We also offer : VR&E employment coordinators located at our VA regional offices and many of our out - based locations who can help you access the employment services available to you. Find an employment coordinator near you Counselors to help you transition from military to college life. Learn about VetSuccess on Campus Links to more resources outside VA that can help you in your job search. See our list of external resources If you re participating in a VR&E employment program and lost your housing because of a natural or other disaster , you may qualify for 2 more months of the Employment Adjustment Allowance. Contact your VR&E counselor for more information


You may also want to consider registering with the Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization OSDBU to get support for your Veteran - owned small business.


Eligibility for VA health care


Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran.


Can I get VA health care benefits?


You may be able to get VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn t receive a dishonorable discharge.


If you enlisted after September 7 , 1980, or entered active duty after October 16 , 1981 , you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, unless any of the descriptions below are true for you . This minimum duty requirement may not apply if any of these are true. You: Were discharged for a disability that was caused or made worse by your active - duty service , or Were discharged for a hardship or early out , or Served prior to September 7 , 1980


If you re a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard , you must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. If you had or have active - duty status for training purposes only , you don t qualify for VA health care.


Is there anything that will make me more likely to get these benefits?


Yes. 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. You: Receive financial compensation payments from VA for a service - connected disability Were discharged for a disability resulting from something that happened to you in the line of duty Were discharged for a disability that got worse in the line of duty Are a recently discharged combat Veteran Get a VA pension Are a former prisoner of war POW Have received a Purple Heart Have received a Medal of Honor Get or qualify for Medicaid benefits Served in Vietnam between January 9 , 1962, and May 7 , 1975 Served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War between August 2 , 1990, and November 11 , 1998 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


Llene la solicitud para Beneficions de Salud Forma 10 - 10EZ. Obtenga la Forma VA 10 - 10EZ Usted o alguien con poder legal para representarlo tiene que firmar la forma , e incluir la fecha en que fu firmada. Si esta usando un poder legal , tendra que incluir una copia de la forma con su solicitud. Si firma con una X , 2 personas que usted conoce tienen que tambien firmar acertando que lo vieron firmar la forma.


Puede mandar su solicitud por correo a esta direcci n :


Health Eligibility Center2957 Clairmont Rd . , Suite 200Atlanta, GA 30329


Para llenar su solicitude en persona, encuetre el Centro M dico de Veteranos mas cercano en esta liga: Encuentre el Centro o Cl nica de Veteranos mas cercano a usted O reciba ayuda por medio del Departmaneto de Veteranos de su estado. Encuentre el Departamento de Veteranos de su estado


What if I need help filling out my application?


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


More about VA health care eligibility


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. It may also affect how much if anything you ll have to pay toward the cost of your care.


No. Whether or not you have other health insurance coverage doesn t affect the VA health care benefits you can get. Learn more about how VA works with other insurance


If you re retiring , you re eligible for TRICARE. You may also qualify for certain VA health care benefits.


If you re separating from service due to a service - connected illness or injury , you may be eligible for VA health care benefits and certain TRICARE benefits.


If you re an OEF / OIF / OND combat Veteran who has just returned from service , you can receive free medical care for any condition related to your service in Iraq or Afghanistan for 5 years after discharge.


Learn more about health care benefits for transitioning service members


Visit healthcare.gov to find out if you qualify for health insurance. Go to healthcare.gov


Find out how you may still be able to get care for : Posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD Other mental health problems like depression or substance abuse Mental and physical health problems linked to military sexual trauma MST


Or , call our general VA hotline at 800 - 827 - 1000, Monday through Friday , 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET to find out what your care options may be.


We cover routine eye exams and preventive tests under VA health care benefits. In some cases , you may get coverage for eyeglasses or services for blind or low vision rehabilitation. Learn more about vision care through VA


If you have an illness or injury that was caused or made worse by your active - duty service , you may be able to get disability compensation. Find out if you qualify for disability benefits


More eligibility information you may need


Priority groupsFind out what VA priority groups are, how they work, and how they may affect you.


Active - duty service members and VA health careLearn about your health care options after separation or retirement and how to apply for VA health care when you receive your separation or retirement orders. If you're a combat Veteran , apply right away to take advantage of 5 years of enhanced eligibility.


Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)


With Veterans Group Life Insurance VGLI , you may be able to keep your life insurance coverage after you leave the military for as long as you continue to pay the premiums. Find out if you qualify for VGLI and how to manage your coverage.


Am I eligible for Veterans Group Life Insurance?


You may be able to get VGLI if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below.


At least one of these must be true. You: Had part - time Servicemembers Group Life Insurance SGLI as a member of the National Guard or Reserves , and you suffered an injury or disability damage to your body or mind that makes it hard for you to do everyday tasks, including meaningful work while on duty including direct traveling to and from duty that disqualified you for standard premium insurance rates , or Had SGLI while you were in the military and you re within 1 year and 120 days of being released from an active - duty period of 31 or more days , or Are within 1 year and 120 days of retiring or being released from the Ready Reserves or National Guard , or Are within 1 year and 120 days of assignment to the Individual Ready Reserves IRR of a branch of service , or to the Inactive National Guard ING. This includes members of the United States Public Health Service Inactive Reserve Corps IRC , or Are within 1 year and 120 days of being put on the Temporary Disability Retirement List TDRL


Veterans Former service members


What life insurance benefits can I get with VGLI?


$ 10,000 to $400,000 in life insurance benefits , based on the amount of SGLI coverage you had when you left the military.


Note: When you leave the military , you can sign up through VGLI for coverage up to the amount you had through SGLI. You can also increase your coverage by $25,000 every 5 years up to $400,000 until you re 60 years old.


You ll need to apply for VGLI within one year and 120 days of leaving the military.


If you sign up within 240 days of leaving the military , you won t need to prove you re in good health. If you sign up after the 240-day period , you ll need to submit evidence that you re in good health.


Apply in one of these ways : Apply through the Office of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance OSGLI, using the Prudential website. Apply online through OSGLI Apply online through eBenefits Apply by mail or fax. Fill out the Application for Veterans Group Life Insurance SGLV 8714. Download the Application for Veterans Group Life Insurance PDF


Fax the form to 800 - 236 - 6142, or mail it to :


OSGLI PO Box 41618 Philadelphia , PA 19176 - 9913


To reinstate a VGLI policy that has expired , you ll need to fill out an Application for Reinstatement of VGLI Coverage SGLV 180. Download SGLV 180 PDF


VGLI premium rates are based on your age and the amount of insurance coverage you want.


Choose your age to find monthly premium rates as of July 1 , 2014.


See the VGLI premium rates before July 1 , 2014


Can I choose or update my beneficiaries?


Yes. You can choose your beneficiaries the people you pick to get the money from your life insurance policy if you die and change them as needed.


Update your beneficiary information in one of these ways : Access your policy online. Find your policy through Prudential Life Insurance Company of America , or Fill out a VGLI Beneficiary Designation form SGLV 8721. Download SGLV 8721 PDF


Can I convert my VGLI policy into a commercial policy?


Yes. You can convert your policy into a commercial civilian policy at any time. You ll be able to convert at standard premium rates, without having to provide proof that you re in good health.


To convert your VGLI policy :


Choose your new insurance company. View our list of companies that take part in this program PDF


Apply at the local sales office of your chosen company.


Get a letter from OSGLI confirming that you have VGLI coverage called a VGLI Conversion Notice and give the letter to the agent who takes your application.


Note: The conversion policy must be a permanent policy, such as a whole life policy. You can t convert to other types of policies, like term, variable life, or universal life insurance. And supplementary policy benefits, like Accidental Death and Dismemberment or Waiver of Premium for Disability, aren t considered part of the conversion policy.


If you have questions about Servicemembers or Veterans Group Life Insurance , you can call the Office of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance OSGLI at 800 - 419 - 1473 or email the Prudential Insurance Company.


Which forms would my family member need?


To request an advance insurance payment for a service member who s terminally ill , a family member would file a Claim for Accelerated Benefits SGLV 8284. Download SGLV 8284 PDF To receive an insurance payment in their time of need , a family member would file a Claim for Death Benefits SGLV 8283. Download SGLV 8283 PDF


Your health care costs


We're committed to providing free health care for conditions related to military service and for Veterans with catastrophic disabilities and disability ratings of at least 50%, as well as for those who can't afford to pay for care. Learn more about how we'll determine if you'll need to pay for any part of your care.


Understanding VA health care costs


Can I get free VA health care as a Veteran?


You can get free VA health care for any illness or injury that we determine is related to your military service called " service connected ".


We also provide certain other services for free. These include readjustment counseling and related mental health services, care for issues related to military sexual trauma MST, and a registry health exam to determine if you're at risk of health problems linked to your military service.


Find out how to get mental health care


Learn more about services for military sexual trauma


Explore health issues related to service history


View more services we provide at no cost


You may qualify for additional free VA health care depending on your income, disability rating, or other special eligibility factors. Keep reading below to learn more.


Will I need to pay for any of my care, tests, or medications?


You may need to pay a fixed amount for some types of care, tests, and medications you receive from a VA health care provider or an approved community health care provider to treat conditions not related to your service. This is called a copay short for " copayment ".


Whether or not you'll need to pay copays and how much you'll pay depends on your disability rating, income level, military service record, and which of our 8 priority groups we assign you to when you enroll in VA health care. For example , if you have a service - connected condition that we've rated at 50% or more disabling or that we've determined makes you unable to work called unemployable , or if you've received a Medal of Honor , we'll assign you to priority group 1 and you won't pay copays for any types of care, tests, or medications.


View current copay rates


If you haven't applied for VA health care yet , you can review VA health care eligibility requirements or use our Health Benefits Explorer tool to see what your copays may be if you enroll.


Learn more about VA health care eligibility requirements


Go to the Health Benefits Explorer


For more information , watch our Veteran copayments video YouTube.


How we assess and verify your income to determine eligibility and copays


How does VA determine whether I'll need to pay copays based on my income?


If you're not already receiving VA disability compensation or pension payments, or don't have special eligibility factors like receiving the Medal of Honor , we'll ask for information about your income as part of our health care enrollment process. This is called an income assessment or financial assessment formerly known as a means test. We re required by law to collect this information.


We use your income information to help determine : If you re eligible for VA health care based on your income , and Whether you ll need to pay copays for certain types of care or medications


Learn more about applying for VA health care


Do I have to provide this information?


If you qualify for VA health care enhanced eligibility status , you won't need to provide your income information.


View the requirements for enhanced eligibility status


If you don't qualify for enhanced eligibility status, but you agree to pay copays for your care , you don't have to provide your financial information. But if you don't , we may decline your enrollment. We also won't be able to consider your eligibility for free medications or beneficiary travel pay.


Read more about providing financial information if :


If you served in combat after the Gulf War or in combat against a hostile force after November 11 , 1998 , you don't have to provide your income to qualify for 5 years of free VA health care for any illness that may be related to your military service.


You can still provide your income to help us determine if you re eligible for a higher priority group, beneficiary travel pay, or free care for conditions not related to your service.


Learn more about VA health care for returning service members


If you were exposed to Agent Orange in or near Vietnam, ionizing radiation in certain service locations or jobs, or environmental contaminants in the Persian Gulf, you don't have to provide your income information to qualify for free care related to your exposure.


Learn more about hazardous exposures


What information do I need to provide?


You ll need to provide your gross household income for the previous year. So if you re applying for health care in 2019 , you ll need to provide your gross household income for 2018.


Your gross household income means the total amount of money you and anyone living with you in your home earned within one calendar year, before taxes. This includes your income from work as well as any other sources, like money you may have taken from a retirement fund or income from the sale of a house. If you have a spouse, partner, or dependent child who also contributes income to your family , you ll need to include this income in your application.


Does VA verify the information I provide?


This depends on your situation. If the information you provide shows that your income falls below our limits and qualifies you for free VA health care, medications, or both , we re required by law to verify the information. We do this by confirming your information with the Internal Revenue Service IRS and the Social Security Administration SSA.


View our current income limits


Because of tax deadlines , we usually begin this process in July, the year after you report your income. So , for example , if you provide information for the year 2018 , we ll verify it in July of 2019.


If the information we receive from the IRS and the SSA shows that you have income above our limits , we ll send a letter notifying you and your spouse or partner if their income is part of your household income. You ll have the chance to dispute formally express your disagreement with this information. You can also send documents showing you have additional deductible expenses that we should consider.


If you don't respond to our letter :


After 45 days , we ll send you a reminder letter.


After 75 days , we ll assume the information from the IRS and the SSA is correct. We ll send you a letter to explain the changes in your eligibility or copay status. We ll also explain how you can appeal our decision.


If you respond by disputing the information in our letter :


When we receive your response , we ll assign an income verification case manager to work with you and your representative, if you choose to have one. Your case manager will guide you through the process and help you find any authorized deductions that may reduce your total gross household income below our limits. We try to resolve all cases within 75 days.


If our review shows that your income is still above our limits , we ll send you a final letter explaining that you ll need to pay copays for future care as well as for any care you received during the year for which we reviewed your income. We ll also explain how to appeal our decision.


Once I m enrolled, do I need to update my income information every year?


This depends on your situation : If you completed a financial assessment to find out if you were eligible for cost - free medications or for beneficiary travel pay but not for free VA health care , you ll need to provide updated income information each year. If we determine you re eligible for free VA health care because your household income is below our income limit , you don t have to provide updated income information each year.


We ll receive your income information from the IRS and the SSA each year to confirm that you re still eligible for free VA health care. We ll contact you only if this information changes your eligibility or copay requirements. If you disagree with the information , you can keep using VA health care services while we review your situation.


Note: Even when not required , we encourage you to report changes in your income. It's also important to let us know about changes to your personal information like your address, phone number, dependents, or other health insurance. You can do this any time by using our Health Benefits Update Form VA Form 10 - 10EZR.


Learn how to submit your VA Form 10 - 10EZR


Health needs and conditions


At VA , we offer many services and programs for Veterans with specific needs like women Veterans, Veterans with mental health problems, and elderly or disabled Veterans. We cover the cost of many of these services under the VA health care program. You may be able to get help paying for other services like dental care if you qualify for them as an added benefit. Find out how to access services for your specific needs.


Are there any health concerns I should be aware of based on my service history?


Yes. Certain health concerns may be more likely to affect Veterans who served in a specific time and place. Find out which health concerns you should be aware of depending on when and where you served.


Get health information by service dates and locations


How do I find out how to get health services for a specific condition or need?


Mental health and trauma - related needs


Mental health problems like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders


Military sexual trauma MST


Posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD


Depression


Suicide prevention


Substance use problems


Conditions of the eyes, ears, and teeth


Vision care


Hearing loss


Dental care


Illnesses and injuries


Cancers and other conditions caused by contact with hazardous materials


HIV/AIDS


Kidney disease including dialysis care


Multiple sclerosis MS


Parkinson s disease


Spinal cord injuries and disorders


Traumatic brain injury TBI , polytrauma , and amputation


Viral hepatitis


Other health conditions and needs


Assisted living and home health care


Infertility due to service - connected conditions


Women s health care needs


Get an overview of what s covered by VA health care


Use our health topics index to find more information


Does VA address the specific health needs of LGBT Veterans?


Yes. We re committed to serving the health needs of Veterans with LGBT and related identities and providing care in a sensitive, safe environment at all VA health facilities.


For more information , you can download these fact sheets :


Transgender male health care PDF


Transgender female health care PDF


Male Veterans : Gay and bisexual health care PDF


Female Veterans : Lesbian and bisexual health care PDF


You can also find out more about LGBT programs at VA medical centers across the nation. View VA medical center LGBT program websites


Read about our approach to recognizing same - sex marriage


What if I need help understanding my benefits or accessing services?


Can I manage my VA health and benefits online?


Yes. If you re signed up for the VA health care program , you can manage your VA health and benefits online through VA.gov: Refill your prescriptionsSend a message to your VA health care providerCheck the status of a disability or pension claim


Educational and Career Counseling (VA Chapter 36)


Find out how to apply for VA Chapter 36 benefits to get free Veteran Educational and Career Counseling services. You may be eligible if you re leaving active service soon, if you ve been discharged within the past year, or if you re the dependent of a Veteran.


Who s eligible for Educational and Career Counseling?


You can get these services if one of the following is true. You: Will be discharged from active duty within 6 months , or Separated from active duty not more than one year ago, or Qualify as a Veteran or service member for educational assistance under a VA educational program, or Are currently receiving VA education benefits


Note: If you re the dependent of a Veteran , you may also qualify for Educational and Career Counseling. Learn more about employment benefits for dependents


Counseling to help you decide which civilian or military jobs you want to help you find a training program or job Educational and Career Counseling to help you deal with issues that get in the way of your success in training or employment Academic and adjustment counseling


First , you ll need to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits. Then , you ll work with your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor VRC.


Follow these steps to apply online now


Sign in to your eBenefits account. Select Apply. Click Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits. Apply for Education and Career Counseling. If you're eligible , we ll invite you to an orientation session at your nearest VA regional benefit office.


You can also apply by mail


Fill out an Educational / Vocational Counseling Application VA Form 28 - 8832. Download VA Form 28 - 8832 PDF


Mail the completed form to your nearest VA regional benefit office. Find your nearest VA regional benefit office


If you qualify , we ll invite you to an orientation session at a VA regional benefit office near you.


Watch this video to learn more about VR&E Chapter 36 services


Use CareerScope to find careers you might enjoy. Learn more about CareerScope


VA pension benefits


VA pension benefits are available to some wartime Veterans and their survivors see if you're eligible to apply.


Get VA pension benefits Manage your pension benefits More information and resources


Get VA pension benefits


Eligibility for Veterans PensionSee if you qualify for VA pension benefits as a Veteran.


How to apply for a VA pension as a VeteranFind out how to prepare and apply for a VA Veterans Pension.


Apply for a Veterans Pension online VA Form 21P-527EZ Complete your application online now.


Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowanceIf you need help with daily activities or you're housebound , find out how to apply for extra VA pension benefits.


VA Survivors PensionFind out if you re eligible and how to apply for VA pension benefits as a surviving spouse or child of a deceased Veteran with wartime service.


Manage your pension benefits


Check your VA claim or appeal statusCheck the status of an open claim for VA disability compensation or pension benefits. If you're a surviving spouse or parent , you can view your Dependency and Indemnity Compensation DIC claim status.


View your VA payment historyCheck the status of your VA disability, pension, and education payments. You can also see certain survivor benefits.


Change your address on file with VAFind 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.


Change your VA direct deposit informationLearn how to change your VA pension benefits direct deposit information online.


VA pension rates for VeteransView VA pension rates for Veterans, including Aid and Attendance and Housebound rates.


Rates for VA Survivors Pension benefitsView pension rates for surviving spouses and children.


Protected pension ratesView protected pension rates for section 306 and old law VA disability and death pension benefits.


VA claim exam C&P exam Find out how to schedule your VA claim exam and what to expect during and after the appointment.


Find your VA pension management centerFind your regional pension management center to mail or fax your VA pension application.


Disability housing grants for VeteransLearn how to apply for a housing grant as a Veteran or service member with a service - connected disability.


Get your pension payments electronically


Sign up for direct deposit or a pre - paid debit card.


Support for current pension beneficiaries:877 - 294 - 6380 VA benefits hotline:800 - 827 - 1000 eBenefits technical support:800 - 983 - 0937 Call MyVA311 for help:844 - 698 - 2311 Veterans benefits email updates


About GI Bill benefits


GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. Since 1944 , the GI Bill has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training. Learn more about GI Bill benefits below and how to apply for them.


If you applied for and were awarded Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits , your GI Bill Statement of Benefits will show you how much of your benefits you ve used and how much you have left to use. View your GI Bill Statement of Benefits.


The GI Bill Comparison Tool and Veterans Service Organizations can help you explore options and find out what benefits you can get. Find a Veterans service organization.


Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool Apply for education benefits


Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits


Post-9/11 GI BillIf you need help paying for school or job training and you ve served on active duty after September 10 , 2001, find out if you can get education benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.


Transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your spouse and dependentsIf you have unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, find out if you can transfer your benefits to your spouse or dependent children.


Benefit rates and ways you can use your benefits


RatesLearn more about education benefit rates for tuition and books for qualifying Veterans and their family members.


Foreign programsIf you plan to study at a foreign school, find out how you can use VA benefits to cover your tuition and fees.


Undergraduate and graduate degrees from institutions of higher learningIf you re looking to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree, find out if you can get VA benefits to help pay for courses.


Other GI Bill programs you may qualify for


Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty MGIB - AD If you served at least 2 years on active duty , find out if you qualify for benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty program.


Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve MGIB - SR If you re a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard, find out if you qualify for education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve program.


Survivors and dependents assistanceIf you re a dependent spouse or child of a Veteran , find out if you qualify for education benefits or job training.


More GI Bill benefits and information


Yellow Ribbon ProgramFind out if your school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help pay tuition costs that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn t cover.


Tuition Assistance Top - UpIf your college tuition costs more than what s covered by the Tuition Assistance program, find out if you can get more money to cover tuition costs.


$ 600 Buy - Up programFind out how you can get more money each month through your GI Bill monthly payments.


Tutorial assistanceIf you re using VA educational benefits and you're struggling with the coursework, find out if you can get help paying for a tutor.


GI Bill School Feedback ToolIf you have any concerns about your GI Bill school , you can submit them to us through our GI Bill School Feedback Tool. Find out how to submit feedback about your school.


Opt out of sharing VA education benefits informationThe Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act also called the Forever GI Bill requires us to share certain information about your eligibility and benefits with schools, unless you ask us not to. Find out how to opt out of information sharing.


Exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials


Find out if you can get disability compensation monthly payments and other benefits for illnesses or other conditions, like the ones listed below. These are illnesses and conditions we believe may be caused by contact with harmful chemicals or other hazardous materials while serving in the military.


Medical care for volunteers involved in chemical and biological testing


As many as 60,000 Veterans volunteered for medical research for the U.S. biological and chemical programs between 1942 and 1975. You can get medical care through the U.S. Army if you volunteered for this research and have an injury or illness directly caused by your participation.


If you have questions or need help getting medical care : Visit the U.S. Army web page , or Call 800 - 984 - 8523


Agent OrangeIf you served in the Republic of Vietnam or in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone DMZ during the Vietnam Era or in certain related jobs you may have had contact with Agent Orange, an herbicide used to clear plants and trees during the war.


AsbestosIf you worked in certain military jobs , you may have had contact with asbestos toxic fibers once used in many buildings and products.


Birth defects like spina bifidaIf you served in the Republic of Vietnam, in Thailand, or in or near the DMZ during the Vietnam Era and your child has spina bifida or certain other birth defects your child may be eligible for disability benefits.


Contact with mustard gas or lewisiteIf you served at the German bombing of Bari, Italy, in World War II or worked in certain other jobs , you may have had contact with mustard gas.


Contaminated drinking water at Camp LejeuneIf you served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River between August 1953 and December 1987 , you may be at risk for certain illnesses believed to be caused by contaminants found in the drinking water during that time.


Gulf War IllnessIf you served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations , you may be at risk of certain illnesses or other conditions linked to this region.


Gulf War Illness in AfghanistanIf you served in Afghanistan , you may be at risk of certain illnesses or other conditions linked to this region.


Project 112/SHADIf you were part warfare testing for Projects 112 or Shipboard Hazard and Defense SHAD from 1962 to 1974 , you may be at risk of illnesses believed to be caused by chemical testing.


Radiation exposureIf you served in the post - WWII occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, were imprisoned in Japan, worked with or near nuclear weapons testing, or served at a gaseous diffusion plant or in certain other jobs, you may be at risk for illnesses believed to be caused by radiation.


Specific environmental hazardsIf you served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, or near Atsugi, Japan, you may have had contact with toxic chemicals in the air, water, or soil.


Request a Board Appeal


You and the judge will have a conversation. The judge will listen to your testimony and may ask you a few questions. Your representative , if you have one , may help you at the hearing.


Choose one of 3 options to appeal to a Veterans Law Judge


You can include all or just some of the issues VA decided. You ll need to list the issue you disagree with and the VA decision date for each.


Send the completed form to this address :


You have 1 year from the date on your decision to request a Board Appeal. If you re one of multiple people claiming the same benefit this is rare , you have 60 days.


Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)


The Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 helps you pay for school or job training. If you ve served on active duty after September 10 , 2001 , you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33. Find out if you can get this education benefit.


Am I eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits?


You can get these education benefits if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below.


At least one of these must be true. You: Served at least 90 days on active duty either all at once or with breaks in service on or after September 11 , 2001, or Received a Purple Heart on or after September 11 , 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service , or Served for at least 30 continuous days all at once, without a break in service on or after September 11 , 2001 , and were honorably discharged with a service - connected disability, or Are a dependent child using benefits transferred by a qualifying Veteran or service member


Note: If you re a member of the Reserves who lost education benefits when the Reserve Educational Assistance Program REAP ended in November 2015 , you may qualify to receive restored benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.


What if I qualify for other VA education benefits too?


You ll have to pick which benefit you d like to use. This is an irrevocable decision, meaning you can t change your mind.


What benefits can I get through the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)?


You can receive up to 36 months of benefits, including : Tuition and fees. If you qualify for the maximum benefit , we ll cover the full cost of public, in - state tuition and fees. We cap the rates for private and foreign schools, and update those rates each year. View current rates Money for housing if you re in school more than half time. We ll base your monthly housing allowance on the cost of living where your school is located. Money for books and supplies. You can receive up to $1,000 per school year. Money to help you move from a rural area to go to school. You may qualify for this one - time payment of $500 if you live in a county with 6 or fewer people per square mile and you re either moving at least 500 miles to go to school or have no other option but to fly by plane to get to your school.


Here s how we ll determine how much of the benefit you ll qualify for :


The specific amount you ll receive will depend on how much active service you ve had since September 10 , 2001. We ll calculate this amount based on a percentage of the maximum benefit.


For example : If you had 90 days of active service since September 10 , 2001 , you would qualify for 40% of the maximum amount. If you served for 3 years , you would qualify for 100% of the benefit. So if your school charges $22,000 for in - state tuition and fees , you would receive $8,800 if you had 90 days of active service and the full $22,000 if you had 3 years of active service.


Note that this will change August 1 , 2020. In this example , 90 days of active service would qualify you for 50% of the maximum amount as of August 1 , 2020.


Do these benefits expire?


This depends on when you were discharged from active duty.


If your service ended before January 1 , 2013 , your Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 benefits will expire 15 years after your last separation date from active service. You must use all of your benefits by that time or you ll lose whatever s left.


If your service ended on or after January 1 , 2013 , your benefits won t expire thanks to a new law called the Forever GI Bill - Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act. Some letters you receive from us may not yet reflect this change. Thank you for your patience as we work to update our systems. Learn more about this new law


You ll need to apply. Apply for education benefits


The benefit amount depends on which school you go to, how much active - duty service you ve had since September 10 , 2001, and how many credits or training hours you re taking.


How do I know how much of my Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are left?


If you already applied for and were awarded Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits , your GI Bill Statement of Benefits will show you how much of your benefits you ve used and how much you have left to use. View your GI Bill Statement of Benefits


Can my family members or I get any additional benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)?


You may qualify for these additional benefits : If you need more money to cover higher private - school or out - of - state tuition , you can apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Learn about the Yellow Ribbon Program If you re a qualified service member , you can transfer all 36 months or a portion of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child. The Department of Defense approves a transfer of benefits. Learn about transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits If you re the child or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty after September 10 , 2001 , you may qualify for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Fry Scholarship. Learn more about the Fry Scholarship


How can I use my Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits?


You can use your GI Bill benefits in many ways to advance your education and training.


Work toward a degree : Undergraduate and graduate degrees Tuition Assistance Top - Up Tutorial assistance


Train for a specific career, trade, or industry : Vocational / technical training and non - college degree programs On - the - job training and apprenticeships Entrepreneurship training Flight training Test fees


Work while you study : Co - op training Work study


Take classes from home : Correspondence training Independent and distance learning


What is the Location-Based Housing Allowance (Section 107)?


What is Section 107 Location - Based Housing Allowance? Previously , GI Bill beneficiaries were paid Monthly Housing Allowance MHA based on the main or branch campus of the school they were enrolled. If a student attended classes at more than one location , they were paid the rate that was most advantageous.


Now , MHA is based on the campus location where the student physically attends the majority of their classes.


VA s campus definitions : Main campus : A location where the of an educational institution are located. Branch campus : A location of an educational institution that is from and of the main campus of the educational institution. Extension campus : A location that is from the main or branch campus but is on that campus for the performance of administrative tasks.


Compare benefits by school. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool See the current payment rates for the Post-9/11 GI Bill Read the Post-9/11 GI Bill pamphlet PDF See Frequently Asked Questions FAQ


GI Bill is a registered trademark of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs VA. The absence of the registration symbol does not constitute a waiver of VA s trademark rights in that phrase. Read our Terms of Use


VA Agent Orange Registry exam


If you think you had contact with Agent Orange, an herbicide used to clear trees and plants during the Vietnam War, or other herbicides while serving in the military , you can request a VA Agent Orange Registry health exam. Even if you don t have a known illness , the exam could alert you to illnesses that may be related to contact with herbicides. By being part of this registry , you re also helping your fellow Veterans by giving us information so we can better understand and serve those affected by Agent Orange related illnesses.


Can I get an Agent Orange Registry health exam?


You can get an Agent Orange Registry health exam if you served in any of the ways listed below.


You must have served in one of these ways : In Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 for any length of time, including in the inland waterways Brown Water Navy and within the 12-mile territorial seas Blue Water Navy, or In Korea in a unit in or near the Demilitarized Zone DMZ anytime between April 1 , 1968, and August 31 , 1971, or In Thailand U.S. Air Force Veterans on Royal Thai Air Force RTAF bases near U - Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28 , 1961, and May 7 , 1975, or In Thailand U.S. Army Veterans as perimeter security personnel on RTAF bases in Thailand anytime between February 28 , 1961, and May 7 , 1975, or In Thailand U.S. Army Veterans on some small Army installations in Thailand anytime between February 28 , 1961, and May 7 , 1975 if you were a member of a military police MP unit or assigned a job with duty placing you at or near the base perimeter , or In other locations , but you had contact with herbicides during a military operation or while testing, transporting, or spraying herbicides for military purposes


Learn about herbicide tests and storage outside Vietnam


To schedule your exam , contact your local VA environmental health coordinator. If you qualify , you won t have to pay anything for this exam. It s free for qualified Veterans. Find a VA environmental health coordinator near you


What should I expect at the exam?


The exam will include : Your history of contact with Agent Orange and other herbicides Your health history including any major illnesses or surgeries you may have had A physical exam that may be needed like blood tests, X - rays, or other imaging tests Medical tests


A VA health care provider will go over your exam and test results with you. You ll also get a letter with the details of your results.


What else should I know about the exam?


You should know that : This exam isn t a VA claim exam also known as a compensation and pension, or C&P, exam. And you don t need to have this exam to get other VA benefits. To get disability benefits , you ll need to file a claim. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation You don t need to sign up for the VA health care system to get a registry exam. The exam is based on your memory of service, not on your military records. The exam will not confirm if you had contact with Agent Orange. You can get another free registry exam if you have a new illness in the future. Your family members can t get an Agent Orange Registry health exam. The exam is only for qualified Veterans.


How do I make an appointment for an Agent Orange Registry health exam?


Contact your local VA environmental health coordinator


Learn more about the Agent Orange Registry health exam


CHAMPVA benefits


Are you the spouse or surviving spouse of or a child of a Veteran with disabilities or a Veteran who has died? If you don t qualify for TRICARE the Department of Defense s health care program for active - duty and retired service members and their families , you may be able to get health insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs CHAMPVA. Through this program , we cover the cost of some of your health care services and supplies. This is called cost sharing. Find out if you qualify for CHAMPVA and how to apply.


Can I get health care through CHAMPVA?


You can only get health care through CHAMPVA if you don t qualify for TRICARE and at least one of the descriptions below is true for you.


At least one of these must be true. You re: The spouse or child of a Veteran who s been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service - connected disability by a VA regional benefit office , or The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VA - rated service - connected disability , or The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who was at the time of death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service - connected disability , or The surviving spouse or child of a service member who died in the line of duty , not due to misconduct in most of these cases, family members qualify for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA.


A service - connected disability is a disability that we ve concluded was caused or made worse by the Veteran s active - duty service. A permanent disability is one that s not expected to improve.


Note: A Veteran who s the qualifying CHAMPVA sponsor for their family may also qualify for the VA health care program based on their own Veteran status. If 2 spouses are both Veterans who qualify as CHAMPVA sponsors for their family , they both may now qualify for CHAMPVA benefits. Each time they need medical care , they may choose to get care through the VA health care program or using their CHAMPVA coverage.


What else might affect whether I can get CHAMPVA benefits for myself or a family member?


There are other factors that may affect whether you or other family members qualify for CHAMPVA. Please click on the description that matches your status to learn more :


If you re expecting a baby , you ll need to take the 2 steps listed below before you can apply for CHAMPVA for your newborn.


You ll need to : Get a Social Security number for your baby by applying at the nearest Social Security Administration office , and Set up the baby s status as a dependent of the Veteran sponsor by contacting your nearest VA regional benefit office.


Medical claims can t be paid until you sign your baby up under CHAMPVA, so please get them a Social Security number and set their status as a dependent as soon as possible.


Find a Social Security office near youFind a VA regional benefit office near you


If you re the surviving spouse of a qualifying CHAMPVA sponsor and you remarry before age 55 , you no longer qualify for CHAMPVA as of midnight on the date of your remarriage.


If you remarry on or after your 55th birthday , you can keep your CHAMPVA benefits.


If you re the surviving spouse of a qualifying CHAMPVA sponsor and you remarry , but the remarriage ends by death, divorce, or annulment, you may qualify again for CHAMPVA.


The first date that you qualify again is the first day of the month after your remarriage ends or December 1 , 1999 whichever date is later. You ll need to provide us with copies of your marriage certificate and death, divorce, or annulment documents as appropriate.


If you re covered under CHAMPVA and you turn 18 years old , you ll need to send us proof that you re enrolled full time in college or another educational institution to keep getting benefits.


Download our fact sheet on school enrollment certification requirements for CHAMPVA benefits PDF


If you were covered under CHAMPVA as the stepchild of a Veteran, and you leave the Veteran s household because of a divorce or remarriage , you no longer qualify for CHAMPVA.


If you re a family member caring for a Veteran with disabilities, and you re not entitled to care or services through another health plan , you may qualify for CHAMPVA.


Download a fact sheet on CHAMPVA for primary family caregivers PDF


Get more information about CHAMPVA for primary family caregivers


If the Veteran you re caring for was seriously injured in the line of duty on or after September 11 , 2001 , you may qualify for health care benefits and other caregiver support through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance to Family Caregivers.


Find out if you qualify for this program and how to apply


CHAMPVA is always the second payer to Medicare. Here are some requirements you need to know :


If you re under 65 years old , you re eligible for CHAMPVA if you meet both of the requirements below . Both of these must be true. You: Have both Medicare Parts A and B , and Are otherwise eligible for CHAMPVA


If you re 65 years old or older , you re eligible for CHAMPVA if you re eligible for Medicare. If you turned 65 before June 5 , 2001, and you re entitled to either Medicare Part A or B , you ll also need to enroll in Medicare Part B to be eligible for CHAMPVA.


Note: You don t need to enroll in Medicare Part D to qualify for CHAMPVA.


Download a fact sheet on Medicare and CHAMPVA PDF


What benefits do I get with CHAMPVA?


With CHAMPVA , you ll be covered for services and supplies when we determine they are medically necessary and were received from an authorized provider. When providers are performing services within the scope of their license or certification , we consider them to be authorized.


Covered services include : Ambulance service Ambulatory surgery Durable medical equipment DME Family planning and maternity Hospice Inpatient services Mental health services Outpatient services Pharmacy prescription medicines Skilled nursing care Transplants


When you re signed up for CHAMPVA , you ll get a copy of the CHAMPVA Program Guide. This guide will tell you more about covered and non - covered services and supplies.


Download the CHAMPVA Program Guide PDF


See a complete list of non - covered services and supplies in the CHAMPVA Policy Manual


Download fact sheets on CHAMPVA benefits


How do I get CHAMPVA benefits?


You ll need to apply for these benefits.


To apply , submit these required documents :


Application for CHAMPVA Benefits VA Form 10 - 10d PDF , and


Other Health Insurance Certification VA Form 10 - 7959c , and


Documents related to your Medicare status :


If you qualify for Medicare for any reason , you ll need to submit a copy of your Medicare card.


If you re 65 years old or older and don t qualify for Medicare , you ll need to send us documentation from the Social Security Administration that confirms you don t qualify for Medicare benefits under anyone s Social Security number.


To speed up the processing of your application , you can also send copies originals of these optional documents : The page from the VBA rating decision showing your Veteran is permanently and totally disabled or the death rating if you re a survivor Your Veteran s DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or , if the Veteran was a World War II or Korean War Veteran, the Report of Separation. If you don t have a copy of the necessary form , you can request it by submitting a Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, from the National Archives. Find out how to request military service records online, by mail, or by fax Documents related to any dependent children you re including in your application : A copy of each child s birth certificate or adoption papers School certification of full - time enrollment for children ages 18 - 23. Download our fact sheet on school enrollment certification requirements PDF


If you re a surviving spouse who remarried but is once again single , also send a copy of the legal document that ended your marriage. This may be a divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment decree.


Be sure to sign and date your application. If your Veteran is applying for you as a spouse , be sure to also include the date of the marriage on the application.


Mail your application to :


VHA Office of Community CareCHAMPVA EligibilityPO Box 469028Denver , CO 80246 - 9028


Or fax it to : 303 - 331 - 7809


Once we get your application , we ll review it to be sure it s complete and includes all required forms. If it s not complete , we ll return it to you with more instructions. Download application instructions PDF


How long will it take to hear back about my application?


If you send us all required and optional documents if your application is complete and it ll take about 6 weeks after we get your package until you get your CHAMPVA ID card and related materials.


If you send us only the required documents , it may take 2 to 8 months since we ll need to confirm your information with other federal agencies.


Get answers to frequently asked questions about CHAMPVAFind out how to file a CHAMPVA claimFind out if you can get care at a local VA medical center when you re covered under CHAMPVA


VA education benefits for survivors and dependents


Find out if you re eligible for VA education benefits for dependents and survivors also called Chapter 35 benefits. If you re a dependent spouse or child or the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran , you may qualify for Chapter 35 benefits or job training through a GI Bill program.


Am I eligible for education benefits?


You may qualify for VA education benefits Chapter 35 benefits if you re the child or spouse of a service member and one of the below descriptions is true of the service member.


One of these must be true. The service member : Died in the line of duty after September 10 , 2001 , or Is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty by a hostile force , or Was detained held by force while in the line of duty by a foreign government or power , or Is in the hospital or getting outpatient treatment for a service - connected permanent and total disability , and is likely to be discharged for that disability. A service - connected permanent and total disability is a disability resulting from your service that doesn t go away.


You may qualify for VA education benefits Chapter 35 benefits if you re the child or spouse of a Veteran and one of the below descriptions is true of the Veteran.


One of these must be true. The Veteran : Is permanently and totally disabled due to a service - connected disability , or Died while on active duty or as a result of a service - connected disability


If you re a dependent who doesn t meet the above criteria , you may still qualify for VA education benefits if the Veteran or service member transferred some or all of their Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement to you while they were on active duty. Learn about transferred benefits


Education and training Money for tuition Money for housing Money for books and supplies


You ll need to apply. Apply for VA education benefits Chapter 35 benefits.


There are 2 main GI Bill programs offering educational assistance to survivors and dependents of Veterans : The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Fry Scholarship is for children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10 , 2001. Get more information about the Fry Scholarship The Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance DEA program offers education and training to qualified dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled because of a service - related condition or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service - related condition. Get more information about the DEA program


Note: You may qualify for both the Fry Scholarship and the DEA program , but you can use only one of them. You ll have to pick one when you apply. Once you ve made this decision , you can t switch to the other program.


VA health care and other insurance


If you have other forms of health care coverage like a private insurance plan, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE , you can use VA health care benefits along with these plans. Learn more about how VA works with other health insurance.


Why does VA require me to provide information on my health insurance coverage (including coverage under a spouse s plan)?


We ask for this information because we have to bill your private health insurance provider for any care, supplies, or medicine we provide to treat your non - service - connected conditions illnesses or injuries that aren t related to your military service.


We don t bill Medicare or Medicaid , but we may bill Medicare supplemental health insurance for covered services.


What if my health insurance provider doesn t cover all the non-service-connected care that VA bills them for?


You won t have to pay any unpaid balance not covered by your health insurance provider. But , depending on your assigned priority group , you may have a copay for non - service - connected care. Learn more about eligibility priority groups


Does it help me in any way to give VA my health insurance information?


Yes. Giving us your health insurance information helps you because : When your private health insurance provider pays us for your non - service - connected care , we may be able to use the funds to offset part or all of your VA copayment. Your private insurer may apply your VA health care charges toward your annual deductible the amount of money you pay toward your care each year before your insurance starts paying for care.


Does my current health insurance status affect whether I can get VA health care benefits?


No. Whether or not you have health insurance coverage doesn t affect the VA health care benefits you can get.


If I m signed up for the VA health care program, does that mean I meet the requirements to have health care under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?


Yes. Being signed up for VA health care meets your Affordable Care Act health coverage requirement of having minimum essential health coverage. You don t need any other insurance to meet this requirement. We ll update this site if the ACA changes with new laws. Learn more about the ACA, VA, and you


Note: It s always a good idea to let your VA doctor know if you re receiving care outside VA. This helps your provider coordinate your care to help keep you safe and make sure you re getting care that s proven to work and that meets your specific needs.


More about how VA health care works with Medicare and other insurance


This is your decision. You can save money if you drop your private health insurance , but there are risks. We encourage you to keep your insurance because : We don t normally provide care for Veterans family members. So , if you drop your private insurance plan , your family may not have health coverage. We don t know if Congress will provide enough funding in future years for us to care for all Veterans who are signed up for VA health care. If you re in one of the lower priority groups , you could lose your VA health care benefits in the future. If you don t keep your private insurance , this would leave you without health coverage. If you have Medicare Part B coverage for doctors and outpatient services and you cancel it , you won t be able to get it back until January of the following year. You may also have to pay a penalty to get your coverage back called reinstating your coverage.


Yes. We encourage you to sign up for Medicare as soon as you can. This is because : We don t know if Congress will provide enough funding in future years for us to provide care for all Veterans who are signed up for VA health care. If you re in one of the lower priority groups , you could lose your VA health care benefits in the future. Having Medicare means you re covered if you need to go to a non - VA hospital or doctor so you have more options to choose from. If you delay signing up for Medicare Part B coverage for doctors and outpatient services and then need to sign up later because you lose your VA health care benefits or need more choice in care options , you ll pay a penalty. This penalty gets bigger each year you delay signing up and you ll pay it every year for the rest of your life. If you sign up for Medicare Part D coverage for prescription drugs , you ll be able to use it to get medicine from non - VA doctors and fill your prescriptions at your local pharmacy instead of through the VA mail - order service. There s no penalty for delaying Medicare Part D.


You ll need to choose which benefits to use each time you receive care.


To use VA benefits , you ll need to get care at a VA medical center or other VA location. We ll also cover your care if we pre - authorize you meaning we give you permission ahead of time to get services in a non - VA hospital or other care setting. Keep in mind that you may need to pay a VA copayment for non - service - connected care.


If you go to a non - VA or VA authorized care facility , Medicare may pay for other services you may need during your stay. Or , if we only authorize some services in a non - VA location , then Medicare may pay for other services you may need during your stay. Check your Medicare plan , so you know which care locations and services you re covered for. Learn more about Medicare


Yes. We may bill and accept reimbursement from High Deductible Health Plans HDHPs for medical care and services to treat your non - service - connected conditions. If you have an HDHP linked to an HSA , you can use your HSA to pay your VA copayments for non - service - connected care.


We may also accept reimbursement from HRAs for care we provide to treat your non - service - connected conditions.


No. As a result of the VA MISSION Act of 2018, we no longer need permission to bill health insurance providers for care related to a sensitive diagnosis (like alcohol or drug abuse, alcoholism, HIV or HIV testing, sickle cell anemia, or other diagnoses included in Public Law 38 U.S.C. 7332-protected information).


Before submitting any claims for care related to a sensitive diagnosis , we notified Veterans of this change by sending a one - time notice to all Veterans who had signed a release of information refusing to allow us to bill for care related to a sensitive diagnosis in the past. The Federal Register also published this change.


Read the notice on the Federal Register website


We re now submitting claims to health insurance carriers for all non - service - connected care, even if we don t have a signature or written authorization permitting us to disclose protected information on these claims or in Veterans medical records.


We re required by law to bill your health insurance including your spouse s insurance if you re covered under the policy. The money collected goes back to VA medical centers to support health care costs provided to all Veterans.


You can submit a restriction request asking us not to disclose your health information for billing purposes , but we re not required to grant your request. To submit a restriction request , please contact your nearest VA health facility and ask to talk with the privacy officer. You can also ask to talk with the billing office for more information.


Find your nearest VA health facility


Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)


Family SGLI, also known as Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance FSGLI, offers coverage for the spouse and dependent children of service members covered under full - time SGLI. Find out how much coverage you may qualify for and how to apply for and manage your benefits.


Am I eligible for FSGLI?


You may be able to get FSGLI if you re the spouse or dependent child of a service member who meets one of the requirements listed below.


One of these must be true. The service member is : On active duty and covered by full - time SGLI , or A member of the National Guard or Ready Reserve covered by full - time SGLI


You may qualify to get FSGLI as the spouse of someone with SGLI coverage no matter if your own status is active duty, retired, or civilian.


Spouses of service members covered under SGLI Dependent children of service members covered under SGLI


How much coverage can I get with Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance?


Up to a maximum of $100,000 of coverage for you as a spouse , not to exceed your service member s SGLI coverage , and $10,000 for each dependent child. Dependent children get free coverage.


If you re a military spouse and you were married on or after January 2, 2013


We ll automatically insure you under FSGLI. In this case , we ll automatically take your premium out of your service member s pay.


We won t automatically cover you. You ll need to sign up through your service member.


If your service member is a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , have them sign you up online through the SGLI Online Enrollment System SOES.


To access SOES , have your service member :


Go to milConnect


Sign in.


Go to Benefits, Life Insurance SOES- SGLI Online Enrollment System to sign up.


Your service member can log in with their CAC or DS Logon using Internet Explorer as soon as they receive notice that they can start using SOES.


If your service member is part of the Public Health Service , you ll need to fill out the Spouse Coverage Election and Certificate SGLV 8286A and have them turn it in to their unit s personnel officer. Download the Spouse Coverage Election and Certificate PDF


How much will my service member pay for spousal coverage and how do the premium payments work?


Your service member will pay a premium for your coverage, which will increase as you age. Choose your age below to view current spousal coverage monthly premium rates based on the amount of insurance coverage you want.


If you re signed up as a spouse in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System DEERS , we ll automatically deduct the FSGLI premium from your service member s pay. If you aren t signed up in DEERS , your service member will still be responsible for premiums and back payments of unpaid premiums.


Can my service member make changes to my coverage?


Yes. If you have spousal coverage and you want to reduce, turn down, or cancel it :


If your service member is a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , have your service member submit your changes online through the SGLI Online Enrollment System SOES.


Go to Benefits, Life Insurance SOES- SGLI Online Enrollment System to update.


Check their coverage and beneficiary info and make any needed updates.


If your service member is part of the Public Health Service , you ll need to fill out the Spouse Coverage Election and Certificate SGLV 8286A and have your service member turn it in to their unit s personnel officer. Download the Spouse Coverage Election and Certificate PDF Learn more about SOES


Note: We automatically cover dependent children. This coverage can t be turned down, reduced, or canceled.


How much will my service member pay for dependent coverage?


Nothing. We provide dependent coverage at no cost until the child is 18 years old, or sometimes longer if the child meets one of the requirements listed below.


To continue receiving dependent coverage after age 18 , one of these must be true. The child : Is a full - time student , or Becomes permanently and totally disabled before turning 18 and can t support themselves


Can my service member get extended coverage for our dependent child?


Yes , in some cases. Coverage lasts until the child is 18 years old. But , if the child is a full - time student between 18 and 22 years old , we may extend the coverage. Or , if the child becomes permanently and totally disabled before turning 18 and is no longer able to support themselves , we may extend the coverage in some cases indefinitely.


How do I convert a spousal FSGLI policy to an individual insurance policy?


You have the option to convert spousal FSGLI coverage to a permanent, individual insurance policy such as whole life within 120 days from the date of your service member s : Separation from the military Divorce from you Written election to end spousal SGLI coverage Written election to end their SGLI coverage Death


If any of the events listed above happen , you , as the service member s spouse , become solely responsible for all aspects of the policy, including premium payments.


You can t convert other types of policies such as term, variable, or universal life insurance. And , supplementary policy benefits such as accidental death and dismemberment or a waiver of the premium for disability aren t considered part of the conversion policy.


If you d like to convert FSGLI coverage , you must also : Choose a company from the list of companies that take part in this program. View the companies you can choose from Apply at the local sales office of the company you chose. Give a copy of the most recent Leave and Earnings Statement LES to the agent, showing the deduction for spousal SGLI. You ll also have to provide proof of coverage with one of these documents : The service member s separation document Form DD214 or NGB-22, or written orders The Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage between the spouse and the service member The service member s FSGLI spousal declination The service member s SGLI declination The service member s proof of death DD1300: Report of Casualty, or a civilian death certificate


Which forms would my service member need?


To request an advance insurance payment for a spouse who s terminally ill , a service member would file a Claim for Accelerated Benefits SGLV 8284A. Download SGLV 8284A PDF To tell us about the death of a family member covered by the policy , a service member would file a Report of Death of Family Member SGLV 8700. Download SGLV 8700 PDF To receive an insurance payment in their time of need , a service member would file a Claim for Family Coverage Death Benefits SGLV 8283A. Download SGLV 8283A PDF


Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation programs


If you re a Veteran or service member with a service - connected disability that impacts your ability to work , the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program also called Voc Rehab, VR&E, or Chapter 31 benefits may be able to help. We offer 5 support - and - services tracks to help you find and keep a job, and live as independently as possible. Explore the different tracks and find out how to apply for benefits and services.


Reemployment trackYou may have the right to return to the civilian job you held before you deployed. Find out how we can help with this process.


Rapid Access to Employment trackIf you want a job that matches your existing skills, find out if you can get employment counseling and job - search support.


Self - Employment trackIf you re a service member or Veteran with a service - connected disability , find out how we can help you start your own business.


Employment through Long - Term Services trackFind out if you may be eligible for vocational training to help you develop new job skills.


Independent Living trackLearn about services that can help you live as independently as possible if you can't return to work right away.


Get help filing your claim or appeal


If you need help filing a claim or appeal , you may want to work with an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veterans Service Officer VSO. We trust these professionals because they re trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes and can help you with VA - related needs.


VSOs work on behalf of Veterans and service members as well as their dependents and survivors. Find out more about accredited representatives and how they can help you.


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 the most up - to - date information


Recognized organizations and individuals can legally represent a Veteran, service member, dependent, or survivor before VA . Non - recognized organizations and individuals can provide information, but can t be representatives.


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 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment VR&E Home loans Life insurance Pension Health care Burial benefits


These trained professionals can also : Help you gather supporting documents like a doctor s report or medical test results File a claim or appeal on your behalf Provide added support, like helping with transportation to medical appointments or emergency funds


Note: Veterans Service Officers work for Veterans Service Organizations both are called VSOs, as well as for local government offices.


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 unusual expenses. It s only after we ve made a decision about your original claim that VA - accredited claims agents and attorneys may charge for their services. Make sure you ask up front what, if any, fees you ll be charged. If you believe a claims agent or attorney charged a fee that s too high , you can challenge it. Find out more in the How to Challenge a Fee guide


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 attorney, or a claims agent by state / territory, zip code, or the organization s name. Go to eBenefits Or search the VA Office of the General Counsel s list to find VA - recognized organizations and VA - accredited individuals by name, city, state, or zip code. Search the VA Office of the General Counsel s list


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 be working with a representative or to change your current representation. Go to eBenefits To have a VSO help you , fill out an Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant s Representative VA Form 21 - 22. Download VA Form 21 - 22 PDF To have a claims agent or attorney help you , fill out an Appointment of Individual as Claimant s Representative VA Form 21 - 22a. Download VA Form 21 - 22a PDF


If you re filling out one of the forms , you ll need to mail it to your nearest VA regional office. Please speak to the service organization or representative before you send your request. Find a VA regional office near you


Disability housing grants for Veterans


We offer housing grants for Veterans and service members with certain service - connected disabilities so they can buy or change a home to meet their needs and live more independently. Changing a home might involve installing ramps or widening doorways. Find out if you re eligible for a disability housing grant and how to apply.


Can I get a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and how much funding does this grant offer?


You may be able to get an SAH grant if you re using the grant money to buy, build, or change your permanent home a home you plan to live in for a long time and you meet both of the requirements listed below.


Both of these must be true. You: Own or will own the home , and Have a qualifying service - connected disability


Qualifying service - connected disabilities include : The loss or loss of use of more than one limb The loss or loss of use of a lower leg along with the residuals lasting effects of an organic natural disease or injury Blindness in both eyes having only light perception along with the loss or loss of use of a leg Certain severe burns The loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities feet or legs after September 11 , 2001, that makes it so you can t balance or walk without the help of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair Note : Only 30 Veterans and service members each fiscal year FY can qualify for a grant based on the loss of extremities after September 11 , 2001. If you qualify for but don t receive a grant in 2019 because the cap was reached , you may be able to use this benefit in FY 2020 or future years if the law continues to give us the authority to offer these grants and we don t go beyond the new FY cap.


For FY 2019 , you may be able to get up to 3 grants for a total of up to $85,645 through the SAH grant program.


Learn more about how to apply for a housing grant


Can I get a Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant and how much funding does this grant offer?


You may be able to get an SHA grant if you re using the grant money to buy, build, or change your permanent home a home you plan to live in for a long time and you meet both of the requirements listed below.


Both of these must be true : You or a family member own or will own the home , and You have a qualifying service - connected disability


Qualifying service - connected disabilities include : Blindness in both eyes with 20/200 visual acuity or less The loss or loss of use of both hands Certain severe burns Certain respiratory or breathing injuries


For FY 2019 , you may be able to get up to 3 grants for a total of up to $17,130 through the SHA grant program.


What if I need money to make changes to a family member s home that I m living in for a short period of time?


You may be able to get a Temporary Residence Adaptation TRA grant if you meet both of the requirements listed below.


Both of these must be true. You: Qualify for an SAH or SHA grant see above , and Are living temporarily in a family member s home that needs changes to meet your needs


If you qualify for an SAH grant , you can get up to $37,597 through the TRA grant program for FY 2019.


If you qualify for an SHA grant , you can get up to $6,713 through the TRA grant program for FY 2019.


Apply for an SAH, SHA, or TRA grant


You can apply online right now by going to our eBenefits website.


You ll need to sign in to eBenefits with your DS Logon basic or premium account. If you don t have a DS Logon account , you can register for one on the site.


Eligibility for Veterans Pension


The Veterans Pension program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements, and who have income and net worth within certain limits. Find out if you re eligible for this benefit.


Am I eligible for Veterans Pension benefits from VA?


If you meet the VA pension eligibility requirements listed below , you may be eligible for the Veterans Pension program.


Both of these must be true : You didn t receive a dishonorable discharge , and Your yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress. Your net worth includes all personal property you own except your house, your car, and most home furnishings, minus any debt you owe. Your net worth includes the net worth of your spouse. Find out about Veterans Pension rates


And at least one of these must be true about your service. You: Started on active duty before September 8 , 1980 , and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime , or Started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7 , 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty with some exceptions with at least 1 day during wartime, or Were an officer and started on active duty after October 16 , 1981, and you hadn t previously served on active duty for at least 24 months


And at least one of these must be true. You: Are at least 65 years old , or Have a permanent and total disability , or Are a patient in a nursing home for long - term care because of a disability , or Are getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income


How do I know if I served under an eligible wartime period?


Under current law , we recognize the following wartime periods to decide eligibility for VA pension benefits : Mexican Border period May 9 , 1916, to April 5 , 1917, for Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or in adjacent waters World War I April 6 , 1917, to November 11 , 1918 World War II December 7 , 1941, to December 31 , 1946 Korean conflict June 27 , 1950, to January 31 , 1955 Vietnam War era (February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam.) Gulf War August 2 , 1990, through a future date to be set by law or presidential proclamation


If you ve received one of these discharge statuses , you may not be eligible for VA pension benefits.


Ionizing radiation exposure


Find out if you can get disability compensation or benefits for illnesses including some cancers believed to be caused by contact with radiation during military service.


You may be able to get disability benefits if you didn t receive a dishonorable discharge and you meet the requirements listed below.


Both of these must be true : You have an illness that s on our list of illnesses believed to be caused by radiation or that doctors say may be caused by radiation , and Your illness started within a certain period of time as shown along with the list of illnesses


See the list of radiation - related illnesses


And you must have had contact with ionizing radiation in one of these ways while serving in the military. You: Were part of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing , or Served in the postwar occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki , or Were a prisoner of war POW in Japan , or Worked as an x - ray technician, in a reactor plant, or in nuclear medicine or radiography while on active duty or during active or inactive duty for training in the Reserves, or Did tasks like those of a Department of Energy (DOE) employee that make them a member of the Special Exposure Cohort (See 42 U.S.C. 7384L(14))


You may also qualify for disability benefits if you served in at least one of the below locations and capacities. You were: Part of underground nuclear weapons testing at Amchitka Island, Alaska, or Assigned to a gaseous diffusion plant at Paducah, Kentucky , or Assigned to a gaseous diffusion plant at Portsmouth, Ohio , or Assigned to a gaseous diffusion plant at Area K-25 at Oak Ridge, Tennessee


You ll need to file a claim for disability compensation and provide the evidence supporting documents listed below : Medical records showing that you ve been diagnosed with one of the illnesses on our list of those believed to be caused by radiation or that your doctor states may be caused by radiation exposure , and Service records showing that you were part of one of the radiation risk activities described above


Note: When you file your claim , we ll ask the military branch that you served with or the Defense Threat Reduction Agency to give us a range of how much radiation they think you may have come into contact with. We ll use the highest level of the range they report to decide on your benefits.


Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)


The Reserve Educational Assistance Program REAP ended on November 25 , 2015 , but under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016, some REAP benefits will remain in place for 3 more years. Learn more about what this change means for you.


How does it affect me that REAP has ended?


Find the description below that best fits your situation to learn about how this change affects you, and what to do next.


If you were actively using REAP benefits on or before November 24, 2015


You can keep using your REAP benefits until November 25 , 2019.


Note: You fit this description if you were already attending a school or training program on November 24 , 2015, or during the last semester, quarter, or term ending before that date.


If you applied for REAP benefits, but you didn t start school until after November 24, 2015


You re no longer eligible to receive REAP benefits , but you may be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill


If you applied for REAP benefits after November 24, 2015


You re not eligible to receive REAP benefits , but you may be eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. We ll review your application and give you the benefits you qualify for. Learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill


If we determined you were eligible for REAP benefits, but you lost your benefits when the program ended


You can credit your REAP eligibility toward your Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility if you meet both of the requirements listed below.


Both of these must be true. You: Established REAP eligibility before November 25 , 2015, and Lost eligibility when we retired that program on November 25 , 2015


If you credit your eligibility toward your Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility , you : Will receive one month or a partial month of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for each month or partial month of remaining REAP benefits up to a maximum of 36 months Will not be eligible for 48 months of entitlement based on your previous eligibility for REAP and your new eligibility under the Post-9/11 GI Bill Will be entitled to the 60% payment tier under the Post-9/11 GI Bill regardless of the length of your Post-9/11 active - duty service


If you d like to switch your benefits , call 888-GI - BILL-1 888 - 442 - 4551, Monday through Friday , 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.


VA Individual Unemployability if you can't work


If you can t work because of a disability related to your service in the military a service - connected disability , you may qualify for what s called Individual Unemployability. This means you may be able to get disability compensation or benefits at the same level as a Veteran who has a 100% disability rating.


Both of these must be true : You have at least 1 service - connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling, or 2 or more service - connected disabilities with at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more and You can t hold down a steady job that supports you financially known as substantially gainful employment because of your service - connected disability. Odd jobs marginal employment don t count.


Note: In certain cases for example , if you need to be in the hospital often you may qualify at a lower disability rating.


You ll need to file a claim for disability compensation. When you file , you ll have to provide evidence supporting documents like a doctor s report or medical test results showing that your disability prevents you from holding down a steady job. We ll also review your work and education history. Example : A Veteran has a service - connected heart condition and a 60% disability rating. She was still able to work until last year when she began to get chest pain when doing anything physical, like walking or lifting boxes. Her doctor told her to retire as soon as possible. She filed a claim for more disability compensation. We reviewed her work and education history and agreed that she was individually unemployable because of her service - connected disability. So we increased her disability compensation to the same rate as a 100% disabled Veteran.


When you file a disability claim , you ll also need to fill out these additional forms for Individual Unemployability benefits : A Veteran s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability VA Form 21 - 8940 Download VA Form 21 - 8940 PDF and A Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for Disability Benefits VA Form 21 - 4192 Download VA Form 21 - 4192 PDF


Agent Orange exposure on Navy or Coast Guard ships


Did you serve on a Blue Water Navy vessel offshore of the Republic of Vietnam, or on another U.S. Navy or Coast Guard ship operating in the coastal waterways of Vietnam, between January 9 , 1962, and May 7 , 1975?


If yes , you may have had contact with Agent Orange, an herbicide used to clear trees and plants during the war. We refer to this as a presumption of contact. Find out if you can get disability compensation and other benefits for illnesses we believe are caused by Agent Orange.


Blue Water Navy Veterans and Agent Orange


Blue Water Navy Veterans are now entitled to a presumption of service connection for illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure. This is a result of Public Law 116 - 23, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. The law was signed on June 25 , 2019, and takes effect on January 1 , 2020.


Read below to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to file a claim. If we denied your claim in the past , you can file a new claim based on this change in law.


And at least one of these must also be true. Your military record must show that between January 9 , 1962, and May 7 , 1975, you : Were aboard a U.S. military vessel that operated in the inland waterways of Vietnam , or Served on a vessel not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia as detailed in Public Law 116 - 23, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019


You won t need to show that the problem started during or got worse because of your military service. This is because we believe that certain diseases are the result of exposure to herbicides. We refer to these as presumptive diseases.


When you file your claim , you'll need to submit : that shows you have an Agent Orange related illness A medical record And you'll need to submit a military record that shows you either : Were aboard one of the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard ships that entered the inland waterways , or Served in the Republic of Vietnam for any length of time between January 9 , 1962, and May 7 , 1975. This may include serving aboard a vessel on the inland waterways, or on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia as detailed in Public Law 116 - 23, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation


When you file your claim , you'll need to submit a medical record that shows : You have a current disability , and There's a connection between Agent Orange exposure and your current disability And you'll need to submit a military record that shows you either : Were aboard one of the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard ships that entered the inland waterways , or Served in the Republic of Vietnam for any length of time between January 9 , 1962, and May 7 , 1975. This may include serving aboard a vessel on the inland waterways, or on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia as detailed in Public Law 116 - 23, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation


What if I m a Blue Water Navy Veteran, and VA denied my claim in the past?


If we denied your claim because we determined that your disability wasn t caused or made worse by your active - duty service , you can file a new claim based on the change in law.


In certain cases , if we approve your claim , we ll pay you back to the date when you submitted your original claim. We refer to this as retroactive payment.


If you have more questions about this change in law , please read our fact sheet on Blue Water Navy Veterans and Agent Orange PDF.


Yellow Ribbon Program


The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for higher out - of - state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn t cover. Find out if your school takes part in this program.


Am I eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program?


You may be eligible for this program if you and your school meet the requirements listed below.


You must qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.


To qualify , at least one of these must be true. You: Served at least 36 months on active duty either all at once or with breaks in service , or Received a Purple Heart on or after September 11 , 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service , or Received a Fry Scholarship on or after August 1 , 2018, or Served for at least 30 continuous days all at once, without a break on or after September 11 , 2001 , and were discharged after 60 days with a service - connected disability, or Are a dependent child using benefits transferred by a Veteran or a service member who has served for at least 36 months on active duty and qualifies at the 100% level, or Find out about transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits Are receiving the Fry Scholarship beginning August 1 , 2018 Learn more about the Fry Scholarship


Note: At this time , you re not eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill if you re an active - duty service member or the spouse of an active - duty service member. But , as of August 1 , 2022 , you may become eligible if you re an active - duty service member who qualifies at the 100% level, or the spouse using the transferred benefits of an active - duty service member who qualifies at the 100% level.


And your school must meet certain requirements.


All of these must be true. Your school : Offers the Yellow Ribbon Program , and Hasn t offered the Yellow Ribbon benefit to more than the maximum number of students in their agreement with us , and Has certified your enrollment with us and provided Yellow Ribbon Program information


See the list of schools that offer the Yellow Ribbon Program this year


What benefits can I get through this program?


Money to help pay for the higher cost of tuition at a private school or for attendance as a nonresident student at a public school.


If you qualify , your school will contribute a certain amount toward your extra tuition and fees through a grant, scholarship, or similar program. We ll match the contribution.


Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits


Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits If you qualify for benefits , you ll get a Certificate of Eligibility COE.


Turn in your COE to your school


Bring your COE to your school s certifying official, or to the financial aid, military liaison, or other appropriate office. Ask to apply for your school s Yellow Ribbon Program.


Wait for a decision


Your school will decide : Whether it has already enrolled the maximum number of students for the program period. Enrollment is on a first - come, first - served basis. We have an agreement with each school about how many students they ll cover each year. How much funding you ll receive. Your school decides this amount. They ll add up tuition and mandatory fees, then subtract any aid you ve received from other sources such as scholarships, grants, and your Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition payment. Your school will apply the Yellow Ribbon Program benefit to this final amount.


Follow up


You ll get a notice from your school about whether it has accepted you into the program and how much money you ll receive for tuition.


Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program


Get answers to other questions you may have about the Yellow Ribbon Program.


How much funding you ll receive through the program


This depends on the school. Schools can choose to offer different amounts to students based on 2 factors : Student status undergraduate, graduate, doctoral , and Type of school college or professional


For example : A school could provide $1,000 for undergraduates, $1,500 for graduate students, and $2,000 for doctoral students. The school also could provide $1,800 for students in the school of engineering and $2,500 for students in the school of nursing.


This depends on the agreement we have with your school.


Your school s agreement with us states how much it will contribute and how much we ll match. This amount makes up all or part of the difference between what the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay and the unmet tuition and fees.


Here s how it works :


Let s say you re attending a public school as an out - of - state student.


The school charges $10,000 per year for in - state tuition and fees, but $16,000 per year for out - of - state tuition and fees.


We ll pay the in - state $10,000 cost under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. But you ll need to pay the extra $6,000 for the out - of - state cost.


If you qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program , you can get some or all of that extra amount paid. We ll match the amount your school contributes to the program. So if your school funds $3,000 of your tuition , we ll also pay $3,000 to your school , and you ll be covered for the full amount. If your school funds $2,000 through the Yellow Ribbon Program , we ll also pay $2,000 to your school , and you ll need to pay the remaining $2,000.


Note: Your school s agreement may also state that they ll contribute only toward degrees at certain colleges or professional schools, or only for certain degree levels like undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees.


Learn more about each school s agreement


No. You don t have to attend full - time to be in the program.


First , we ll determine how much the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay. We ll do this by subtracting any financial aid you have that s designated solely for paying tuition and fees from the total amount your school charges.


Then , your school s funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program and our matching contributions can cover part or all of the remaining unmet charges.


Yellow Ribbon funds may cover any mandatory required fees for your education program.


Yellow Ribbon and Post-9/11 GI Bill funds won t cover any fees that aren t mandatory, such as : Room and board Study abroad unless your degree program requires the study abroad course Penalty fees like fees for late registration, returned checks, or parking fines