Benefits explained

How it helps

Pays tuition and fees (up to the in-state public rate, or a national cap at private/foreign schools), plus a monthly housing allowance (based on the school's ZIP code) and an annual books-and-supplies stipend. Benefits can be used for college, graduate school, and many training programs.

Who qualifies

Generally 90+ aggregate days of active duty after 9/10/2001, or 30 days with a service-connected discharge. Benefit percentage scales with time served (100% at 36+ months).

How it helps

Provides a set monthly payment (you choose how to spend it) for up to 36 months of school or training. Useful for some veterans whose situation makes it worth more than the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Who qualifies

Typically requires the $1,200 MGIB payroll enrollment during service and an honorable discharge. Compare carefully against Chapter 33 before electing.

How it helps

Goes beyond tuition: pays for training/education needed for a suitable career, plus a monthly subsistence allowance, books, supplies, and job-placement help. Can also fund tools, certifications, or even support self-employment. Often more generous than the GI Bill for those who qualify.

Who qualifies

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating (generally 10%+ with an employment handicap, or 20%+) and an honorable-ish discharge. Apply through VA.gov.

How it helps

Provides a monthly payment toward a spouse's or child's college, career-training, certification, or apprenticeship — typically usable for up to 36–45 months depending on circumstances.

Who qualifies

Dependents of a veteran who is permanently and totally (P&T) disabled from a service-connected condition, or who died from a service-connected cause. Children generally use it between ages 18–26.

How it helps

Gives eligible children and spouses the full Post-9/11 GI Bill package — tuition/fees, housing allowance, and books stipend — rather than the smaller DEA monthly rate.

Who qualifies

Children and surviving spouses of active-duty members who died in the line of duty after 9/10/2001 (and certain Selected Reserve members).

How it helps

Participating schools voluntarily waive part of the tuition above the GI Bill cap, and the VA matches it — making private or out-of-state schools affordable for veterans at the 100% benefit level.

Who qualifies

Veterans (or transfer-eligible dependents) entitled to the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% level, attending a participating Yellow Ribbon school.

How it helps

Covers tuition for approved coding bootcamps and IT/tech programs (software dev, data, cybersecurity, etc.) plus a housing stipend, designed to get veterans into tech careers quickly.

Who qualifies

Veterans with at least one day of unexpired GI Bill entitlement, enrolling in an approved VET TEC provider.

How it helps

Pays a monthly amount based on your combined disability rating (and number of dependents) for any injury or illness caused or worsened by service. It is the gateway to many other benefits (health care, education for dependents, state perks).

Who qualifies

A current diagnosed condition, an in-service event/exposure, and a medical 'nexus' linking the two. File with VA Form 21-526EZ.

How it helps

If service-connected conditions keep you from holding 'substantially gainful employment,' TDIU pays you at the 100% compensation rate without needing a 100% schedular rating.

Who qualifies

Generally one disability at 60%+, or a combined 70%+ with one at 40%+, plus an inability to maintain gainful work due to service-connected conditions.

How it helps

Adds to (SMC-K) or replaces (SMC-L through R) the standard rate for things like loss/loss of use of limbs or organs, blindness, being housebound, or needing regular Aid & Attendance.

Who qualifies

Specific statutory criteria per level (e.g., loss of use of a hand/foot, 100% + 60% housebound rule, need for daily aid). Often awarded on top of a high rating.

How it helps

Provides a monthly pension to eligible low-income wartime veterans, with an Aid & Attendance increase for those who need help with daily activities or are housebound — often used to offset assisted-living costs.

Who qualifies

Wartime service, age 65+ or permanent disability, and income/net-worth below VA limits. A separate Survivors Pension exists for spouses.

How it helps

Adds many conditions as 'presumptive' — meaning you don't have to prove the service connection — for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards. This can unlock compensation and health care that was previously denied.

Who qualifies

Veterans with qualifying service/exposure and a covered presumptive condition. Even previously-denied claims may be worth re-filing.

How it helps

Pays a monthly benefit if a disability keeps you from working. It is independent of VA disability — the two do not reduce each other — but you apply separately through the Social Security Administration. Veterans rated 100% Permanent & Total, and those disabled on active duty on/after Oct 1, 2001 (Wounded Warriors), get expedited processing.

Who qualifies

You need enough Social Security work credits AND must meet SSA's stricter 'total disability' standard (unable to do substantial gainful work). A VA rating does not guarantee SSA approval.

How it helps

Covers primary and specialty care, mental health, prescriptions, and more. Service-connected conditions are typically copay-free; the PACT Act expanded eligibility for many toxic-exposure veterans.

Who qualifies

Most veterans who served the minimum duty and didn't receive a dishonorable discharge can enroll; priority group is set by rating, income, and exposures.

How it helps

Lets eligible veterans buy a home with $0 down, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. The funding fee is waived for veterans receiving disability compensation. Reusable over a lifetime.

Who qualifies

Meet service requirements and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Available for purchase, refinance, and certain home improvements.

How it helps

Funds wheelchair-accessible construction or modifications (ramps, widened doors, roll-in showers) so severely disabled veterans can live independently.

Who qualifies

Veterans with specific severe service-connected disabilities (e.g., loss of use of limbs, certain blindness). SAH and SHA grants have different criteria and amounts.

How it helps

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers can provide a monthly stipend, training, respite care, and health-coverage options to family caregivers of seriously injured veterans.

Who qualifies

Caregivers of veterans with a serious service-connected injury who need in-person personal care. Apply jointly with the veteran.