Veteran Programs · Benefits & Discounts DirectoryPrivate information service — not a government agency
Official VA Programs
VA Benefits Index
This is an index of the major benefits run by the Department of Veterans Affairs itself. Every entry was earned by service, costs nothing to claim, and is decided by the VA — never by us. Most go unclaimed for one reason: nobody asked.
Caregiver and Survivor SupportPayments, training, and health care for the family members doing the caring — and for the ones left behind.
- VA caregiver programs offer training, counseling, and monthly payments to family members caring for eligible Veterans
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation pays a monthly, tax-free benefit to eligible surviving spouses, children, and some parents
- CHAMPVA covers health care for eligible spouses, dependents, and survivors
- Survivors and dependents may qualify for education help through the Chapter 35 program or the Fry Scholarship
How to ApplyThe VA caregiver support line is 855-260-3274. Survivor benefits are filed through the VA at 800-827-1000, and a County Veterans Service Officer helps for free.
Disability CompensationA tax-free monthly payment for conditions your service caused or made worse — and the rating that unlocks half this directory.
- A monthly, tax-free payment for physical and mental health conditions connected to your service — including ones that showed up after you got out
- Your rating percentage sets the payment and unlocks other benefits: the higher home alteration amounts, adapted housing grants, the loan funding fee waiver, and most property tax exemptions
- If a rated condition has gotten worse you can file for an increase, and conditions caused by a rated condition can be rated on their own
- Help filing from an accredited Veterans Service Organization, claims agent, or attorney is free — nobody legitimate charges you to file a first claim
How to ApplyFile online at the VA, by mail, or through an accredited representative. Your County Veterans Service Officer files claims with you at no charge.
Life Insurance (VALife)Guaranteed-acceptance whole life coverage for Veterans with a service-connected rating — no health questions asked.
- Up to $40,000 of whole life coverage, in $10,000 steps, with no medical exam and no health questions
- Open to Veterans 80 or younger with any service-connected rating — including a 0 percent rating
- Full coverage begins two years after enrollment; before that, beneficiaries receive the premiums paid back plus interest
- The policy builds cash value starting two years in
How to ApplyApply online through the VA life insurance portal — you can check eligibility and enroll the same day. Premiums are set by age and coverage amount.
Pension and Aid & AttendanceA monthly payment for older wartime Veterans and survivors with limited income — and the allowance most families never hear about.
- The Veterans Pension pays wartime Veterans who are 65 or older, or permanently disabled, and under the income and net worth limits
- The Survivors Pension does the same for an eligible surviving spouse or child
- Aid & Attendance adds to the pension when someone needs help with daily activities such as bathing or dressing
- The Housebound allowance adds to it when a Veteran mostly cannot leave the house
How to ApplyApplied for through the VA, with a claim exam when needed. An accredited representative or your County Veterans Service Officer files it with you for free — 800-827-1000.
