Aid and Attendance and Housebound Pension
A higher VA pension for a veteran or survivor who needs another person’s help with daily living or is confined to the home.
- MAPR, veteran alone with Aid and Attendance, effective December 1, 2025: $29,093 a year (read 2026-10-08)
- MAPR, veteran alone, Housebound, effective December 1, 2025: $21,313 a year (read 2026-10-08)
- Pension net worth limit, December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026: $163,699 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound
America the Beautiful Military Lifetime and Annual Passes
A free lifetime pass to national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests and other federal lands for every U.S. military veteran and Gold Star family, and a free annual pass…
www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm
Automobile Allowance and Adaptive Equipment
A one-time payment of up to $27,908.90 toward a vehicle, plus adaptive equipment such as hand controls and lifts, for service-connected loss of a hand or foot, severe vision…
Gate: Qualifying loss
- Automobile allowance, effective October 1, 2026: up to $27,908.90 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/automobile-allowance-adaptive-equipment
Burial in a VA National Cemetery
A free gravesite, opening and closing, vault liner, headstone and perpetual care in a VA national cemetery for an eligible veteran, and for an eligible spouse or dependent child.
www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility
CHAMPVA
Health coverage for a spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or who died in service or from a service-connected…
Gate: Permanent and total disability
www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/champva
Combat Zone Tax Exclusion
Military pay earned in any month served in a combat zone is free of federal income tax, in full for enlisted members and warrant officers and up to the top enlisted rate plus…
www.irs.gov/individuals/military/tax-exclusion-for-combat-service
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
A tax-free monthly payment to a military retiree, at any rating from 10%, that replaces retired pay lost to the VA offset for disabilities the service branch decides are…
Gate: Rated 10% or more
www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/10/1413a?link-type=html
Commissary, Exchange and MWR Access for Disabled Veterans
Shopping at military commissaries and exchanges, and MWR retail, for every veteran with a VA service-connected rating, Purple Heart recipients, former POWs and primary family…
Gate: Any service-connected rating
news.va.gov/109934/defense-commissary-privileges
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)
Lets a military retiree rated 50% or more receive retired pay and VA disability compensation at the same time, instead of having retired pay cut dollar for dollar.
Gate: Rated 50% or more
www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/part-3/section-3.750
DD-214 and Military Service Records (NPRC)
A free copy of a DD-214 and other service records from the National Archives’ National Personnel Records Center, requested online or on Standard Form 180.
www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Monthly tax-free payment to a surviving spouse, child, or parent after a service-connected death, or in defined cases after the death of a totally disabled veteran.
- Surviving spouse basic monthly rate, effective December 1, 2025: $1,699.36 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/dependency-indemnity-compensation
Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
Education and training help for a spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or who died in service or from a…
Gate: Sponsor status
- Full-time monthly rate, October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027: $1,621.00 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/dependents-education-assistance
Discharge Upgrade and Records Correction
Asks the service branch’s Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction to upgrade a discharge, with liberal consideration for PTSD, TBI, sexual assault or harassment, and the…
www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions
Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
Up to 9 more months of Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry benefits, or $30,000, for a student finishing a STEM degree or clinical training who has 6 months or less of entitlement left.
www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/stem-scholarship
Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
Life insurance through the service member for a spouse, up to $100,000 and not more than the member’s SGLI, and $10,000 free for each dependent child.
www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/fsgli
Federal Hiring Authorities for Veterans (VEOA, VRA, 30% Disabled)
Three ways a federal agency can hire a veteran outside or ahead of normal competition: VEOA for merit promotion jobs, VRA up to GS-11, and noncompetitive appointment for a…
Gate: 30% for the disabled veteran authority
www.ecfr.gov/current/title-5/part-315/section-315.707
Federal Tax Exclusion for VA Benefits
VA disability compensation, pension, DIC, education and grant payments are not federal taxable income, and retired pay replaced by a retroactive VA rating can be refunded.
www.irs.gov/publications/p525
Federal Veterans' Preference
Five or ten points added to a passing score, or priority in category rating, for a qualifying veteran applying for a federal competitive service job, with ten points for a…
www.ecfr.gov/current/title-5/part-211/section-211.102
Government Headstones, Markers and Medallions
A free government headstone or marker for the grave of an eligible veteran in any cemetery, or a medallion to fix to a privately bought headstone.
www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions
Grant and Per Diem Transitional Housing
Transitional housing with services, for up to about two years, from community agencies VA funds, for a homeless veteran.
www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp
HUD-VASH Supportive Housing Vouchers
A HUD Housing Choice rental voucher paired with VA case management for a homeless veteran, with housing first and no sobriety or treatment precondition.
www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp
Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Compensation at the 100% rate, $3,938.58 a month for a veteran alone, for a veteran whose service-connected disabilities keep them from holding a steady job, without changing the…
Gate: Schedular rating gate; Unable to keep substantially gainful work
- Rate paid, veteran alone, effective December 1, 2025: $3,938.58 a month (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/unemployability
Jobs for Veterans State Grants (American Job Centers)
Free job search help from veterans’ employment specialists at American Job Centers, with priority of service for veterans and eligible spouses in every Labor Department-funded…
www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/grants/state/jvsg
Licensing and Certification Test Reimbursement
VA pays back the fees for a licensing or certification test, up to $2,000 a test, and for prep courses, out of GI Bill or DEA entitlement.
- Maximum reimbursement per test: $2,000 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/test-fees
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
Up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100% level for the child or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/fry-scholarship
Medal of Honor Pension
A special monthly pension of $5,780 for each living Medal of Honor recipient, paid regardless of income or other benefits.
- Medal of Honor pension, effective December 1, 2025: $5,780 a month (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-benefit-allowance-rates
Military Funeral Honors
An honor guard of at least two uniformed members, one from the veteran’s branch, who fold and present the flag and play Taps, at the family’s request and at no cost.
www.cem.va.gov/military_funeral_honors.asp
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Care
Free VA treatment for any physical or mental health condition related to military sexual trauma, without having reported it at the time and regardless of discharge status or…
www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/military-sexual-trauma
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30)
Up to 36 months of education payments, $2,601 a month for full-time school from October 1, 2026, for a veteran who paid $1,200 into the program during active duty.
- Full-time monthly rate, effective October 1, 2026: $2,601.00 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
Up to 36 months of education payments, $508 a month full time from October 1, 2026, for a Guard or Reserve member with a six-year Selected Reserve obligation.
- Full-time monthly rate, effective October 1, 2026: $508.00 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-selected-reserve
Native American Direct Loan (NADL)
A direct VA mortgage, from 2.47% fixed for 30 years when read, to buy, build or improve a home on federal trust land for a Native American veteran or a veteran married to a…
- NADL interest rate, as posted: from 2.47% (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/native-american-direct-loan
PACT Act Toxic Exposure Care and Benefits
Expanded VA health care and presumptive disability compensation for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation and other toxins, with health care enrollment open to…
www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Education assistance tied to qualifying active duty after September 10, 2001. Often called the GI Bill or Chapter 33.
- Private and foreign school tuition cap, August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027: $30,908.34 a year (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11
Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer to Family
Lets a service member with six years of service who agrees to four more transfer up to 36 months of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child.
www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits
Presidential Memorial Certificate
An engraved certificate signed by the current President honoring a deceased veteran or reservist eligible for national cemetery burial, free to next of kin, family and friends.
www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/presidential-memorial-certificates
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
A monthly stipend, training, respite, mental health counseling and, in some cases, CHAMPVA health coverage for the family caregiver of a veteran rated 70% or more who needs…
Gate: Veteran rated 70% or more
www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers
SBA Veteran Business Programs
Free business training, counseling and loan guidance for veterans, service members and military spouses through Boots to Business and Veterans Business Outreach Centers.
www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Low-cost term life insurance of up to $500,000 for service members, at 5 cents per $1,000 a month plus $1 for traumatic injury coverage.
- Maximum coverage and premium: $500,000; 5 cents per $1,000 a month, plus $1 TSGLI (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/sgli
Social Security Disability for Wounded Warriors and 100% P&T Veterans
Expedited Social Security disability claims for a service member disabled on active duty on or after October 1, 2001, and for a veteran rated 100% permanent and total by VA.
Gate: 100% P&T, or disabled on active duty
www.ssa.gov/people/veterans
Social Security Military Wage Credits
Extra earnings credited to a Social Security record for active duty from 1957 through 2001: $300 a quarter from 1957 to 1977, and $100 for each $300 of pay from 1978 to 2001, up…
- Military wage credit, 1978 to 2001: $100 per $300 of pay, up to $1,200 a year (read 2026-10-08)
www.ecfr.gov/current/title-20/part-404/section-404.1341
Space-Available (Space-A) Military Flights
Free seats left over on military aircraft for service members, retirees, Guard and Reserve members, their dependents, some surviving spouses, and veterans with a permanent…
Gate: Permanent total rating for veterans
www.amc.af.mil/AMC-Travel-Site/AMC-Space-Available-Travel-Page
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
A higher or added monthly rate for a service-connected loss of a limb, an organ or its use, blindness, being housebound, or needing another person’s daily help.
Gate: A specific service-connected loss
- SMC-K, added monthly amount, effective December 1, 2025: $139.87 (read 2026-10-08)
- SMC-S, veteran alone, effective December 1, 2025: $4,408.53 (read 2026-10-08)
- SMC-R.2/T, veteran alone, effective December 1, 2025: $11,271.67 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/special-monthly-compensation-rates
Specially Adapted Housing Grants (SAH, SHA, TRA)
Grants to build, buy or adapt a barrier-free home for a veteran with certain severe service-connected disabilities: up to $126,526 (SAH) or $25,350 (SHA) in fiscal year 2026,…
Gate: Qualifying severe disability
- SAH maximum, fiscal year 2026: $126,526 (read 2026-10-08)
- SHA maximum, fiscal year 2026: $25,350 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Grant-funded help, including temporary rent, deposits, utilities and case management, to keep a very low-income veteran family housed or rehouse it quickly.
www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
A monthly annuity to a military retiree’s surviving spouse or child, generally 55% of the chosen base amount of retired pay, and automatic coverage for the survivors of a member…
- Standard annuity for a spouse: 55% of the base amount (read 2026-10-08)
www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/10/1451?link-type=html
Survivors Pension
Needs-based monthly payment for a surviving spouse or child of a wartime veteran with limited income and net worth.
- MAPR, surviving spouse with no child, effective December 1, 2025: $11,699 a year (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/survivors-pension
Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)
A one-time payment of $25,000 to $100,000 to a service member with SGLI who suffers a scheduled traumatic loss, such as amputation, paralysis, blindness or an inability to…
- TSGLI payment range: $25,000 to $100,000 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/tsgli
USERRA Reemployment Rights
Protects a civilian job, seniority and health coverage when a worker leaves for military service, for up to five years of cumulative service with one employer.
www.ecfr.gov/current/title-20/part-1002/section-1002.99
United States Burial Flag
A free U.S. flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible veteran or reservist, given to the next of kin.
www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/burial-flags
VA Beneficiary Travel Pay
Mileage at 41.5 cents a mile, less a $3 one-way deductible capped at $18 a month, for travel to VA or VA-approved care by a veteran rated 30% or more, traveling for a…
Gate: Rated 30% or more, or another path
- Mileage rate: 41.5 cents a mile (read 2026-10-08)
- Deductible: $3 one way, $6 round trip, $18 a month cap (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/resources/reimbursed-va-travel-expenses-and-mileage-rate
VA Burial and Memorial Benefits
Burial in a VA national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, and in some cases a burial allowance.
www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility
VA Burial and Plot Allowance
Money toward a veteran’s funeral and burial: up to $2,000 for a service-connected death after September 10, 2001, and $1,032 each for burial and plot for a non-service-connected…
- Service-connected burial allowance, death after September 10, 2001: up to $2,000 (read 2026-10-08)
- Non-service-connected burial and plot allowances, death on or after October 1, 2026: $1,032 each (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance
VA Cash-Out Refinance Loan
A VA-backed refinance of any existing mortgage, VA or not, that can take cash out of home equity, with a 2.15% funding fee on first use and 3.3% after.
- Cash-out refinance funding fee: 2.15% first use, 3.3% after (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/cash-out-loan
VA Clothing Allowance
A yearly payment of $1,053.19 for each qualifying item when a service-connected prosthetic or orthopedic device, or a prescribed skin medication, wears out or stains clothing.
Gate: Service-connected disability
- Clothing allowance, effective December 1, 2025: $1,053.19 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/clothing-allowance
VA Community Care
VA-paid care from a community provider when VA cannot see an enrolled veteran within 30 minutes’ drive and 20 days for primary or mental health care, or 60 minutes and 28 days…
www.va.gov/communitycare/programs/veterans/index.asp
VA Dental Care
Free comprehensive dental care for a veteran rated 100% or paid at the 100% rate for unemployability, or who is a former prisoner of war, with narrower classes for other veterans.
Gate: 100% for full dental (Class IV); Paid at 100% for unemployability
www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care
VA Disability Compensation
Monthly tax-free pay for an illness or injury VA decides is connected to military service.
Gate: Combined rating
www.va.gov/disability
VA Fiduciary Program
When VA decides a beneficiary cannot manage VA payments, it appoints a fiduciary to receive and manage them, and oversees that fiduciary.
www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/part-13/section-13.100
VA Health Care Enrollment
Enrollment in the VA health care system. A disability rating can change priority and copays. It is not the only way in.
www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility
VA Hearing Aids and Eyeglasses
Hearing aids, eyeglasses and contact lenses for an enrolled veteran with a compensable service-connected disability, a Purple Heart, former POW status, and other listed situations.
Gate: Compensable rating, or another listed path
www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/part-17/section-17.149
VA Home Loan Funding Fee Exemption
No VA funding fee, which is otherwise 1.25% to 3.3% of a purchase loan, for a veteran receiving or entitled to VA compensation, a surviving spouse on DIC, a Purple Heart…
Gate: Receiving or entitled to compensation
- Purchase funding fee, under 5% down, first use and after: 2.15% and 3.3% (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/funding-fee-and-closing-costs
VA Home Loan Guaranty
A guaranty that helps an eligible veteran, service member, or some surviving spouses buy, build, or refinance a home with a private lender.
www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/eligibility
VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)
A streamline refinance of an existing VA-backed loan to a lower rate or from an adjustable to a fixed rate, with a 0.5% funding fee and usually no appraisal.
- IRRRL funding fee: 0.5% of the loan (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/interest-rate-reduction-loan
VA Mental Health and Emergency Suicide Care
Mental health care from VA, including free emergency suicidal crisis care for any veteran and most former service members, whatever the discharge or enrollment status.
www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health
VA Pension
Needs-based monthly payment for a wartime veteran with limited income who is 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled.
- MAPR, veteran with no dependents, effective December 1, 2025: $17,441 a year (read 2026-10-08)
- Net worth limit, December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026: $163,699 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/pension/eligibility
VA Prosthetics and Sensory Aids
Artificial limbs, wheelchairs, home oxygen, orthotics, mobility aids and home medical equipment for an enrolled veteran who needs them, prescribed by a VA clinician.
www.prosthetics.va.gov
VA Tutorial Assistance
Up to $100 a month, and $1,200 over a lifetime, for tutoring in a course a GI Bill student is failing or at risk of failing.
- Tutorial assistance limit: $100 a month, $1,200 lifetime (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/tutor-assistance
VA-Accredited Representatives (VSOs, Attorneys, Claims Agents)
Free help with a VA claim from a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, or paid help from an accredited attorney or claims agent after an initial decision.
www.va.gov/resources/va-accredited-representative-faqs
VET TEC 2.0 High-Tech Training
Tuition, housing and books for a non-degree high-tech training program, for a veteran or separating service member with 36 months of active duty, limited to 4,000 paid…
www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program
Vet Center Readjustment Counseling
Free, confidential counseling at community Vet Centers for combat veterans, service members, survivors and families, kept apart from the VA medical record and open without VA…
www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health
Veteran ID Card and Veteran Health Identification Card
A free digital Veteran ID Card for proof of service at businesses, for a veteran with an honorable or general discharge, and a VA health ID card for enrolled veterans.
www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
Work support, and sometimes training, when a service-connected disability limits the work a veteran can do. Also called VR&E or Voc Rehab.
Gate: Service-connected rating
www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/eligibility
Veteran Small Business Certification (VOSB and SDVOSB)
SBA certification that lets a veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned small business compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts.
Gate: Any service-connected rating for SDVOSB
www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/veteran-contracting-assistance-programs
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)
Guaranteed-acceptance whole life insurance of up to $40,000 for a veteran 80 or younger with any service-connected rating, including 0%, with no health questions.
Gate: Any service-connected rating
- Maximum coverage: $40,000 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/valife
Veterans Work-Study
Paid part-time work on VA-related jobs at a school, VA facility or veterans’ organization for a student using VA education benefits at three-quarter time or more.
www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/work-study
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
Renewable term life insurance of $10,000 to $500,000 after separation, converting SGLI. No health review if the application is in within 240 days.
www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/vgli
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)
Mortgage life insurance of up to $200,000, paid to the lender, for a veteran under 70 who has received a Specially Adapted Housing grant.
- Maximum coverage: $200,000 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/vmli
Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Hiring Veterans
A federal tax credit to employers of up to $9,600 for hiring a qualified veteran, for hires who began work on or before December 31, 2025.
www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/work-opportunity-tax-credit
Yellow Ribbon Program
Covers private, out-of-state, foreign or graduate tuition above the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap, matched by the school, for a student at the 100% benefit level.
- Private and foreign tuition cap, August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027: $30,908.34 (read 2026-10-08)
www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program