What benefits do veterans get after leaving the military? The answer covers health care, disability compensation, education, home loans, and much more, depending on your service record.
Many veterans leave money and care on the table simply because they never apply. Knowing what exists is your first step to claiming what you earned.
This guide covers the major federal benefits, the state perks you may qualify for, and the steps to start your application.
Major Federal Benefits Veterans Get From the VA
Health care through the Veterans Health Administration covers checkups, specialty care, prescriptions, and mental health services. Your priority group, based on factors like disability rating and income, determines what you pay.
Disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments if an illness or injury was caused or worsened by your service. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent, and your payment rises with it.
The PACT Act of 2022 expanded care and compensation for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. If you were denied before, you may now qualify.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover tuition, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books. Other programs, like the Montgomery GI Bill, may apply depending on when and how you served.
Veteran Readiness and Employment helps you prepare for, find, and keep a suitable job if you have a service-connected disability. It can also fund the training or education you need to get there.
VA home loans let you buy a home with no down payment in many cases and no private mortgage insurance. The VA guarantees part of the loan, which helps you secure competitive terms.
Veterans Pension provides monthly payments to wartime veterans with limited income who are 65 or older or have a permanent disability. Your surviving spouse and children may qualify for a related pension as well.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Life insurance options such as VALife offer coverage if you have a service-connected disability.
State and Local Benefits Veterans Can Claim
Beyond federal programs, what benefits do veterans get also depends on the state you call home. Every state adds its own perks on top of what the VA provides.
Property tax exemptions are among the most common, especially if you hold a disability rating. Some states waive property taxes entirely for veterans rated 100 percent disabled.
Many states offer free or reduced tuition at public colleges for you and your dependents. Others run state veterans homes that provide long-term care.
Veterans’ preference in federal hiring adds points to your score on qualifying job applications. Many states and cities offer similar preference for public sector jobs.
Your state department of veterans affairs is the best place to find the full list. Local veteran service officers can help you apply at no cost.
How to Apply for the Benefits Veterans Get
Start by gathering your DD-214, medical records, and any documents tied to your claim. Then apply online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
An accredited veteran service officer from groups like the VFW, DAV, or American Legion can file claims with you for free. Their help often speeds up the process and strengthens your case.
Once you know what benefits veterans get and how to claim them, you can build a plan that supports your health, career, and family for years to come.