Veterans' Benefit Resources
A variety of important benefits and services are available to veterans and to their families, survivors and next-of-kin from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies.
While the National Archives does not provide these benefits, we can help you obtain the copies of Military Service Records or other proof of service which you'll need to prove eligibility.
Veterans Benefits & Services from The Department of Veterans Affairs
- Emergency Requests for Military Service Records
- VA Guide to Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents
- Other Sources for Veterans Benefits, Aid and Information
VA Health Care Benefits & Information
Pension, Compensation, and other Benefits
Medical Benefits and Claims
The Department of Veterans Affairs is the primary source of information on Veterans Health Benefits.
Veterans who plan to file a claim for medical benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) do not need to request a copy of their military health record from the National Archives's NPRC-MPR. The original health records are provided by the Center when requested by the VA after the claim is filed. Many health records were lent to the Department of Veterans Affairs prior to the 1973 fire.
Veterans who filed a medical claim should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to determine if their record is already on file. The VA Toll Free # is: 1-800-827-1000 and will connect the caller to the nearest VA office.
Veterans' Family, Dependent and Next-of-Kin Benefits
- Emergency Requests for Military Service Records
- Medical Treatment Records of Dependents, Military Retirees, and Others
- Burial & Memorial Benefits for Veterans
- VA Guide to Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents
- Other Sources for Veterans Benefits, Aid and Information
VA Health Care Benefits & Information
Pension, Compensation, and other Benefits
- VA Benefits for Survivors and Eligible Dependents
- Quick Tips for VA Benefits Eligibility
- VA Compensation & Pension Benefits
- Obtaining Military Funeral Honors for Veterans
- Burial & Memorial Benefits for Veterans
- Other Benefits and Programs for Veterans including Education, Home Loans, Insurance, Death and Burial, and Survivor benefits.
Sources for Veterans Information, Aid and Benefits
Other Organizations for Veterans Information
Department of Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs is the primary source of federal benefits, programs and information for veterans.
State and Local Government Veterans Agencies
Many states, counties and local municipalities offer additional veterans benefits and programs. Some may even be able to assist in obtaining copies of military service records.
- Regional Department of Veterans Affairs Offices
Links, Addresses, and Contact Information for Regional Offices of the Department of Veterans Affairs - State and Local Government Veterans Affairs Offices
Compiled by the Department of Veterans Affairs - National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA)
Contact Information and Links to State Veterans Offices - National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO)
Contact Information and Links to Local County Veterans Offices
Resources & Services from Military Branches
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
- Navy
- National Guard (Army and Air Force)
- Department of Defense:
- Military Compensation, Pay and Benefits Site
- Military Homefront
- Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO)
Official US Government web site for Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) issues. - GulfLink: the Office of the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Gulf War Illnesses
A service to assist Gulf War veterans obtain copies of their inpatient records of treatment at hospitals which had been deployed to the Persian Gulf. - Department of Defense Community Relations
Other Federal Government Resources
- GovBenefits.gov
A clearing house listing numerous federal and state benefits programs. - USA.gov for Military Personnel and Veterans
The U.S. government's official web portal. - Other Government Agencies and Initiatives for Veterans
Web sites of interest to veterans and other Department of Veterans Affairs customers. Some of them are done in collaboration with the VA, others are offered independently by other government and civilian agencies. - Social Security Administration
Veterans Service Organizations and Other Groups
A variety of non-profit and private organizations can also help you learn about the services and benefits available to veterans. The following is only a short list. Please see the Directory of Veterans Service Organizations from the Department of Veterans Affairs for a comprehensive and up-to-date list.
(These links are provided for informational purposes only and are not endorsed by the National Archives and Records Administration. Read our disclaimer of endorsement.)
- Directory of Veterans Service Organizations
Updated and Comprehensive Database of Veterans Organizations Compiled by the VA. - Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Support organization for veterans, providing a nationwide network of services, free of charge to all veterans and members of their families. - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
One of the largest veterans organizations, providing veterans' support and community services. - The American Legion
Site maintained by one of the largest veterans organizations. - Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America - The Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA, organized in 1896 by Jewish Veterans of the Civil War, is the oldest active national veterans' service organization in America.
- AMVETS
AMVETS provides support for veterans, active military and community services. - Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
Veterans service organization dedicated to helping Vietnam-era veterans - Service Branch Organizations
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization providing information, advocacy and benefits for people age 50 and over.
Benefits CheckUp
Interactive benefits finder from the National Council on the Aging.
Military.com
A commercial site offering free resources to serve, connect, and inform active duty members, reservists, guard members, retirees, veterans, family members, defense workers and those considering military careers.
Armed Forces Crossroads Community
A commercial site supporting the military community.
Military Connections
A commercial site designed to help present and past military personnel and their families find each other and keep in touch. The site is free to members and offers an array of resources to help past and present military personnel take advantage of their military benefits.