INTRODUCTION

Several factors commonly determine eligibility for specific VA benefits: length of service, income, service during a wartime vs. peacetime period, age, and whether or not the Veteran has a service-connected disability. Additionally, VA benefits typically require a discharge other than dishonorable to receive benefits. Each benefit described below includes an eligibility overview.

INSURANCE

Life insurance coverage options for Veterans which features low monthly premiums to provide security and peace of mind. servicemembers Group Life Insurance ( SGLI ) is automatic coverage for Servicemembers, while Veterans Group Life Insurance ( VGLI ) is available after separation from service.

Basic Eligibility: SGLI coverage is generally automatic, but applications to convert from SGLI to GLI must be filed within one year and 120 days from discharge. http://www.insurance.va.gov/

PENSION

Pension is a monthly benefit paid to Veterans who are either age 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled who demonstrate financial need.

Basic Eligibility: 90 days or 24 months of active service ( depending on when you served ), with at least one day during a wartime period.

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension

HOME LOANS

VA-guaranteed home loans to build, buy, or repair a home allow lenders to provide mortgages to Servicemembers and Veterans with favorable terms, such as no down payment.

Basic Eligibility: 90 days or more on active duty during a wartime period ( 180 continuous days if during peacetime ), or six years of service in the Selected reserve or National Guard. www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans

EDUCATION

VA sponsers several education and training programs that provide financial support to Servicemembers and Veterans to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree, take vocational and technical training, or get professional licenses. 

Basic Eligibility: 90 days or more of active duty service after September 10, 2001 ( Post-9/11 GI Bill ). Additional programs cover Veterans with prior service. http://www.gibill.va.gov/

HEALTH CARE

Health care benefits include all necessary inpatient hospital care and outpatient services.

Basic Eligibility: Most Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or 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. www.va.gov/healthbenefits

BURIAL

Burial and memorial services honor or deceased Veterans, including an allowance provided to reimburse the person who bore the Veteran's burial expenses.

Basic Eligibility: Service on active duty, or if the death was due to injury or disease that developed or was aggravated during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training. http://www.cem.va.gov/

PPT of Veterans Benefits Administration Webinar

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Benefits for Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 

DISABILITY COMPENSATION

Disability compensation is a monthly benefit paid to Veterans for injuries or diseases that arose during service, were worsened or aggraveted by service, or are presumed by VA to be related to military service.

Basic Eligibility:

Service-connected disability and an other than dishonorable discharge. www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/compensation

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT ( VR&E )

VR&E provides education and training services, including vocational counseling and job-search assistance programs, to Veterans with service-connected illnesses and injuries.

Basic Eligibility: Service-connected disability rated at 20 percent or more; or at least 10 percent with a serious employment handicap ( SEH ). www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/

ADAPTED HOUSING GRANTS

Specially Adapted Housing ( SAH ) or Special Housing Adaptation  SHA ) grants help Veterans purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home to account for a service-connected disability.

Basic Eligibility: Veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected physical disabilities, such as loss of limbs, blindness, or severe burns qualify.

VETERANS' MORTGAGE LIFE INSURANCE ( VMLI )

VMLI provides mortgage protection insurance that can help the family of a severely disabled Servicemember or veteran by paying off the home mortgage in the event of his or her death.

Basic Eligibility: Received a Specially Adapted ousing  SAH ) grant from VA for assistance in building, remodeling, or purchasing an adapted home.

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS' INSURANCE ( S-DVI )

This is a life insurance benefit for Veterans who have service-connected disabilities, but are otherwise in good health. 

Basic Eligibility: Received a rating for a service-connected disability ( even if only 0% ), and the Veteran applied within 2 years from the date VA notified the Veteran about a new service-connected disability.

Additional VA Resources

CAREGIVER SUPPORT LINE

Provides support and information to those caring for a Veteran, including access to a local Caregiver Support Coordinator for assistance. dditional services, including a monthly stipend, travel expenses, mental health services, and respite care, are now available to seriously injured post-9/11 Veterans and their family caregivers. 1-855-260-3274 http://www.caregiver.va.gov/

VET CENTERS

Assists combat Veterans through a nationwide network of more than 300 community-based Vet Centers. 1-877-WAR-VETS www.vetcenter.va.gov

NATIONAL CALL CENTER FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

Provides free 24/7 access for homeless Veterans or at-risk Veterans to trained counselors with information about VA homeless programs and local mental health services. 1-800-424-3838 www.va.gov/homeless/nationalcallcenter.asp

VETERANS CRISIS HOTLINE

Connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with a qualified, caring VA responder through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. 1-800-273-8255 ( TALK ) www.veteranscrisisline.net

FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND APPLY

• Find links to VA benefits information and apply at www.ebenefits.va.gov
  
• Visit us at www.benefits.va.gov
  
• Use IRIS, VA's tool to ask questions and find answers online: iris.custhelp.com
  
• Call us at 1-800-827-1000
• Visit the nearest VA regional office