How the system works
51 short, step-by-step guides. Each one links to the official source so you can check the details.
51 guides
Getting started
- Where to start if you are new to the VAThe VA has many programs, and it is hard to know where to begin. These first steps work for most veterans, no matter when or where you served.5 steps
- How to find free, trusted help with VA paperworkYou do not have to fill out VA forms alone. The VA trains and approves people who can help you for free. Here is how to find them and check that they are real.4 steps
- How to spot and avoid scams that target veteransScammers know veterans get monthly payments. They pretend to be the VA, a helper, or a charity. A few simple rules keep your money and identity safe.5 steps
- How to use your state and county veterans officeBesides the VA, every state has a veterans office, and many counties do too. They give free help and offer state benefits the VA does not.4 steps
Health care
- How to apply for VA health careVA health care covers checkups, specialists, mental health care, prescriptions, and more.4 steps
- How VA health care costs work: priority groups and copaysWhen you enroll, the VA puts you in a priority group from 1 to 8. Your group decides whether you pay copays. Many veterans pay nothing.4 steps
- How to get paid back for travel to VA appointmentsMany veterans can get money back for miles driven, or for other travel costs, to VA or approved community care visits. This is called travel pay.4 steps
- How to get a ride to your VA appointmentNo car? You still have options. The VA and partner groups like the DAV offer free rides to VA medical appointments in many areas.4 steps
- How to see a doctor outside the VA (community care)Sometimes the VA can pay for care from a doctor near you who is not at the VA. This is called community care. In most cases, you need VA approval first.4 steps
- How to get mental health care, including Vet CentersStress, sleep problems, sadness, anger, and PTSD are common after service. Help is available, and some of it does not need VA enrollment.4 steps
- How to get help after military sexual trauma (MST)Military sexual trauma (MST) means sexual assault or harassment during service. The VA offers free care for MST to both women and men.4 steps
- How women veterans can get care and supportWomen are one of the fastest-growing groups of veterans. The VA has special staff and services for women, from primary care to maternity care.4 steps
- How to solve a problem with your VA careIf you have a problem with an appointment, a bill, or how you were treated, there are people whose job is to help fix it.4 steps
Recovery
- How to get VA help for alcohol or drug useThe VA treats problems with alcohol, drugs, prescription medicines, and tobacco. Help can start the same day.5 steps
- Recovery support outside the VA: meetings and helplinesFree meetings and helplines can support you between appointments, or help if you are not using the VA. Family members can get support too.4 steps
- Help for a gambling problemA gambling problem can hurt your money, family, and health. Free, private help is available, and the VA treats gambling problems too.4 steps
Service dogs and pets
- How to get a service dog through the VAThe VA does not give you a service dog. If you qualify, it refers you to an accredited program and pays for the dog’s vet care and gear.5 steps
- Service dog or emotional support animal: what is the difference?A service dog is trained to do tasks for a person with a disability. An emotional support animal (ESA) gives comfort but is not trained for tasks. The law treats them differently.4 steps
- How to get an emotional support animal letter (and avoid scams)An emotional support animal (ESA) needs no special training. What you need is a letter from a licensed provider who treats you. Online certificates and registries are not required and give you no extra rights.4 steps
Disability claims
- How to file a VA disability claimA disability claim asks the VA to pay you each month for a health problem caused or made worse by your military service.5 steps
- How to appeal a denied claimIf you disagree with a VA decision, you can ask for a review. There are 3 main choices, called decision reviews.5 steps
- How to get ready for your C&P examAfter you file a claim, the VA may ask you to a C&P exam (Compensation and Pension exam). It is one of the most important parts of your claim.5 steps
- How to file a claim under the PACT Act (toxic exposure)The PACT Act made it easier for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins to get health care and disability pay.4 steps
- How to check your claim or appeal statusClaims can take months. You can check where yours is at any time, and send more papers if the VA asks for them.4 steps
- How to apply for Individual Unemployability (TDIU)If your service-connected conditions keep you from holding a steady job, the VA may pay you at the 100% rate, even if your rating is lower.4 steps
Housing and food
- What to do if you are homeless or about to lose your homeIf you have no safe place to stay tonight, or you may lose your home soon, the VA has a 24/7 line and local teams that can help fast.4 steps
- How SSVF can help with rent, deposits, and moving costsSSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) pays local nonprofits to help veteran families keep their home or move into a new one quickly.4 steps
- How Grant and Per Diem (GPD) transitional housing worksGPD gives VA grants to community groups that offer short-term housing and support for veterans who are homeless, while they work toward a permanent home.4 steps
- How to get a HUD-VASH housing voucherHUD-VASH combines a rent voucher from HUD with a VA case manager. It helps veterans who are homeless move into a stable home and stay there.4 steps
- How to buy a home with a VA home loanA VA-backed home loan often needs no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. You get it from a regular lender, not the VA.4 steps
- What to do if you fall behind on your VA home loanIf you miss or may miss a mortgage payment, act fast. VA loan staff can talk to your lender and help you find a way to keep your home.4 steps
- How to get help with home repairs and accessibility changesThe VA offers grants to make a home safer for veterans with disabilities. Trusted nonprofits, often funded by companies like The Home Depot Foundation, also help with repairs.5 steps
- How to get food helpNo one should go hungry. Veterans can use SNAP, food banks, and help from the VA. Using food help does not affect your VA benefits.4 steps
Money, taxes, and legal
- How to apply for VA pensionVA pension is a monthly payment for wartime veterans with limited income and savings. You do not need a service-connected disability.4 steps
- How to get extra pension money for care at home (Aid and Attendance)If you get VA pension and need help with daily tasks, or are mostly stuck at home, you may get extra money each month. Surviving spouses may qualify too.4 steps
- What to do if you owe the VA moneyThe VA can create a debt if it paid you too much, or if you have unpaid copays. You have options, and acting early helps.4 steps
- How to get free help with your taxesYou can get your taxes done for free through IRS-backed programs. Many veterans also do not know that VA disability pay is not taxed.4 steps
- Where to find emergency money helpA car repair, a big bill, or a job loss can put you in a tight spot. Several trusted groups give one-time grants to veterans and their families.4 steps
- How to find free legal helpLegal problems like evictions, debts, child support, or old warrants can block you from housing and jobs. Free legal help is out there.4 steps
Work, school, and business
- How to apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)VR&E helps veterans with a service-connected disability get ready for, find, and keep a job. It can pay for school or training too.4 steps
- How to use your GI BillThe GI Bill can pay for college, trade school, apprenticeships, and job training. The Post-9/11 GI Bill may also pay for housing and books.4 steps
- How to find a job with free veteran job helpYou do not have to job hunt alone. Free government job centers and trusted nonprofits give veterans one-on-one help.4 steps
- How veterans’ preference works for federal jobsMany veterans get extra points or priority when applying for federal government jobs. This is called veterans’ preference.4 steps
- How to start or grow a veteran-owned businessThe Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners give veterans free training, advice, and help winning government contracts.4 steps
Family, caregivers, and survivors
- How to get support as a family caregiverIf you care for a veteran, the VA can support you too. Help ranges from classes and support groups to a monthly payment for some caregivers.4 steps
- How survivors can apply for DICDIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) is a tax-free monthly payment for some surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans and service members.4 steps
- How to plan a burial in a VA national cemeteryVeterans can be buried in a VA national cemetery at no cost. Planning ahead saves your family time and stress later.5 steps
- How CHAMPVA health coverage works for familiesCHAMPVA is a health care program that helps pay medical costs for some spouses, surviving spouses, and children of veterans.4 steps
Documents and records
- How to get your DD214The DD214 is your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. You need it for most veteran benefits.3 steps
- How to ask for a discharge upgradeIf you think your discharge was unfair or wrong, you can ask the military to change it. Even without an upgrade, you may still get some VA benefits.4 steps
- How to download your VA benefit letterA VA benefit letter proves your veteran status, your disability rating, or your VA income. You often need it for housing, taxes, and state benefits.4 steps