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Applying for Benefits
There are numerous ways to apply for VA benefits depending on the type of benefit you are seeking.
| Benefits | How To Apply |
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| Before Leaving Military Service – Pre-Discharge Program for Servicemembers | If you are a member of the armed forces serving on either active duty or full-time National Guard duty, you should apply through the VA Pre-Discharge Program before leaving service. |
| Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits for Servicemembers and Veterans |
The best way to file for vocational rehabilitation and employment services is to apply online at eBenefits.va.gov. If you don't have an eBenefits account, register today. In eBenefits, apply using the Veterans On-line Application (VONAPP) to complete and submit your application online. The form to use is called VA Form 28-1900, "Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation." You can also mail the VA Form 28-1900, "Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation" to your local regional benefit office. You can locate your local regional benefit office using the VA Facility Locator. You may also visit your local regional benefit office and turn in your application for processing. Visit Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment for more information on vocational rehabilitation and employment services. |
| Disability Compensation Benefits for Veterans |
The best way to file for disability compensation is to apply online at eBenefits.va.gov. If you don't have an eBenefits account, register today. Once you log into your eBenefits account, use Apply for Disability Compensation. VA recommends you appoint an accredited Veterans Service Officer to help you initiate your claim, gather the required medical records and evidence, and submit your claim. You can appoint a Veteran Service Officer while you apply online. If you prefer to file your claim by paper, complete VA Form 21-526EZ, "Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits" and mail the application to your local regional benefit office. You can find your local regional benefit office in the VA Facility Locator. You can also visit your local regional office and turn in your application for processing. While there, you can appoint an accredited Veterans Service Officer to help you prepare and submit your claim. You can find an accredited Veteran Service Officer using eBenefits. Visit Applying for Compensation for more information on how to apply for compensation. |
| Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Benefits for Survivors and Dependents |
Download and complete VA Form 21-534EZ, "Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits" and mail it to your local regional benefit office. You can locate your local regional benefit office using the VA Facility Locator. You may also visit your local regional benefit office and turn in your application for processing. We recommend that you appoint an accredited Veterans Service Officer to help you initiate your claim and gather any required medical records or evidence. You can find an accredited Veteran Service Officer using eBenefits. If the death was in service, your Military Casualty Assistance Officer will assist you in completing VA Form 21-534a, "Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child" and in mailing the application to the Philadelphia Regional Benefit Office. Visit Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for more information on compensation benefits for survivors and dependents. |
| Pension Benefits for Veterans |
Download and complete VA Form 21-527EZ, "Application for Pension." You can mail your application to your local regional benefit office. You can locate your local regional benefit office using the VA Facility Locator. You may also visit your local regional benefit office and turn in your application for processing. VA recommends you appoint an accredited Veterans Service Officer to help you initiate your claim and gather any required medical records or evidence. You can find an accredited Veteran Service Officer using eBenefits. VisitVeterans Pension or more information on Veterans Pension benefits,. |
| Pension Benefits for Survivors |
Download and complete VA Form 21-534EZ, "Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits" and mail it to your local regional benefit office. You can locate your local regional benefit office using the VA Facility Locator. You may also visit your local regional benefit office and turn in your application for processing. VA recommends you appoint an accredited Veterans Service Officer to help you initiate your claim and gather any required medical records or evidence. You can find an accredited Veteran Service Officer using eBenefits. For more information on Survivors Pension benefits, visit the Survivors Pension web page. |
| Education Benefits for Veterans |
You can apply for your education benefits using eBenefits.va.gov. If you don't have an eBenefits account, register today. In eBenefits, apply using the Veterans On-line Application (VONAPP) to complete and submit your application online. You can also submit a paper application. To do this, download and complete VA Form 22-1990, "Application for VA Education Benefits" and mail it to a VA Regional Processing Office. You can mail the form to the region of your home address or to the VA Regional Processing Office for the region of your school's physical address, if you know what school you want to attend. Also, you can call a VA Education Case Manager (1-888-GIBill1) to ask for help. For more information on how to apply online, visit the Education Apply for Benefits web page. |
| Home Loan Benefits for Servicemembers and Veterans |
You can apply for a home loan certificate of eligibility online using ebenefits.va.gov. You may also apply for a home loan certificate of eligibility through your lender. To apply by mail, use VA Form 26-1880, "Request for Certificate of Eligibility." You can mail the application to: VA Loan Eligibility Center For more information on eligibility, evidence, and how to apply, visit the Certificate of Eligibility web page. |
| Home Loan Benefits for Survivors |
The surviving spouse of a Servicemember or Veteran must apply by mail. The form to complete is the VA Form 26-1817, "Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility - Unmarried Surviving Spouses." Or, you can call 1-877-827-3702 and follow the prompts for Eligibility and we will mail the form to you. Mail your application to this address: VA Loan Eligibility Center For more information on eligibility, evidence, and how to apply, visit the Certificate of Eligibility web page. |
| Life Insurance Benefits for Servicemembers, Veterans, and Survivors |
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI): SGLI coverage is automatic. You do not need to apply. To designate beneficiaries, or reduce, decline or restore SGLI coverage, complete and submit SGLV 8286, "Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate" to your branch of service personnel clerk. Visit Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance for more information on Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance,. |
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Veterans' Group Life Insurance(VGLI): To file for VGLI, you can apply online using eBenefits.va.gov. If you don't have an eBenefits account, register today. You may also download and complete SGLV 8714, "Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance." Mail your application to this address: OSGLI Visit Veterans’ Group Life Insurance for more information on Veterans’ Group Life Insurance, . |
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Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI): To decline, reduce, or restore FSGLI coverage, complete and file form SGLV 8286A, "Spouse Coverage Election and Certificate" with your branch of service. Visit Family Servicemembers’ Life Group Insurance for more information on Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance. |
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Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI): To file a claim for TSGLI, complete and file SGLV 8600, "Application for TSGLI Benefits" with your branch of service. Coverage for this benefit is automatic for all Servicemembers covered by SGLI. Visit the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program for more information on the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program,. |
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Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance (S-DVI): To file for S-DVI, apply online using the online policy access page or complete VA Form 29-4364, "Application for Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance." Mail your application to this address: Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center (RH) Visit Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance for more information on Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance,. |
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Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): To file for VMLI, complete and submit VA Form 29-8636, "Application for Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance" to your Specially Adapted Housing Agent. The agent will help you complete your application. Also, you must provide information about your current mortgage. Visit Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance for more information on Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance, . |
