Veteran Benefits Guide: Everything You May Be Eligible For
You may be eligible for VA disability compensation, health care, education benefits, home loans, life insurance, pension, and survivor benefits. Eligibility depends on your service history, disability rating, income, and discharge status. More than 20 million Veterans qualify for at least one benefit. Apply online at VA.gov using the appropriate form for each benefit.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Comprehensive VA benefits including disability, health care, education, housing, insurance, and survivor benefits |
| Eligibility | Veterans who served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable |
| Application | Varies by benefit; most applications available online at VA.gov |
| Processing Time | Disability claims typically 100–150 days; health care enrollment 7–10 business days |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| Required Forms | VA Form 21-526EZ (disability), VA Form 10-10EZ (health care), VA Form 22-1990 (education), VA Form 26-1880 (home loan) |
| Updated For | 2026 |
VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. The Veterans Benefits Administration pays it under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 11. One quarter of the total Veteran population of 20 million receives disability compensation.
What It Is
Disability compensation is not insurance and it is not a pension. The amount depends on your combined rating, not on income, savings, or whether you work. It is not need-based. You can receive compensation and Social Security at the same time, but you cannot draw compensation and pension for the same period.
2026 Disability Compensation Rates
The rates below took effect December 1, 2025. Congress raises them each year to match the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. The 2026 COLA was 2.8%, applied by Public Law 119-42, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025.
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse | With 1 Child | With Spouse and 1 Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | $180.42 | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 | $356.66 | $356.66 | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $596.47 | $666.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | $853.84 | $947.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $1,205.90 | $1,314.90 |
| 60% | $1,645.75 | $1,777.75 | $1,719.75 | $1,851.75 |
| 70% | $2,074.45 | $2,229.45 | $2,158.45 | $2,313.45 |
| 80% | $2,382.43 | $2,560.43 | $2,476.43 | $2,654.43 |
| 90% | $2,682.43 | $2,883.43 | $2,786.43 | $2,987.43 |
| 100% | $3,291.06 | $3,515.06 | $3,406.06 | $3,630.06 |
Veterans rated 10% or 20% receive the same amount with or without dependents. Add-ons begin at 30%.
Who Qualifies
You may qualify for disability compensation if you have a disability that was caused or made worse by your active military service, and you were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. You must have a current diagnosis, an in-service event, injury, or illness, and a medical nexus linking the two.
How to Apply
Apply online at VA.gov using VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits. You can also apply by mail, fax, or in person at a VA Regional Office. The form revision date is January 2026.
Required Documents
DD-214 or other separation documents
Service treatment records
Medical evidence (private records, VA medical records)
Buddy statements or lay evidence
Marriage certificate and dependent information (if claiming dependents)
Common Mistakes
Filing without a medical nexus linking your condition to service
Missing the intent to file deadline (you have one year from intent to file to submit evidence)
Not appealing within one year of a decision
Failing to report dependent changes to VA
Appeals Process
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityIf you disagree with a VA decision, you have three options: a supplemental claim with new evidence, a higher-level review by a senior claims processor, or a Board appeal before a Veterans Law Judge. You must file within one year of the decision date to preserve the earliest effective date for back pay.
VA Health Care
VA health care is a comprehensive medical benefits package available to enrolled Veterans. It emphasizes preventive and primary care and offers a full range of outpatient and inpatient services within the VA health care system. There is no monthly premium, though copayments may apply.
What It Is
The VA Medical Benefits Package is a standard enhanced health benefits plan available to all enrolled Veterans. It includes preventive care, ambulatory diagnostic and treatment services, hospital care, mental health services, and prescription coverage. Veterans in Priority Groups 1–7 are eligible for full VHA care.
Who Qualifies
All Veterans are potentially eligible. Eligibility is based on active military service and a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions. Army Reserve and Army National Guard Soldiers called to active duty by a Federal Executive Order may qualify. Veterans who served in a combat zone after November 11, 1998, including Iraq and Afghanistan, are eligible for five years of enhanced enrollment from their discharge date.
Priority Groups
VA assigns every enrolled Veteran to one of eight priority groups. Your priority group determines copayment responsibilities and access to care.
| Priority Group | Who Is Included |
|---|---|
| Group 1 | Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or more; Veterans deemed unemployable due to service-connected conditions; Medal of Honor recipients |
| Group 2 | Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30% or 40% |
| Group 3 | Former prisoners of war; Purple Heart recipients; Veterans with 10% or 20% ratings; Veterans discharged for a disability incurred in the line of duty |
| Group 4 | Veterans receiving Aid and Attendance or housebound benefits; Veterans determined catastrophically disabled |
| Group 5 | Veterans with income below VA means test threshold; Veterans receiving VA pension; Veterans eligible for Medicaid |
| Group 6 | Veterans with compensable 0% service-connected disabilities; Veterans who served in a theater of operations after November 11, 1998 |
| Group 7 | Veterans with gross household income below the geographically adjusted VA income limit |
| Group 8 | Veterans with income above the VA national income threshold and geographic income threshold who agree to pay copays |
Higher priority groups receive earlier access and reduced costs.
PACT Act Expansion
The PACT Act, signed into law in August 2022, expanded VA health care eligibility for Veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and other environmental hazards. Veterans who served in certain locations and time periods may now qualify for care even if they previously did not meet eligibility requirements. The PACT Act has expanded eligibility for nearly 3.5 million Veterans.
Income Limits
Some Veterans are eligible for VA health care no matter their income. Eligibility may be based on VA disability rating, service history, or other factors. If you are not eligible based on other factors, you may still be eligible based on income. Limits vary by where you live and change each year. You will need information about your household income and deductions to check income limits.
How to Enroll
Apply online at VA.gov using VA Form 10-10EZ, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center. Enrollment typically processes within 7–10 business days.
Required Documents
DD-214 or other separation documents
Income information (if applicable)
Valid ID
Insurance cards (if applicable)
VA Pension
VA pension is a monthly tax-free payment for wartime Veterans who meet age or disability requirements and who have income and net worth within yearly limits set by law. It is need-based and requires no service-connected condition.
What It Is
Veterans Pension is different from disability compensation. It is for wartime Veterans with low income and limited net worth who are 65 or older, permanently and totally disabled, in a nursing home, or receiving Social Security disability. No service-connected condition is needed.
2026 Pension Rates
Based on financial need and eligibility requirements, Veterans Pension provides a single Veteran up to $17,441 annually in 2026. Veterans who require assistance with daily activities or who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Pension at increased household rates up to $21,313 annually or aid and attendance rates up to $29,093 annually in 2026.
| Pension Type | Annual Maximum (2026) |
|---|---|
| Basic Veterans Pension (single Veteran) | $17,441 |
| Increased household rate | $21,313 |
| Aid and Attendance rate | $29,093 |
| Survivors Pension (spouse, no dependents) | $15,311 |
| Survivors Pension Aid and Attendance | $22,304 |
Who Qualifies
You may qualify for Veterans Pension if you served during a period of war, meet age or disability requirements, and have income and net worth within limits. You must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period. You must be 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled, or a patient in a nursing home, or receiving Social Security disability.
Net Worth Limit
The net worth limit effective December 1, 2025, is $163,699. This covers assets plus countable annual income combined, excluding your primary residence and personal belongings.
How to Apply
Apply online at VA.gov using VA Form 21P-527EZ for Veterans Pension. Include income and net worth information, medical evidence of disability if applicable, and dependency information.
Education Benefits (GI Bill)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) provides up to 36 months of education benefits for Veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. Benefits include tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend.
What It Is
The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays tuition and fees directly to your school, provides a monthly housing allowance, and offers up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies. You can transfer benefits to dependents if you meet specific criteria.
2026-2027 Rates
The rates effective August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, include:
| Benefit Component | 2026-2027 Rate |
|---|---|
| Private or foreign school tuition cap (per year) | $30,908.34 |
| Online-only housing allowance (per month) | $1,261 |
| Books and supplies stipend (per year) | $1,000 |
Eligibility Tiers
You are eligible for 100% of the full benefit if you served at least 1,095 days (36 months) on active duty, received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, or served at least 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-connected disability. If you served less than 36 months, you are eligible for a percentage based on your time served:
| Active Duty Served | Percentage of Full Benefit |
|---|---|
| 910 to 1,094 days (30–35 months) | 90% |
| 730 to 909 days (24–29 months) | 80% |
| 545 to 729 days (18–23 months) | 70% |
| 180 to 544 days (6–17 months) | 60% |
| 90 to 179 days (90 days–5 months) | 50% |
How to Apply
Apply online at VA.gov using VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits. You will need your DD-214, information about your school or training program, and your bank account information for direct deposit.
Transfer of Benefits
You may transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your spouse or dependent children if you meet specific criteria. You must have at least six years of service and agree to serve four additional years.
VA Home Loan Benefits
VA-backed home loans offer competitive interest rates, no down payment, and no private mortgage insurance for eligible Veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.
What It Is
A VA-backed purchase loan helps you buy, build, or improve a home. Lenders offer competitive interest rates. You can borrow up to the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming loan limit on a no-down-payment loan in most areas.
Benefits
No down payment as long as the sales price isn’t higher than the appraised value
Better terms and interest rates than other loans
No private mortgage insurance (PMI) or mortgage insurance premiums
Fewer closing costs
No penalty fee if you pay the loan off early
Reusable benefit
Who Qualifies
You may qualify if you meet service requirements:
| Service Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Wartime active duty | 90 consecutive days |
| Peacetime active duty | 181 days |
| National Guard or Reserves | 6 years of service, or 90 days of Title 32 orders (30 consecutive) |
| Surviving spouse | Unremarried spouse of Veteran who died in service or from service-connected disability |
2026 Entitlement
The maximum entitlement amount changes annually and is currently $144,000 for 2026. VA sets no minimum credit score, but lenders typically require 580 to 620.
How to Apply
Apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) online at VA.gov using VA Form 26-1880, or through your lender. You will need your DD-214, a statement of service if still active duty, and information about your service history.
Life Insurance
VA offers several life insurance programs for service members, Veterans, and their families. Coverage options range from $10,000 to $500,000.
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)
VALife offers guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance for Veterans aged 80 and under with service-connected disabilities (0–100%). Key features include:
Up to $40,000 in coverage, available in increments of $10,000
No medical exam or health questions required
No time limit to apply
Locked-in premiums that do not increase
Cash value that builds over the life of the policy
You can apply online and receive an instant decision.
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
SGLI offers eligible service members low-cost group term life insurance coverage up to $500,000. Service members who meet eligibility criteria are automatically enrolled.
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
VGLI allows separating service members to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable group term life insurance. Veterans have one year and 120 days from their separation date to apply for VGLI.
Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
FSGLI offers coverage for the spouse and dependent children of service members covered under full-time SGLI. Coverage is available in increments of $10,000 for spouses and $10,000 for dependent children.
Survivor Benefits (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provides a monthly tax-free benefit for survivors of Veterans who died in the line of duty or due to their service-connected disabilities. There are no income restrictions for surviving spouses and children who are eligible for this benefit.
2026 DIC Rates
The 2026 base rate for a surviving spouse is $1,699.36 per month, effective December 1, 2025. Additional amounts may apply:
| Added Benefit | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Veteran rated totally disabled for 8+ years, married 8+ years | $360.85 |
| Each eligible child under 18 | $421.00 |
| Transitional benefit (first 2 years after death) | $359.00 |
| Aid and Attendance for surviving spouse | $421.00 |
Who Qualifies
You may qualify for DIC if you are the surviving spouse, dependent child, or dependent parent of a Veteran who died in the line of duty, died from a service-connected disability, or was rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability for at least 10 years before death.
How to Apply
Apply online at VA.gov using VA Form 21P-534EZ, Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits. You will need the Veteran’s DD-214, death certificate, marriage certificate, and children’s birth certificates.
Burial Benefits
VA burial benefits help service members, Veterans, and their families plan and pay for burial or memorial services. Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces and Veterans who meet minimum active duty service requirements.
What It Covers
Opening and closing of the grave
Government headstone or marker
Perpetual care of the gravesite
Burial flag
Military funeral honors
Burial Allowances
| Type of Death | Burial Allowance | Plot Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Service-connected death (on or after 9/11/01) | Up to $2,000 | Included |
| Service-connected death (before 9/11/01) | Up to $1,500 | Included |
| Non-service-connected death (outside VA facility) | $300 | $762 |
| Non-service-connected death (within VA facility) | $762 | $762 |
How to Apply
Eligible surviving spouses are paid automatically upon notification of the Veteran’s death. No claim is needed. If the spouse has not been paid automatically, VA will pay whomever files the claim first: the Veteran’s surviving children, parents, executor, or administrator of the estate.
Other Benefits to Know
VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)
VADIP offers dental insurance to Veterans enrolled in VA health care and to certain dependents. Premiums are paid directly to the insurer.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Benefits
Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may qualify for health care and disability benefits for conditions linked to contaminated water.
Caregiver Support
The Caregiver Support Program provides resources, education, and support for family members caring for Veterans. If the Veteran was injured post-9/11, the caregiver may be eligible for a stipend, training, and medical coverage.
Homeless Veteran Programs
The Health Care for Homeless Veterans program provides immediate food and shelter, transitional and permanent housing, job training, and treatment for addiction and depression. HUD-VASH combines housing vouchers with VA case management.
Survivors Pension
Survivors Pension provides a surviving spouse with no dependents up to $15,311 annually in 2026. The benefit increases according to the number of eligible dependent children. Surviving spouses may also qualify for increased household rates up to $17,902 annually or aid and attendance rates up to $22,304 annually.
How to Apply for VA Benefits: General Steps
Determine which benefits you may be eligible for based on your service history, disability status, and income.
Gather required documents, including your DD-214, medical records, income information, and dependent information.
Complete the appropriate VA form for each benefit you are claiming.
Submit your application online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA Regional Office.
Track your claim status online or by calling 800-827-1000.
Respond to any VA requests for additional evidence promptly to avoid delays.
Appeal any unfavorable decision within one year to preserve your effective date.
Common Questions
What is the difference between VA disability compensation and VA pension?
VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free payment for disabilities caused or worsened by military service. VA pension is a need-based benefit for wartime Veterans with low income and limited net worth who are 65 or older, permanently disabled, or in a nursing home. You cannot receive both for the same period.
How long does it take to get VA disability compensation?
VA disability claims typically take 100–150 days to process. The PACT Act has increased claims volume, and VBA has processed more than a million rating claims per year since 2014. You can file an intent to file to preserve your effective date while gathering evidence.
What is the PACT Act and who does it help?
The PACT Act is a 2022 law that expanded VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, Agent Orange, and radiation. It covers Veterans who served in Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones, plus those at Camp Lejeune.
Can I get VA health care if I make too much money?
Some Veterans are eligible for VA health care regardless of income. Eligibility may be based on disability rating, service history, or other factors. If not eligible on other grounds, you may still qualify based on income. Use the VA income limits tool to check.
How do I transfer my GI Bill benefits to my spouse or children?
You must have at least six years of service and agree to serve four additional years. Transfer requests must be submitted while you are still on active duty. Approved dependents receive the same benefits you would have received.
What is the VA home loan entitlement for 2026?
The maximum entitlement amount for 2026 is $144,000. However, you can borrow up to the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming loan limit on a no-down-payment loan in most areas. High-cost counties may allow higher amounts.
Does VA life insurance require a medical exam?
VALife offers guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance with no medical exam or health questions. SGLI and VGLI are group term policies that also do not require a medical exam for enrollment.
What is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)?
DIC is a monthly tax-free benefit for surviving spouses, children, and parents of Veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability. The 2026 base rate for a surviving spouse is $1,699.36 per month.
How do I appeal a VA decision?
You have three options: file a supplemental claim with new evidence, request a higher-level review by a senior claims processor, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You must file within one year of the decision to preserve your effective date.
What burial benefits does VA provide?
VA provides burial allowances, plot allowances, a burial flag, headstones or markers, military funeral honors, and burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost for eligible Veterans. Surviving spouses may be paid automatically.
Can I receive VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. VA disability compensation does not affect Social Security benefits. A 100% Permanent and Total rating does not guarantee Social Security disability, but it may receive priority processing.
What is the VA net worth limit for pension in 2026?
The net worth limit effective December 1, 2025, is $163,699. This includes assets plus countable annual income combined, excluding your primary residence and personal belongings.
Key Takeaways
VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free payment for service-connected disabilities, with 2026 rates from $180.42 (10%) to $3,291.06 (100%) per month.
VA health care enrollment is free, with priority groups determining access and copayments. The PACT Act expanded eligibility for toxic-exposed Veterans.
VA pension is need-based for wartime Veterans with income below $19,836 (single) and net worth below $163,699.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition, housing, and books for up to 36 months, with a private school tuition cap of $30,908.34 for 2026-2027.
VA home loans offer no down payment and no PMI. The 2026 maximum entitlement is $144,000.
VALife offers guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance up to $40,000 for Veterans with service-connected disabilities.
DIC provides $1,699.36 monthly to surviving spouses, plus added amounts for children and the 8-year provision.
VA burial benefits include allowances, a burial flag, headstones, and burial in a national cemetery.
Apply online at VA.gov using VA Form 21-526EZ for disability, VA Form 10-10EZ for health care, and VA Form 22-1990 for education.
The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 988 (press 1).
Official Resources
VA.gov — Disability Compensation: https://www.va.gov/disability/
VA.gov — Health Care: https://www.va.gov/health-care/
VA.gov — Pension: https://www.va.gov/pension/
VA.gov — Education Benefits: https://www.va.gov/education/
VA.gov — Home Loans: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/
VA.gov — Life Insurance: https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/
VA.gov — Survivor Benefits: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/
VA.gov — Burial Benefits: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
VA Form 21-526EZ:Â https://www.va.gov/forms/21-526ez/
Veterans Crisis Line:Â https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
MyHealtheVet:Â https://www.myhealth.va.gov/
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
