Veterans Benefits Eligibility Guide
Enter your service details to see which VA benefits you qualify for and estimate your monthly compensation.
Service Information
Estimated Monthly Benefits
$596
Estimated Annual Benefits
$7,152
Healthcare Priority
Group 2
VA Disability Compensation
Eligible30% service-connected disability rating qualifies you for compensation.
$596/month
- • Base rate for 30% disability: $534/month
- • Dependent allowance: +$62/month
- • Tax-free — not counted as income
VA Health Care
EligibleEligible for VA health care enrollment.
Copays may apply
- • Priority Group: Group 2
- • Copays range from $15-$50 per visit
- • Covers primary care, mental health, prescriptions, and more
- • Enroll at va.gov/health-care/apply
VA Home Loan
EligibleEligible for VA home loan with Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
No monthly cost — this is a loan benefit
- • $0 down payment required
- • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- • Competitive interest rates (typically 0.25-0.5% lower than conventional)
- • VA funding fee: Waived (service-connected disability)
- • No loan limit with full entitlement
Post-9/11 GI Bill
EligibleEligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits.
$2,200-$3,500/month (BAH varies by location)
- • 36 months of education benefits
- • Full tuition at public universities (or up to $28,937/year at private schools)
- • Monthly housing allowance based on school location
- • $1,000/year book stipend
- • Can transfer to spouse or children if 6+ years served
Veterans Pension
Not EligibleMust be 65+ or permanently disabled.
$0
- • Needs-based benefit for wartime veterans
- • Income limit: $21,700/year
- • Aid & Attendance: additional $~800/month for those needing help with daily activities
- • Tax-free benefit
Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
EligibleCan convert SGLI to VGLI within 1 year and 120 days of separation.
Varies by age and coverage ($10-$400+/month)
- • Up to $500,000 coverage (in $10,000 increments)
- • No health exam required if applied within 240 days of separation
- • Premiums increase with age
- • Apply at benefits.va.gov/insurance
Important Tips
- • Apply for VA benefits at va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.
- • Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for free claims assistance.
- • Consider filing for an increase if your conditions have worsened.
- • GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after last discharge date.
Overview of VA Benefits for Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a wide range of benefits for service members, veterans, and their families. Your eligibility depends on your discharge status, length of service, service era, disability rating, and income. Most benefits require an honorable or general discharge, though some exceptions exist for service-connected disabilities.
Over 9 million veterans receive disability compensation, making it the most widely used VA benefit. VA health care covers more than 6 million veterans annually, and the VA Home Loan program has helped millions purchase homes with zero down payment.
2026 VA Disability Compensation Rates
| Disability Rating | Monthly Rate (Veteran Only) | With Spouse | With Spouse + 1 Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175 | $175 | $175 |
| 30% | $534 | $597 | $644 |
| 50% | $1,093 | $1,209 | $1,279 |
| 70% | $1,747 | $1,925 | $2,010 |
| 100% | $3,800 | $4,065 | $4,172 |
Disability compensation is tax-free and not counted as income for most purposes. Veterans rated at 30% or higher receive additional allowances for dependents.
VA Home Loan — Key Advantages
| Feature | VA Loan | Conventional Loan | FHA Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | $0 | 3-20% | 3.5% |
| PMI/MIP | None | Required if under 20% | Required |
| Credit score | No VA minimum (lenders vary) | 620+ | 580+ |
| Funding fee | 1.25-3.3% (waived with disability) | None | 1.75% upfront |
| Loan limit | No limit with full entitlement | $766,550 (2026) | $498,257-$766,550 |
Post-9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to 36 months of education benefits. For veterans who served 36+ months on active duty after 9/11, benefits include full tuition at public schools (or up to $28,937/year at private schools), a monthly housing allowance based on the school's ZIP code, and a $1,000/year book and supplies stipend. Benefits can be transferred to a spouse or children with 6+ years of service and a 4-year commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive VA disability and work full-time?
Yes. VA disability compensation has no income or employment restrictions. You can work full-time and still receive your full disability payment. The only exception is Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which requires that your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
How long does a VA disability claim take?
As of 2026, the average processing time is 120-180 days. Claims filed through the VA's online system (va.gov) tend to be faster. Working with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can help ensure your claim is complete and properly documented, often reducing delays from additional evidence requests.
Is VA health care really free?
It depends on your priority group. Veterans in Groups 1-5 (those with service-connected disabilities rated 50%+ or very low income) receive free care with no copays. Veterans in Groups 7-8 may have copays ranging from $15-$50 per outpatient visit and $15 for a 30-day prescription. All enrolled veterans receive free preventive care.
Related tools: Disability Benefits Estimator and Benefits Eligibility Checker.