Guide to Veterans Affairs Benefits and Resources
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) serves millions of Veterans across the U.S. Its mission is to “fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military.” To fulfill its mission, the VA provides essential support and access to benefits for Veterans, as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors.
What is the Department of Veterans Affairs?
The VA is a federal agency offering comprehensive benefits and resources that address both immediate and long-term needs of Veterans. The VA aims to ensure Veterans receive the care, guidance and assistance necessary to successfully transition from the Armed Forces to civilian life.
What are VA Benefits?
The VA provides benefits intended to promote the health, well-being and independence of those who have served, as well as their families, survivors and caregivers. The VA provides multiple benefits including:
- Health Care
- Disability
- Education and Training
- Careers and Employment
- Housing Assistance
- Pension
- Life Insurance
- Burial and Memorial Benefits
Health Care
VA health care provides Veterans with services like
- Routine Checkups
- Preventative Care
- Prescriptions
- Mental Health Treatment
- Assisted Living
- Home Health Care
- Hospital Services
- Urgent Care
- Dental Care
- Vision Care
Care is personalized for immediate and long-term needs and is dependent on eligibility.
Disability
Disability benefits are available for those with service-connected conditions or medical issues aggrivated from military service, offering monthly tax-free payments. Special claims address needsbeyond standard disability benefits.
Education and Training
The Post-9/11 GI Bill helps Veterans and their families pay for school and job training in whole or in part. It covers expenses like:
- Tuition
- Fees
- Housing
- Books and Supplies
In addition, students can get reimbursed for:
- National Exams
- Licensing Tests
- Prep courses.
Tutoring and VA-related work-study are also available. Eligibility and coverage vary, especially for private or international schools.
Careers and Employment
For Veterans with service-connected disabilities that impact employment, the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program offers support through tailored career tracks. These tracks include:
- Support for individuals returning to a previous job
- Support for Veterans finding new employment
- Support in starting a business
- Support for Veterans perusing education for a new field
- Focus on independent living for those who cannot return to work right away.
When a VR&E application is received, the VA will schedule an initial evaluation with a vocational rehabilitation counselor, who will determine a Veteran's eligibility to receive VR&E benefits and services.
Housing Assistance
The VA offers housing support through several loan options, including:
- Purchase loans
- Refinancing
- Loans for Native American Veterans on federal trust land
Veterans with disabilities may also qualify for grants to adapt their homes for accessibility. Unlike a loan, the specially adapted housing (SAH) grant does not need to be repaid. Eligibility and terms vary, but all programs aim to make homeownership and independent living more achievable.
Pension
Pension benefits from the VA provide monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet specific service, income and asset requirements. Factors such as age and disability can also impact eligibility. VA survivors’ pensions are also available to a surviving spouse or child(ren) of a deceased wartime Veteran. To qualify, an individual’s income and assets must fall within certain limits, which are set by Congress and may change over time. For the most up-to-date information on VA pensions, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Life Insurance
The VA offers life insurance for Service Members, Veterans, spouses, and dependents. Options include:
- Life insurance coverage during and after service
- Life insurance plans for those with disabilities
- Mortgage protection for adapted homes
Some policies also provide short-term support for serious injuries. Each is designed to offer financial security for Veterans and their families.
Burials and Memorials
VA burial benefits can help family members, Veterans and Service Members plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery.
How Can I Access VA Benefits?
The application process for VA benefits can vary by type of benefit. Accessing most VA benefits requires that a Veteran or Servicemember did not receive a dishonorable discharge. In addition, some programs may have unique documentation requirements, such as medical records or proof of service.
All U.S. states have physical VA locations, too. Veterans, Service Members, and their families can visit a VA location for additional guidance on accessing VA benefits.
What Resources are Available to Veterans?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide range of benefits for Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. To learn more about VA benefits, eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Beyond the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the following non-exhaustive list of nonprofits provides support to Veterans:
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA): Paralyzed Veterans of America advocates for Veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, ensuring access to health care, caregiver support, legal services, and access to Veteran benefits.
- Wounded Warrier Project (WWP): The Wounded Warrior Project serves post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured Veterans and their families through programs that support mental health, physical wellness, career counseling, and community connection, all at no cost to participants.
- Chive Charities: Chive Charities provides grants to veterans, first responders, and individuals with rare medical conditions, funding needs like vehicle modifications, service dogs, and mobility aids.
- Homes for Our Troops: Homes for Our Troops builds and donates specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans.
- Americas VetDogs: Americas VetDogs trains and provides service dogs to Veterans and first responders with physical disabilities or PTSD. Service dogs are provided at no cost to the individual in need.
To explore additional resources available to Veterans and to hear stories and reviews from Veterans who own BraunAbility vehicles, visit our Veterans Resource Page.
