Benefits Navigator
Plain language, no runaround — written by Veterans who personally navigated every system on this page. Each guide ends with the first step and the trap to avoid. Stuck anywhere? Ask us for help — that's what we're for.
Not sure what you qualify for?Answer 9 questions → see every benefit you likely qualify for.Start →VA Health Care Enrollment
What you earned: Medical care through the VA system — often at no cost.
Most Veterans qualify for VA health care, and the PACT Act expanded eligibility for toxic-exposure era Veterans (Iraq, Afghanistan, burn pits). Enrollment is one form: the 10-10EZ, online at VA.gov, by phone at 877-222-8387, or with our help in person.
First step
Have your DD-214 and last year's income handy, then file the 10-10EZ. If you served in Iraq or Afghanistan, say so — PACT Act eligibility is broad.
The trap
Don't self-reject. 'I make too much' and 'I wasn't hurt' stop more Veterans than the rules do. Apply and let VA decide.
Disability Compensation Claims
What you earned: Monthly tax-free payment for conditions connected to your service.
If a condition started in service, was made worse by service, or is caused by something service-connected, you can claim it. The rating (0–100%) sets the monthly amount. An Intent to File locks in your back-pay date while you build the claim — file it FIRST, even before you're ready.
First step
File an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966) today — it costs nothing and protects up to a year of back pay. Then gather records and file the real claim within the year.
The trap
Going it alone on appeals. Decisions can be wrong; ratings can be low. Use an accredited representative — a VSO is free. Never pay anyone a percentage of back pay; that's a red flag (and usually illegal).
GI Bill & Education
What you earned: Tuition, housing allowance, and books for school or training.
Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to 36 months: tuition paid to the school, a monthly housing allowance paid to you, and a book stipend. It transfers to spouse/kids in some cases (set up while still serving). Apply with VA Form 22-1990 at VA.gov.
First step
Check your remaining entitlement at VA.gov, then apply before you enroll — the Certificate of Eligibility is what the school's certifying official needs.
The trap
Letting a school's 'VA-friendly' marketing replace math. Compare what the GI Bill covers at each school; the housing allowance follows the campus ZIP code.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31)
What you earned: Training, education, and job help for service-connected Veterans — separate from and sometimes better than the GI Bill.
If you have a service-connected disability rating (10%+ with an employment handicap, 20%+ generally), VR&E can pay for retraining, certifications, school — including some things the GI Bill won't — while paying a subsistence allowance.
First step
Apply at VA.gov (VA Form 28-1900). The gate is the counselor meeting — bring a clear story about how your disability affects the work you used to do.
The trap
Nobody tells you VR&E exists. If you have a rating and your old line of work doesn't fit anymore, this program is for you.
VA Home Loan
What you earned: Buy a home with no down payment and no PMI.
The VA guarantees the loan, so lenders drop the down payment and mortgage insurance. You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — most lenders can pull it in minutes — and the home must be your residence.
First step
Get the COE first (VA.gov or any VA lender), then shop lenders like you'd shop trucks — rates and fees vary more than people think.
The trap
The funding fee surprises people — but if you have a service-connected rating, it's WAIVED entirely. Tell your lender.
West Virginia State Benefits
What you earned: State-level benefits stacked on top of federal ones.
West Virginia offers its own layer: property tax breaks for disabled Veterans, free hunting/fishing licenses for some ratings, tuition help, Veterans nursing home, and burial in the WV National Cemetery system. The WV Department of Veterans Assistance has field offices across the state.
First step
Call or visit your county's WVDVA field office with your DD-214 and rating letter — ten minutes there often surfaces benefits nobody mentioned.
The trap
Assuming federal enrollment automatically triggers state benefits. It doesn't — the state layer requires its own (short) paperwork.
Burial & Survivor Benefits
What you earned: Burial honors, plot, marker, and survivor payments.
Veterans discharged other than dishonorably earn military funeral honors, national or state veterans cemetery burial, a headstone/marker, and a flag. Survivors may qualify for DIC (monthly payment) if death is service-connected, plus burial allowances.
First step
Do the paperwork BEFORE it's needed: pre-need eligibility (VA Form 40-10007) spares your family the scramble. Keep your DD-214 where your family can find it.
The trap
Families not knowing the funeral home doesn't handle VA benefits automatically — someone must ask. Make sure your people know to call us.
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