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Native American Veterans
According to the Department of Defense, American Indians and Alaska Natives have one of the highest representations in the armed forces. VA consults with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to develop partnerships that enhance access to services and benefits by Veterans and their families. VA is committed to ensuring that Native American Veterans and their families are able to utilize all benefits and services they are entitled to receive.
VA Benefits
Native American Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, Veteran readiness and employment, and burial. See our Veterans page for an overview of the benefits available to all Veterans.
How to Apply
The specific VA benefit or program web page will provide tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.
- Apply online using va.gov, OR
- Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
- Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page.
VA Benefits and Programs for Native American Veterans
Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Program
The NADL program helps eligible Native American Veterans finance the purchase, construction, or improvement of homes on Federal Trust Land or reduce the interest rate on such a VA loan. Native American Veterans may use these direct loans to simultaneously purchase and improve a home or refinance another VA direct loan made under NADL to lower the interest rate.
Learn more about the Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Program.
Office of Tribal Government Relations
The VA Office of Tribal Government Relations (OTGR) consults with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to develop partnerships that enhance access to services and benefits by Veterans and their families. OTGR also sponsors regional training sessions for Tribal leaders, Veteran Service Organizations, and Tribal Organizations to increase access to Veteran access to VA Healthcare and benefits through informative presentations and interactive discussions.
Learn more about the Office of Tribal Government Relations.
VA Recognition as a Tribal Organization
VA has regulations governing which organizations can help Veterans and survivors with their benefit claims. Formal recognition allows tribal organizations to expand their support to Veterans within their communities. Learn more about VA Recognition as a Tribal Organization.
Other Programs for Native American Veterans
Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Program of 2019
The John D. Dingell, Jr., Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019 provides the opportunity for eligible Vietnam-era Veterans or their heirs to select 2.5 to 160 acres of Federal land in Alaska. Veterans or their heirs will have five years to select and apply for land. The program is open to all eligible Alaska Natives who served between August 5, 1964 and December 31, 1971, and it removes the requirement for personal use or occupancy mandated under previous laws.
Visit Bureau of Land Management’s website to learn more about the Alaska Native Veterans Land Allotment Program of 2019.
