How to Obtain Information About Veterans Benefits

What you will discover:

What benefits can veterans be eligible for?
Who is eligible for veterans’ benefits?
How can I inquire about my veterans’ benefits?
What documentation do I need to apply for veterans’ benefits?
Are family members of veterans eligible for benefits?

The United States government offers several benefits to military veterans and their families. However, navigating the maze of benefits to determine which ones are available to you and your family can be difficult if you do not have some outside assistance. You may obtain a full guide to help you establish if you are eligible to benefits, what benefits you can get, and how to start collecting them by requesting information on your veteran benefits directly from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn more about how to get this vital information in the sections below.

What benefits can veterans be eligible for?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the United States provides a plethora of programs to help veterans and their families with anything from housing to medical treatment to entrepreneurship. Some of these advantages may include:

Compensation for both short- and long-term incapacity.
A pension derived from a veteran’s pension scheme.
Free or low-cost medical care and treatment at VA-sponsored hospitals and institutions.
Programs for higher education and student debt help.
Mortgage guarantees and housing aid are also available.
Job training and certification are required.
If a veteran dies, the surviving spouse and/or minor child will receive death, pension, or accumulated benefits (referred to as the DIC).
Small company loans are available via the Small company Administration (SBA).
Funeral and burial services, including a free headstone and burial at a national cemetery.

Because these benefits cover such a wide range of needs, determining which ones you qualify for (and which ones you would like to take advantage of) may necessitate some additional research.

Who is eligible for veterans’ benefits?

The duration of time required for each kind of benefit varies, but most veterans will qualify provided they are dismissed from active military duty and their discharge was not dishonorable. Service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or other commissioned officers of governmental agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is included in this qualification.

Veterans should be aware that if they qualify based on the duration of their service and the conditions of their release, they are legally entitled to these benefits. If a veteran is refused benefits for which he or she is eligible (or is discouraged from seeking for benefits in the first place), legal action may be required to protect the veteran’s rights.

How can I inquire about my veterans’ benefits?

Although the VA’s website contains links to assist veterans (or their family members) in applying for many of the benefits listed above, checking the eligibility criteria for each individual program can be time consuming. By filing a generic request for information to the VA, you will be able to find out which benefits you qualify for (and which you don’t) based on your specific service history. If you want to speak with a representative from the VA, call 1-800-827-1000 or visit their website at www.va.gov.

What documentation do I need to apply for veterans’ benefits?

Having your papers ready before applying for benefits may make the process considerably easier. The VA’s answer to your request for benefits should specify what paperwork you will need to go forward. Your discharge documents, including your service dates and the kind of discharge you got, may be needed. If you do not have a copy of your discharge documentation, the VA may be able to acquire it on your behalf if you provide your complete legal name, branch of military service, social security number, and dates or years of service. (However, it is still a good idea to acquire a duplicate of your discharge papers to have on hand, taking careful to store them in a safe, secure location).

If a veteran is unable to apply for their own benefits due to death, disability, or absence, a spouse or family member may obtain information about benefits and help them in completing the appropriate paperwork on their behalf.

Are family members of veterans eligible for benefits?

Yes, there are some benefits that are only available to veterans’ spouses and dependents. These family members are free to apply for their own benefits at any time. Among the perks accessible to family members are:

Spouses, dependent children, and surviving spouses and children are all covered by health insurance.
Education support may be obtained via the Survivors and Dependents Education support Program or the GI Bill.
Home loan programs or financial advice.
Insurance for life.
Benefits for burial.
If you are caring for a veteran who was wounded in the line of duty, you may get caregiver support services.

Do not allow the benefits you have earned through your military service slip through your fingers—start your veteran benefits request immediately. The sooner you take advantage of the services and coverages available to you, the more you and your family will profit.