records also may consider such cases. Veterans with

disabilities incurred or aggravated duringactive duty may qualify for medical 

or related benefits regardless of separation and characterization of service.

Veterans separated administratively under other than honorable conditions 

may request that their discharge be reviewed for possible recharacterization,
116 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

provided they file their appeal within 15 years of

the date of separation. Questions regarding the review of a discharge 

should be addressed to the appropriate discharge review board at the

address listed on DDForm 293.
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

 

Physical Disability Board of Review: Veterans separated due to disability 

fromSept. 11, 2001, through Dec. 31, 2009, with a combined rating of 20 

percent or less, as determined by the respective branch of service Physical

Evaluation Board(PEB), and not found eligible for retirement, may be 

eligible for a review by the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR).

The PDBR was established to reassess the accuracy and fairness of certain 

PEB decisions, and where appropriate, recommend the correction of

discrepancies anderrors. A PDBR review will not lower the disability rating 

previously assigned by the PEB, and any correction may be made 

retroactively to the day of the original disability separation. As a result of the 

request for review by the PDBR, no further relief from the Board of 

Corrections of Military Records may be sought, and the recommendation by 

the PDBR, once accepted by the respective branch of service,is final. A 

comparison of these two boards, along with other PDBR information, can be 

viewed at www.health.mil/pdbr.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): The U.S.

Departmentof Health and Human Services provides funding to states to 

help low-income households with their heating and home energy costs 

under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP

can also assist with insulatinghomes to make them more energy efficient 

and reduce energy costs. The LIHEAPprogram in your community 

determines if your household’s income qualifies for the program. To find out 

where to apply, call 1-866-674-6327 or e-mail energy@ ncat.org 7 a.m. - 5 

p.m. (Mountain Time). More information can be found at www.

acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap.
118 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Burial and Memorial Benefits

VA operates more than 140 national cemeteries, of which more than 95 are

open to interments of either casket or cremains. Burial options are limited to

those availableat a specific cemetery and may include in-ground casket, or

interment of cremated remains in a columbarium, in ground, or in a scattering 

area. For more information,visit the National Cemetery Administration

website at www.cem.va.gov.

Burial in VA National Cemeteries

Burial in a national cemetery is open to all members of the Armed

Forces, and Veterans who have met minimum active duty service

requirements, and were discharged under conditions other than 

dishonorable.

Members of the Reserve components of the Armed Forces who die while on

activeduty, while on training duty or were eligible for retired pay, or were

called to activeduty and served the full term of service for which they were 

called, may also be eligible for burial.

Their surviving spouse, minor children, and, under certain conditions, 

unmarried adult children with disabilities, may also be eligible for burial.

Eligible spouses andchildren may be buried even if they predecease the

Veteran.

With certain exceptions, eligibility for burial based on active duty service

beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an enlisted person, and after Oct.16, 1981, 

as an officer, must have been for a minimum of 24 consecutive months or the

full periodof active duty (as in the case of reservists or National Guard 

members called to active duty for a limited duration). Active duty for training, 

by itself, while serving in the Reserves or National Guard, is not sufficient to 

confer eligibility. Reservists and National Guard members, as well as their 

spouses and dependent children, are eligible if they were entitled to retired 

pay at the time of death, or would have been upon reaching the requisite 

age.

VA may bar eligible individuals from receiving burial and memorial benefits 

if they are found to have committed serious federal or state crimes or 

serious sex offenses. Such benefits include burial in a VA national cemetery, 

and receipt of a government-furnished headstone, marker, medallion, burial

flag, and PresidentialMemorial Certificate. Veterans and other claimants for 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

VA burial benefits have theright to appeal decisions made by VA regarding

eligibility for burial and memorialbenefits. Readers with questions on the 

appeals process may contact the nearestVA national cemetery listed at 

www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp or by calling 800-827-1000.

Surviving spouses of Veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 2000 do not lose

eligibility for burial in a national cemetery if they remarry.
120 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Unmarried dependent children of Veterans who are under 21 years of age, 

or under 23 years of age if a full-time student at an approved educational

institution,are eligible for burial. Unmarried adult children who become 

physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support before age 21, 

or age 23 if a full- time student, may also be eligible.

Certain parents of Veterans who die due to hostile activity or from combat

training-related injuries may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery with

theirchild. The biological or adopted parents of a service member who died 

in combator while performing training in preparation for a combat mission, 

who leaves no surviving spouse or dependent child, may be buried with the 

deceased service member if there is available space. Eligibility is limited to 

those who died on or after Oct. 7, 2001, and biological or adoptive parents 

who died on or after Oct. 13, 2010.

The next of kin or authorized representative (e.g., funeral director) may make

interment arrangements at the time of need by contacting the National

CemeteryScheduling Office at (800) 535-1117 or NCA.Scheduling@va.gov or, 

in some cases, the national cemetery in which burial is desired. VA does not 

normally conduct burials on weekends. Gravesites cannot be reserved;

however, VA will honor reservations made before 1973 by the Department of 

the Army.

Pre-Need Burial Eligibility Determination: VA implemented the Pre-need

BurialEligibility Determination Program to assist individuals interested in 

determining their eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery.

Through this program, Veterans and their eligible family members can plan

to use VA burial benefits that Veterans have earned through their military 

service. Planning in advance for a Veteran’s or loved-one’s final resting place

can eliminateunnecessary delays during a family’s time of bereavement.

Veteran families will have increased confidence that their loved ones are 

eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery at their time of need.

To apply, individuals must submit VA Form 40-10007, Application for

Pre-NeedDetermination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery

(available at www.va.gov/find-forms/), to the National Cemetery 

Scheduling Office by faxing to 1-855-840-8299, or by mailing to the

National Cemetery Scheduling Office,

P.O. Box 510543, St. Louis, MO 63151. For more details, visit

www.va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility/.

Burial Headstones and Markers: VA is authorized to furnish, upon request, 
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

an inscribed headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of an eligible 

decedent at any national, state Veterans, tribal, or private cemetery. VA will 

deliver a headstoneor marker at no cost, anywhere in the world. For Medal of

Honor (MOH) recipients,VA is authorized to provide a supplemental 

headstone or marker if the recipient served in the Armed Forces on or after

April 6, 1917, and is eligible for a headstone
122 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

or marker (or would be but for the individual’s date of death), even if the 

grave is already marked with a private headstone or marker. For eligible 

Veterans (who arenot MOH recipients) buried in a private cemetery whose 

deaths occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA may furnish a government 

head- stone or marker even if thegrave is already marked with a private one.

Spouses and dependent children are eligible for a government

headstone ormarker only if they are buried in a national or state

Veterans cemetery.

Before requesting a headstone or marker for use in a private cemetery, 

eligible applicants should check with the cemetery to ensure the

government-furnishedheadstone or marker will be accepted.

Those who may apply for burial headstones and markers include the

decedent’sspouse or individual in a legal union with the decedent; the 

decedent’s child; parent or sibling; whether biological; adopted or step 

relation; and any lineal or collateral descendant of the decedent; personal 

representative Veterans ServiceOrganization, individual employed by state

or local government responsible

for serving Veteran; individuals with legal responsibility for the 

disposition of the unclaimed remains of the decedent or other matters 

related to interment or memorialization, or anyone if the decedent’s

dates of service ended prior to

April 6, 1917 (applies to others whose eligibility is derived). All installation

fees atprivate cemeteries are the responsibility of the applicant.

Memorial Markers: VA provides memorial headstones and markers for

placement in a national cemetery, a Veterans cemetery owned by a state or

in thecase of a Veteran, in a state, tribal, local or private cemetery with “IN 

MEMORY OF”as the first line of inscription for those whose remains are

unavailable for burial.

Remains that are unavailable for burial are those that have not been 

recoveredor identified, were buried at sea, donated to science or

cremated and scattered

completely. Only eligible Veterans are authorized to receive memorial

headstonesor markers for use in private cemeteries; memorial headstones 

and markers

are not authorized for placement in tribal cemeteries (including Veterans).

For memorial headstone or marker requests, applicants must be a member 

of the decedent’s family (spouse, individual in a legal union with the 

decedent, child, parent, or sibling, whether biological, adopted, or step-
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

relation, and any lineal orcollateral descendant of the decedent). 

To submit a claim for a headstone or marker, or for a memorial marker for

placement in a private cemetery, use VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard

Government Headstone or Marker (available at www.va.gov/find-forms/) and 

providea copy of the Veteran’s military discharge documents or proof of 

military service. Claims sent without supporting documents will be delayed 

until eligibility can bedetermined. Mail the completed form and supporting 

documents to Memorial Products Service, Department of Veterans Affairs,

5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA
124 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

22134-3903. The form and supporting documents may also be faxed toll free to

1-800-455-7143.

Inscriptions: Headstones and markers must be inscribed with the 

name of the deceased, branch of service, and year of birth and death.

They also maybe inscribed with other optional information, including

an emblem of beliefand, space permitting, additional text including 

military rank; war service such as “WORLD WAR II”; complete date of 

birth and death; military awards;

military organizations; civilian or Veteran affiliations; and personalized

words ofendearment.

Medallion in lieu of government headstone or marker for private

cemeteries:For decedents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces on or after 

April 6, 1917, and are eligible for VA memorialization benefits (or would be

but for date of death), VAis authorized to provide a medallion instead of a 

headstone or marker if the graveis in a private cemetery and already marked

with a privately-purchased headstoneor marker. The VA medallion denotes 

the decedents’ status as a Veteran. The Medal of Honor (MOH) Medallion is 

inscribed with “MEDAL OF HONOR” at the top and the branch of service at 

the bottom.

To submit a claim for a medallion to be affixed to a private headstone or

marker in a private cemetery, use VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for 

Government Medallion for Placement in A Private Cemetery (available at

www.va.gov/find-forms/) and provide a copy of the Veteran’s military

discharge documents or proof of militaryservice. Claims sent without 

supporting documents will be delayed until eligibility can be determined.

Mail the completed form and supporting documents to Memorial

ProductsService, Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road,

Quantico, VA

22134-3903. The form and supporting documents may also be faxed toll free to

1-800-455-7143.

To check the status of a claim for a headstone or marker for placement in a

national, state, or tribal Veterans cemetery, please call 202-565-4964. To 

check the status of one being placed in a private cemetery, please contact

the ApplicantAssistance Unit at 1-800-697-6947.

Other Memorialization

Presidential Memorial Certificates (PMCs): PMCs are issued to honor the
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

memory of deceased persons whom VA finds eligible for burial in a national 

cemetery. This includes persons who died on active military, naval, or air 

service, members of Reserve components of the Armed Forces, including 

Army or Air National Guard, members of the Army, Navy, or Air Force Reserve

Officers’ TrainingCorps, or persons who at death were entitled to retired pay 

or would have been but for age.
126 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Eligible recipients, including the next of kin, a relative, friend, or authorized

servicerepresentative may request a PMC by mailing to Memorial Products 

Service (41B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, 

VA, 22134-3903, or faxing to 1-800-455-7143, a completed and signed VA 

Form 40-0247, PresidentialMemorial Certificate Request Form, along with a 

copy of the Veteran’s military discharge documents or proof of military 

service.

Requests sent without supporting documents will be delayed until eligibility 

canbe determined. More information can be found at

www.cem.va.gov/cem/pmc.asp.

Burial Flags: VA will furnish a U.S. burial flag to recognize deceased Veterans 

whoreceived an other than dishonorable discharge. This includes certain

persons whoserved in the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of 

the Philippines while in service of the U.S armed forces and who died on or

after April 25, 1951.

Also, eligible for a burial flag are Veterans who were entitled to retired pay 

for service in the Reserves or National Guard; or would have been entitled if 

over age60; and members or former members of the Selected Reserve who 

served their initial obligation; or were discharged for a disability incurred or 

aggravated in theline of duty; or died while a member of the Selected 

Reserve. The next of kin mayapply for the burial flag at any VA Regional

Office or U.S. Post Office by completingVA Form 27-2008, Application for 

United States Flag for Burial Purposes. In most cases, a funeral director will 

help the family obtain the flag. For more information,visit

www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/burial-flags/.

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses: VA will pay a burial allowance up to

$2,000if the Veteran’s death is service-connected. In such cases, the person 

who bore the Veteran’s burial expenses may claim reimbursement from VA.

In some cases, VA will pay the cost of transporting the remains of a Veteran 

whose death was service-connected to the nearest national cemetery with 

available gravesites.

There is no time limit for filing reimbursement claims in service-connected 

deathcases.

Burial Allowance: VA will pay a burial and funeral allowance of up to $2,000 

for Veterans who die from service-connected injuries. VA will pay a burial

and funeralallowance of up to $300 for Veterans who, at the time of death 

from nonservice- connected injuries, were entitled to receive pension or 

compensation or would have been entitled if they were not receiving military
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

retirement pay. 

Death Under Authorized VA Admission: VA will pay a burial and funeral

allowance when the Veteran’s death occurs in a VA facility, a VA-contracted

nursinghome or a state Veterans nursing home. In cases in which the

Veteran’s death

was not service-connected, claims must be filed within two years after 

burial or cremation. For more information about burial allowances 

including rate tables, please visit www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veteransburial-allowance/.

Plot Allowance: VA will pay a plot allowance of up to $807 when a Veteran is
128 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

buried in a cemetery not under U.S. government jurisdiction if:

• The Veteran was discharged from active duty because of

disabilityincurred or aggravated in the line of duty;

• the Veteran was receiving compensation or pension or would have

beenif the Veteran was not receiving military retirement pay;

• or the Veteran died in a VA facility.

The plot allowance may be paid to the state for the cost of a plot or

interment in a state-owned cemetery reserved solely for Veteran burials 

if the Veteran is buried without charge. Burial expenses paid by the

deceased’s employer or

a state agency will not be reimbursed. Claimants may use VA Form 21P530, Application for Burial Benefits to apply for benefits. For more

information aboutplot allowances including rate tables, please visit 

www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ veterans-burial-allowance/.

Veterans Cemeteries Administered by Other Agencies: The Department 

of the Army administers Arlington National Cemetery and other Army 

installation cemeteries. Eligibility is generally more restrictive than at VA

national cemeteries.For information, call 703-607-8000; write 

Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211; or visit 

www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/about. The Department of the Interior’s National 

Park Service maintains 14 national cemeteries located within larger park 

units. To view a list that includes overviewsof these cemeteries, visit 

www.cem.va.gov/cems/doi.asp. Andersonville National Cemetery in

Andersonville, Georgia, is the only one of these 14 cemeteries

that is open to new interments within the national park boundaries. For 

more information, call 202-208-4747, or write Department of the Interior

National ParkService, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240.

State and Tribal Veterans Cemeteries: There are currently 112 VA grantfunded Veterans cemeteries operating in 48 states, tribal organizations, and

U.S. Territoriesthat offer burial options for Veterans and their families. VA 

grant-funded cemeteries have similar eligibility requirements and certain 

states and tribal organizations may require state residency or tribal 

membership. Some services, particularly for family members, may require a 

fee. Contact the state or tribal Veterans cemetery or the state Veterans Affairs 

office for information. To locate a state or tribal Veterans cemetery, visit

www.cem.va.gov/cem/grants/index.asp.

Unclaimed Veterans Remains: “Unclaimed Veterans” are defined as those
Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents 

whodie with no next of kin to claim their remains and insufficient funds to 

cover burial expenses. In addition to burial in a VA national, VA-funded 

state or tribal Veterans cemetery and a government headstone or marker,

there are monetarybenefits associated with burial of unclaimed Veterans

remains. These monetarybenefits include reimbursement for the cost of

the casket or urn used for burial,
130 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

reimbursement for transportation to a national, state or tribal Veterans

cemetery,and a burial allowance and plot allowance.

More information on memorial and monetary burial benefits for unclaimed

Veterans remains can be found at 

www.cem.va.gov/docs/factsheets/Unclaimed_

Veteran_Remains_Casket_or_Urn_Reimbursement_Program.pdf. Applicants

must submitVA Form 40-10088, Request for Reimbursement of Casket/Urn. 

For Veterans who diewhile at a VA facility under authorized VA admission or 

at a non-VA facility under authorized VA admission, and are unclaimed, the 

closest VA healthcare facility is responsible for arranging proper burial for the

unclaimed Veteran.
If you or a Veteran you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans

VeteransCrisisLine.ne
132 | Federal Benefits for Veterans,

 

Crisis Line24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and

Press 1, 

text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. 
Federal Benefits for Veterans,

Dependents and Survivors

2021

Pamphlet 80-19-

01 P94663

AffairsU.S. Department of Veterans 

Washington, DC 20420

OFFICIAL BUSINESS