Veterans may be able to access different types of assistance after military service. Depending on your circumstances, support may be available for healthcare, disability, housing, education, employment, food, transportation, and other everyday needs.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits and services for eligible veterans, service members, family members, and survivors. Programs may be based on service history, disability status, income, age, family circumstances, or another eligibility requirement.
Who May Qualify
You may be able to find support if you are:
- A military veteran
- A recently separated service member
- A National Guard or Reserve member
- A service-disabled veteran
- A veteran experiencing financial hardship
- A homeless veteran or someone at risk of homelessness
- A veteran looking for education or job training
- A veteran starting or expanding a small business
- A spouse, dependent, caregiver, or survivor of a veteran
Eligibility varies by program. Some benefits are available to veterans generally, while others require specific service, discharge, disability, income, or family requirements.
Check What You May Qualify For
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Programs vary by eligibility, location, service history, household circumstances, and other factors.
Types of Help Available for Veterans
VA Disability Compensation
Veterans with a disability connected to military service may qualify for monthly disability compensation. A service-connected illness or injury may qualify even when the condition developed or became worse after service.
Healthcare Assistance
Eligible veterans may apply for VA healthcare, including services through VA medical centers, clinics, and other approved providers. Veterans should review healthcare eligibility and enrollment requirements.
Housing and Homeless Assistance
VA housing programs may help veterans buy, retain, improve, or adapt a home. Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may also receive help finding shelter, housing support, and community services.
Education and Training Benefits
The GI Bill and other VA education programs may help eligible veterans and qualified family members pay for college, career training, books, supplies, or other approved education expenses.
Employment and Career Support
Veterans may find help with resumes, career planning, job training, apprenticeships, employment accommodations, and transitioning military skills into civilian work. Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities may also be eligible for Veteran Readiness and Employment services.
Small Business Support
Veterans interested in entrepreneurship may find business training, counseling, and support through the SBA and veteran-focused business programs. Some specialized grants and funding opportunities may be available for qualifying business activities, but most grants are not unrestricted personal cash.
Pension and Income Support
Some veterans with limited income and qualifying service may be eligible for VA pension benefits. Other government benefit programs may also help with food, housing, healthcare, or utilities.
Family and Survivor Benefits
Eligible spouses, dependents, survivors, and caregivers may qualify for certain VA benefits or support services. Requirements depend on the specific program and relationship to the veteran.
How Veteran Assistance Programs Typically Work
- Identify your need, such as healthcare, housing, income, education, or employment.
- Review your service information and discharge status.
- Check the program's eligibility rules.
- Gather documents, such as discharge papers, service records, income information, medical records, or household documents.
- Apply through VA.gov, USA.gov, a state agency, or an approved organization.
- Ask for help from a Veterans Service Organization or accredited representative if you need assistance with an application.