If you served in the military, or are the surviving spouse of a veteran, you may be eligible for benefits that many people never claim. Some veterans assume their service was too short, their income too high or that they missed their chance. Rules have changed over the years, and new laws have expanded eligibility for some veterans.
VA health care
Many veterans can enroll in VA health care, which provides doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions and, for some, hearing aids, eyeglasses and long-term care services. Eligibility depends on factors such as length of service, discharge status, service-connected disabilities and income.
VA health care and Medicare are separate. Many veterans keep both, using VA care for some services and Medicare for others, such as care at non-VA hospitals. If you are eligible for Medicare, consider enrolling in Part B when you are first eligible to avoid late penalties, even if you use VA care.
Disability compensation
Veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service may receive tax-free monthly disability compensation. Some conditions are "presumed" to be related to service, such as certain conditions linked to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. Recent laws, including the PACT Act, added more presumptive conditions related to toxic exposures. If you were turned down years ago, it may be worth applying again.
Veterans Pension
The VA pension is a needs-based monthly payment for wartime veterans with limited income and net worth. In general, you may qualify if you:
- Served on active duty for at least 90 days, with at least one day during a wartime period. If you started active duty after September 7, 1980, you generally must have served at least 24 months or the full period you were called to duty.
- Were not dishonorably discharged.
- Are 65 or older, or have a permanent and total disability, or live in a nursing home, or receive SSI or Social Security disability.
- Meet income and net worth limits set by Congress.
Surviving spouses and dependent children of wartime veterans may qualify for a Survivors Pension.
Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits
Veterans and survivors who receive a VA pension may qualify for extra monthly payments if they:
- Need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing or eating.
- Are bedridden, in a nursing home or have severe vision loss.
- Are substantially confined to their home.
Unreimbursed medical and care costs can be deducted from income, which helps many people qualify.
Other benefits
- Burial benefits, including burial in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker and a burial allowance in some cases.
- Home loan guarantees and adaptive housing grants for some disabled veterans.
- State veterans benefits, such as property tax exemptions and state veterans homes.
How to get help
- Accredited Veterans Service Organizations, such as those chartered by Congress, county veterans service officers and accredited attorneys can help you apply. VA's website lets you search for accredited representatives.
- VA: call 1-800-698-2411 or visit va.gov.
- Your Area Agency on Aging may also connect you with local veterans services.
If you are struggling
The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day. Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
