As a Veteran or family member, you are likely aware of core VA benefits, such as disability compensation and healthcare — but do you know the full scope of resources, benefits, and programs designed to support you? From home loans and property tax breaks to education assistance and burial benefits, there is a wide array of lesser-known resources that can be used long after your service ends.
Taking the time to understand and utilize the full range of benefits you’ve earned through your service can help you improve your financial stability and overall quality of life, as well as that of your family members and survivors.
VA Disability
Veterans who became ill or were injured while serving in the military, or whose preexisting condition was worsened during service, may be entitled to monthly, tax-free VA disability compensation. These benefits cover both:
- Physical conditions such as chronic illnesses or injuries sustained during service.
- Mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety that developed before, during, or after service.
Veterans are encouraged to file a VA disability claim upon military separation. You can learn more and start your claim here. If you need additional assistance, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and State Veterans Services Offices can guide you through the process, help identify conditions to claim, and track your progress. Find a VA-accredited representative or VSO here.
You can also explore the VA eligibility matrix, a helpful tool that breaks down the benefits available at different VA disability percentages.
VA Health Care
In addition to disability compensation, VA Health Care remains one of the most valuable Veterans benefits. Enrollment enables Veterans to receive:
- Low- or no-cost medical care for service-connected conditions
- Mental health services, including counseling and therapy
- Prescription coverage and specialized treatments
Even if you have private health insurance, VA Health Care can help reduce costs and provide additional support. Check your VA Health Care eligibility.
VA Home Loans
VA Home Loans and other housing-related programs can help make home ownership more affordable to Veterans in variety of ways — for instance, VA Housing Assistance grants can be applied to modifying or adapting housing for disabled Veterans, and the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans provides assistance for homeless Veterans and those in danger of becoming homeless. Moreover, VA Home Loans offer:
- No down payment requirement
- No mortgage insurance, which can save borrowers thousands over time
- Competitive interest rates and flexible credit requirements
Learn more about VA Home Loans and review eligibility requirements or explore resources available to Veterans experiencing homelessness here.
Tax Benefits
VA disability and survivor benefit payments are tax free and do not need to be reported on your tax return. Many states also offer Veterans:
- Property tax exemptions for those with certain disability ratings
- Income tax breaks and credits
- Reduced vehicle registration fees
Contact your state's Veterans Service Office
Education and Employment Benefits
The GI Bill provides education and training benefits to servicemembers, Veterans, and their families who are pursuing a college education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and more. Though eligibility depends on the length and type of military service, GI Bill benefits can cover expenses such as:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing
- Books and supplies
Another helpful resource is Veteran Readiness and Employment, which offers job training, vocational rehabilitation, and employment support to those with a service-connected disability that limits their ability to work or prevents them from working.
Some states also offer additional programs, such as the Hazelwood Act in Texas, which provides additional education benefits for Veterans and their families.
VA Life Insurance
During service, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is in force, but it ends 90 days after separation. Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) allows you to convert your SGLI into renewable term insurance after service within one year and 120 days of separation. This is especially helpful to Veterans with service-connected conditions who may have difficulty obtaining private life insurance.
The VA also offers life insurance for eligible service-connected Veterans, but it’s always a good idea to do your homework and get a quote from other military-focused organizations, such as Armed Forces Mutual, that offer affordable solutions and may provide more benefits than VGLI.
VA Burial Benefits
Burial benefits include reimbursement ranging from $978 for a non-service-connected death up to $2,000 for a service-connected death. A headstone or marker is also available for eligible Veterans, regardless of whether they are buried in a VA or non-VA cemetery.
For survivors, benefits include:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): A tax-free monthly payment to surviving spouses, children, or parents of servicemembers who died in the line of duty or from service-connected conditions. Eligibility Requirements
- Survivors Pension: A needs-based benefit for low-income surviving spouses and children of Veterans.
- Healthcare services: Eligible survivors can receive coverage through CHAMPVA.
Veteran ID Cards
The VA offers several types of Veteran ID cards, each created to help ensure access to various benefits and services. Options include:
- Veteran ID Card (VIC): Can confirm Veteran status for discounts at private businesses and is useful for situations where proof of service is needed without carrying discharge paperwork.
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC): Issued to Veterans enrolled in VA Health Care to demonstrate proof of eligibility for VA health services and medical facilities.
- Department of Defense (DoD) ID Card: Available to certain retirees and dependents, provides access to military installations, commissaries, and exchanges.
Learn more about eligibility and where to apply for an ID card.
We Can Help
Veterans benefits are an important way to recognize and support those who have served our country, as well as their family members and survivors. Become an Armed Forces Mutual Subscriber to gain access to all of the content in our Resource Center to learn more about Veteran benefits and other ways to strengthen your financial independence.
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