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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. We encourage you to work with an accredited representative who can assist you with the claims process.
You can find and appoint or manage your accredited representative in eBenefits.
| Benefits | How To Apply |
|---|---|
| Before leaving military service – pre-discharge claims |
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 claim program before leaving service. |
| Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits for service members and Veterans |
The best way to file for Veteran Readiness and Employment services is to apply online at va.gov/careers-employment. To submit a paper application, download and complete a VA Form 28-1900, "Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation" and mail it to your local regional office. You may also go to your local regional office and turn in your application for processing. |
| Disability compensation benefits for Veterans |
The best way to file for disability compensation is to apply online at www.va.gov/disability. To submit a paper application, download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ, "Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits" and mail the application to: You can also go to your local regional office and turn in your application for processing. For more information, visit the VA Compensation website. |
| VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) benefits for spouses, dependents, and parents |
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, your military casualty assistance officer will help you to complete an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (VA Form 21P-534a). The officer will help you mail the form to the correct VA regional office. If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ). If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535). You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways:
For more information, visit the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). |
| Pension benefits for Veterans |
You can apply for pension benefits online at www.va.gov/pension. To submit a paper application Pension benefits, download and complete VA Form 21P-527EZ, "Application for Pension" and mail it to the Pension Management Center that serves your state. For more information, visit www.va.gov/pension/eligibility. |
| Pension benefits for survivors |
By mail Fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21-534EZ). Mail it to the pension management center (PMC) for your state. In person Bring your application to a VA regional office near you. With the help of a trained professional You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for VA survivors pension benefits. For more information, visit www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension. |
| VA education and training benefits |
The best way to apply for your education benefits is by going to www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. You can also apply for education benefits by doing any of the following options: By mail Call 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, to request that we send the application to you. Fill it out and mail it to the VA regional claims processing office that’s in the same location as your school. In person Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee help you. Work with your school’s certifying official. This person is usually in the Registrar or Financial Aid office at the school. With the help of a trained professional You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for education benefits. For more information education benefits, visit www.va.gov/education/. |
| Home Loan Benefits for Servicemembers and Veterans |
You can apply for a home loan certificate of eligibility online using eBenefits.You may also apply for a home loan certificate of eligibility through your lender. To apply by mail, download and complete VA Form 26-1880, "Request for Certificate of Eligibility" and send it to the Regional Loan Center that serves your state. For more information on home loan benefits, visit the VA Home Loans website. |
| Home Loan Benefits for Survivors |
Download and complete VA Form 26-1817, "Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility - Unmarried Surviving Spouses. You can also call 1-877-827-3702 and follow the prompts for "Eligibility" and we will send the form to you. For information about home loan benefits for survivors, visit the VA 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, you must use either the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) or form SGLV 8286, "Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate. To find out whether you should use SOES or to download the form visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/resources-forms.asp#sgli. For more information, visit the VA Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance web page. |
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Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI): To file for VGLI, you can apply online at eBenefits. You may also download and complete SGLV 8714, "Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance". Mail your application to this address: OSGLI For more information, visit the VA Veterans’ Group Life Insurance web page. |
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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. To find out whether you should use SOES or to download the form visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/resources-forms.asp#fsgli. For more information, visit the VA Family Servicemembers’ Life Group Insurance web page. |
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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. For more information, visit the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program web page. |
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Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife): You can check your eligibility and apply online. When you apply, you'll need to submit your first premium payment. |
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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. For more information, visit the VA Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance web page. |
