Department of Veteran Affairs Provided Benefits Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for ensuring that you receive the care,
support, and recognition that you have earned.The VA Veterans Benefits fact sheets provide basic
information on VA benefit programs by category. You can find this information at
http://www.vba.va.gov/vba/benefits/factsheets/.
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.
Education & Training – MGIB-SR
You may have 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.
Home Loan Guaranty
Home Loan Guaranty benefits enable eligible veterans and service members to
purchase a home without making a down payment.
Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
VGLI is a life insurance program that allows service members to convert their SGLI
coverage to renewable term insurance.
If you are unable to visit a VA counselor at a military 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.
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/ or
Call your local VA regional office toll free at 1-800-827-1000.
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 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).
Date Last Reviewed: September 6, 2011