Free Resources for Veterans
This guide to free resources for veterans is built to help you understand your VA rating, compensation, benefits, and options.
Use our VA Disability Calculator, check the latest VA disability pay rates, explore federal and state veteran benefits, and access free guides, ebooks, and videos covering the VA disability process.
Table of Contents
VA Disability Tools, Pay Rates & Benefits
Looking for something specific? Use the resources below to calculate your VA disability rating, check current VA compensation rates, or explore additional benefits available to veterans and their families.
VA Disability Calculator
VA math works differently than traditional addition, especially when you have multiple service-connected disabilities.
Use our free VA Disability Calculator to enter your individual disability ratings, estimate your combined VA disability rating, and better understand how the VA calculates your overall rating.
2027 VA Disability Pay Rates
See the latest 2027 VA disability pay rates by rating percentage and dependent status.
Our 2027 VA disability compensation guide breaks down monthly payment amounts for veterans rated from 10% to 100%, including compensation for qualifying spouses, children, and dependent parents.
>> View 2027 VA Disability Pay Rates
2026 VA Disability Pay Rates
Review the 2026 VA disability compensation rates for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
The guide includes monthly compensation amounts by VA rating percentage and additional compensation available to veterans with qualifying dependents.
>> View 2026 VA Disability Pay Rates
Benefits by State
State governments offer their own veteran programs in addition to federal VA benefits, and those benefits can vary significantly from one state to another.
Common state-level benefits can include property tax exemptions, education and tuition benefits, vehicle registration benefits, hunting and fishing privileges, and other programs for veterans and their families.
The State Guide to Veterans Benefits provides an overview of state-level programs and helps veterans find benefits available where they live.
Education and GI Bill Benefits
The GI Bill provides education and training benefits for eligible veterans and, in some cases, their dependents.
Two major programs are the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30). Additional education programs may also provide benefits for eligible spouses and children.
The Education & GI Bill Benefits Guide covers GI Bill programs, transfer options, the Yellow Ribbon Program, DEA benefits, and other education resources.
CHAMPVA and VA Health Care
VA health benefits can provide important health care and coverage options for eligible veterans and their families.
VA Health Care generally provides care for qualifying veterans, while CHAMPVA provides health coverage for certain eligible spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children.
The CHAMPVA & VA Health Care Guide explains eligibility, key differences between the programs, and available coverage.
Survivor and DIC Benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly, tax-free VA benefit available to certain eligible surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans.
Other survivor programs can include Survivors Pension, Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA), and additional benefits based on individual eligibility.
The Survivor & DIC Benefits Guide explains eligibility, compensation, and other VA survivor benefits.
Caregiver Benefits
The VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) provides support to approved caregivers of eligible veterans.
Depending on eligibility, benefits can include caregiver education and training, mental health counseling, respite care, certain travel benefits, access to health care through CHAMPVA, and a monthly stipend.
The Caregiver Benefits Guide explains PCAFC eligibility, available benefits, and how the application process works.
VA Travel Pay
The VA Beneficiary Travel program can reimburse eligible veterans and other qualifying beneficiaries for certain travel expenses related to approved VA health care appointments.
Benefits may include mileage reimbursement or special transportation for veterans who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
The VA Travel Pay Guide explains eligibility, reimbursement rules, deductibles, and how to file a travel reimbursement claim.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a specific VA disability rating to access benefits?
It depends on the benefit. Some VA and veteran programs are available regardless of disability rating, while others require a specific rating, Permanent and Total (P&T) status, service-connected disability, income level, or another eligibility requirement.
Check the individual benefit guide for the requirements that apply to that program.
Can my spouse and children receive VA benefits while I’m alive?
Yes, depending on eligibility. Programs such as CHAMPVA and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) can provide benefits to qualifying spouses and children while the veteran is living.
Eligibility depends on the specific program and the veteran’s circumstances.
Is CHAMPVA the same as VA Health Care?
No. VA Health Care generally provides health care services to eligible veterans. CHAMPVA is a separate health benefits program that provides coverage to certain eligible spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children.
How do I apply for VA benefits?
The application process depends on the benefit. Many VA benefits can be applied for through VA.gov, while others require a specific VA form or application process. Each resource above explains the eligibility requirements and application steps for that particular benefit.
How can I estimate my combined VA disability rating?
Use the bilateral VA Disability Calculator. Because the VA uses its own combined-ratings formula rather than simply adding disability percentages together, the calculator can help you estimate how multiple service-connected disability ratings combine.
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