
You can get help in any of these ways:
- Call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
- Get help from an accredited representative (a trained professional trusted to help with VA-related claims). Request a representative
- Find your state’s Veterans agency
- Resources and support.
- Call us. 800-698-2411.
- Visit a medical center or regional office. Find a VA location.
Do Veterans need Medicare if they get VA benefits?
Veterans who receive health care benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can also enroll in Medicare upon turning 65. Because each offers different benefits, having both at your disposal will broaden your health insurance coverage options.
What benefits are covered by VA medical benefits?
- Veterans with any compensable, service-connected disability
- Former Prisoners of War (POWs)
- Veterans awarded a Purple Heart
- Veterans in receipt of benefits under 38 USC 1151 (such as benefits for persons disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation)
Who helps veterans get benefits?
- Find your DD 214 (Discharge Papers). It certifies your service, your service time and your status. ...
- Make an appointment with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). ...
- Start Today. Don’t wait any longer. It’s your life, health and money.
Who qualifies for VA benefits?
It is these differences that the VA disability compensation system was ... taken care of as they’ll continue to receive survivor benefits. That part is really important to me — if my death ...

What can I do if my VA isn't helping?
First, go to your VA health care team. If you still have concerns, ask to connect with your provider's supervisor or your VA medical center's chief of service. If you need more help, contact your medical center's patient advocate.
What is a VA hardship?
What is VA financial hardship? “Financial hardship” for purposes of requesting expediting of your VA disability claim means that you, the veteran, are unable to earn enough income to pay essential expenses such as housing payments or medical expenses relating to your disability.
Is a VSO free?
Using a VSO to help file your claim is free of charge (barring any unusual expenses). Though they would certainly appreciate it, you do not have to be a member of the organization to use their services and becoming a member is not an expectation.
Can Congressman help with VA claim?
If you need assistance with a benefits claim or other casework, you can contact your Member Of Congress for assistance. You can also reach out the VA's office in Congress at (202) 225-2280.
Can the VA help me financially?
If you're struggling because of life situations like losing your job, having a sudden decrease in income, or having an increase in out-of-pocket family health care expenses, we can help. You can request financial hardship assistance to manage your current VA copay debt or request an exemption from future copays.
Can I get a cash advance on my VA disability?
Fortunately, cash advances for Veterans may be an option for those who have served and are currently in need of quick financial assistance. Even those with bad credit may be able to find funding. A bad credit score or lack of credit history can make it difficult to receive traditional lenders' funding.
Should I use a VSO for my VA claim?
In fact, we often recommend Veterans seek the assistance of a local VSO when filing their initial claim. A VSO may also provide counseling, medical referrals, education and training, and other programs, such as work focusing on homeless Veterans. VSOs offer some good services.
Should veterans use a VSO?
Do I have to use a VSO? No, you are not required to use a VSO. Veterans always have the option to prepare and file their own VA claim online for free at VA.gov.
What are the easiest things to claim for VA disability?
According to a recent Veterans Administration report to Congress, the ten most commonly awarded medical conditions that are getting approved for benefits are as follows:Tinnitus.Limitation of flexion (knee)Hearing loss.Lumbosacral or cervical strain (back and neck strains)Limitation of arm motion.General scars.More items...•
Who can I talk to about my VA claim?
You can call us at 800-827-1000. We're here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
Does the VFW help with VA claims?
VA Claims & Separation Benefits Our nationwide network of VFW Accredited Service Officers are experts at navigating the VA system. These trained professionals assist veterans filing for their VA claims and help veterans get the benefits they deserve.
What does a VSO do for veterans?
VSOs can assist veterans and their families in many ways, including: answering questions, advising, and educating individuals and groups on what benefits are available from federal, state, county, and local resources. assisting persons in completing and filing benefit claims. representing individuals in VA hearings.
What does it take to be an accredited representative or a VSO?
Accredited representatives and VSOs need to: Pass an exam Pass a background check Take continuing-education courses to make sure they’re providing...
What does an accredited representative or a VSO do?
Accredited representatives and VSOs can help you understand and apply for VA benefits, like: Financial support (monthly payments) Education Veteran...
What does it cost to use an accredited representative or a VSO?
In general, no individual or organization may charge you a fee to help you file your initial application for benefits. But they may charge you for...
How do I find an accredited representative or a VSO?
You can find an accredited representative or a VSO in 1 of 2 ways: Go to eBenefits to find a local representative (including a recognized VSO, an a...
How do I set up an accredited representative or a VSO to work on my behalf?
You’ll need to either use eBenefits or fill out a form and mail it in. Choose one of these ways to get set up: Use eBenefits to let us know you’ll...
Inside Veterans Benefits
We appreciate your patience as we continue to work with you during this time of crisis.
VA Outreach Events
Veterans benefits help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy, and more. Join an event for conversation and information.
Contact us online through Ask VA
Ask VA (AVA) is our new online tool that replaced the Information Routing & Inquiry service (IRIS) and the GI Bill Help Portal. Use Ask VA to send us your questions, updates, and documents online.
Call us
You can call us at one of these phone numbers to ask questions about VA benefits and services.
Contact your local VA facility
Find the phone number and address for your local VA health facility, regional office, cemetery, or other location. Find a VA location near you
Explore our FAQs and other resources
Our FAQs, step-by-step guides, and other resources can help answer specific questions you may have about these topics:
Helpful online tools
Find out how to change your address and other contact information in your VA.gov profile. This will update your information across several VA benefits and services.
How to apply for VA education benefits?
The best way to apply for your education benefits is by going to www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. You can also apply for education benefits by doing any of the following options: By mail. Call 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, to request that we send the application to you.
What to do before leaving the military?
If you are a member of the armed forces serving on either active duty or full-time National Guard duty, you should apply through the VA Pre-discharge claim program before leaving service. Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits for service members and Veterans.
How to apply for VA benefits?
You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways: 1 Mail the form to the Pension Management Center (PMC) for your state.#N#Find your PMC 2 Work with an accredited representative.#N#Get help filing your claim 3 Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee.#N#Find a VA regional office near you
Where to apply for VA pension?
You can apply for pension benefits online at www.va.gov/pension. To submit a paper application Pension benefits, download and complete VA Form 21P-527EZ, "Application for Pension" and mail it to the Pension Management Center that serves your state.
What does enhanced eligibility mean?
You may qualify for enhanced eligibility status (meaning you’ll be placed in a higher priority group, which makes you more likely to get benefits) if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below. At least one of these must be true.
How many priority groups are there for VA?
When you apply for VA health care, you’ll be assigned 1 of 8 priority groups. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need immediate care can get signed up quickly. Your priority group may affect how soon we sign you up for health care benefits.
How long did you serve at Camp Lejeune?
Served at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. If none of the above apply to you, you may still qualify for care based on your income. Learn more about how the amount of money your family makes can affect whether you qualify for VA benefits. Learn more about income limits.
Can I get VA health care benefits if I served in the military?
Am I eligible for VA health care benefits? You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.
What is a caregiver support coordinator?
Your local Caregiver Support Coordinator is a licensed professional who can support you by matching you with services for which you are eligible, and providing you with valuable information about resources that can help you stay smart, strong and organized as you care for the Veteran you love.
What is an ADHC?
Adult Day Health Care Centers (ADHC)#N#ADHC Centers are a safe and active environment with constant supervision designed for Veterans to get out of the home and participate in activities. It is a time for the Veteran you care for to socialize with other Veterans while you, the Family Caregiver, get some time for yourself. ADHC Centers employ caring professionals who will assess a Veteran's rehabilitation needs and help a Veteran accomplish various tasks so he or she can maintain or regain personal independence and dignity. The Veteran you care for will participate in rehabilitation based on his or her specific health assessment during the day (ADHC centers are generally open Monday through Friday during normal business hours). The ADHC Centers emphasize a partnership with you, the Veteran you care for and Centers' staffs.
Why is respite important for caregivers?
Respite is time for relaxing and renewing your own energy, and respite care can provide you with the time to do that.
How to contact VA caregiver support?
Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you and for assistance connecting with the Caregiver Support Coordinator at your local VA Medical Center. *By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.
What services can a veteran receive?
Some of the care a Veteran can receive includes basic nursing services and physical, occupational, or speech therapies. To be eligible for this service, a Veteran must be homebound, which means he or she has difficulty traveling to and from appointments and so is in need of receiving medical services at home.
Can a veteran take care of his own needs?
Feeding and bathing another person can be very stressful, physically tasking, and time-consuming for you. Often times, taking care of a Veteran's needs leaves no time for you to take care of your own needs. The Homemaker and Home Health Aide Program is designed to help a Veteran with personal care needs.
What is VA housing assistance?
VA housing assistance. VA housing assistance can help Veterans, service members, and their surviving spouses to buy a home or refinance a loan. We also offer benefits and services to help you build, improve, or keep your current home.
When was the last time the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans was updated?
Last updated: June 23, 2020. National Call Center for Homeless Veterans. Find out how we can help you or a Veteran you care about connect with VA and local resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
