Department of Veteran Affairs Provided Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for ensuring that you receive the care, support, and recognition that you have earned. You may be eligible for the following federal veterans' benefits:
Health Care
In October 1996, Congress passed the Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act, paving the way for the Medical Benefits Package plan, available to all enrolled veterans. The Medical Benefits Package emphasizes preventive and primary care, offering a full range of outpatient and inpatient services. See chapter 7 for further details.
Education & Training – GI Bill
Up to 36 months of Education benefits that can be used for education, training, certification, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training programs. National Guard and Selected Reserve may be eligible under previous active duty enlistment. See Chapter 6 for further details.
Home Loan Guaranty
Enables eligible veterans and Service members to purchase a home without making a downpayment. See Chapter 9 for more details.
Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
VGLI is a life insurance program that allows Service members to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable term insurance. See Chapter 8 for further details.
If you are unable to visit a VA counselor at your installation, call the nearest VA regional office at the toll-free number listed below. A Veterans Service Representative will be happy to provide information about specific benefits and how to file a claim.
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Call your VA regional office toll free at 1-800-827-1000.
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To get complete information concerning all the VA benefits to which you and your family members may be entitled, please visit our website at http://www.va.gov.
You can also submit a specific question at the above website by sending an inquiry through the VA Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS). This application provides VA customers with secure communication of personal data, should they voluntarily choose to send it to VA.
Veteran Service Officers (VSO)
Your State, County, or local Veteran Service Organizations have specially trained individuals who can offer transition assistance. A VSO can give you counseling and help with everything from filling out VA claims and enrollment forms to assisting with claims appeals. You can call the VA toll free number for assistance with contacting the nearest VSO.
Veteran Centers
Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues. Veterans have earned these benefits through their service and all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. 
Readjustment counseling is wide range of services provided to combat veterans in the effort to make a satisfying transition from military to civilian life. Services include:
  • Individual counseling
  • Group counseling
  • Marital and family counseling
  • Bereavement counseling
  • Medical referrals
  • Assistance in applying for VA Benefits
  • Employment counseling
  • Guidance and referral
  • Alcohol/drug assessments
  • Information and referral to community resources
  • Military sexual trauma counseling & referral
  • Outreach and community education. 
Contact your nearest Vet Center through the Vet Center Directory at http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter.aspor listings in your local blue pages. The Vet Center staff is available toll free during normal business hours at 1-800-905-4675 (Eastern) and 1-866-496-8838 (Pacific).

Need–to–know Information