How To Register For Military Veterans Benefits
With all the programs available to assist veterans in a wide range of services, it’s no wonder the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to over nine million veterans annually. The VA offers programs to aid in many aspects of veterans’ lives, such as home loans, health care options, and disability compensation, to name a few.
Registering for veterans benefits can be done directly through the individual program’s government website. A comprehensive list of all the benefits available for veterans along with detailed application instructions can be found through the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs website VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs. There are, however, additional ways to register for benefits that may better suit you.
Online Registration Through eBenefits
The easiest and fastest way to start applying for veterans benefits is done through the eBenefits website. eBenefits works directly with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to provide a simple portal for veterans and their families to access and apply for all VA benefits. To get started, veterans must make an account through eBenefits while choosing a plan that best suits their needs. Whether you choose a basic or premium plan, this will cost absolutely nothing. Set up your eBenefits account here: Home – VA/DoD eBenefits
Once an account has been made, veterans can customize their dashboard with easy-to-access links to all their benefits accounts. Veterans will also have access to the National Resource Directory, which outlines, in detail, all of the available benefits and eligibility requirements for each program. National Resource Directory | Connecting our Service Members & Veterans (nrd.gov)
To be eligible for an eBenefits account, veterans first must establish a DS Logon profile.
Filing by Mail
No matter which benefits program you are signing up for, this can be done through the mail. If you decide to file through the mail, you first must download all the required application forms from the VA website. Each benefits program requires specific forms that must be completed in full.
Because the VA process claims in the order in which they were received, it may take longer to receive a decision when filing through the mail. When mailing your benefits claim, be sure to double-check the mailing address to ensure your claim is being sent to the correct department of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Filing in Person
If you do not have access to a computer, filing in person is the fastest way to file a benefits claim. This can be done by bringing your completed application forms to a VA regional office in your area. The VA has offices in all 50 states to provide veterans with helpful services on a walk-in basis.
To find a VA office in your area, be sure to reference the interactive location finder tool accessed through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Veterans can also use this tool to find same-day care facilities for illnesses or minor injuries. As mentioned before, the VA processes claim as they are received, resulting in various response times. Claims that require priority processing are typically dealt with first. Find your local VA office here: Find VA Locations | Veterans Affairs
Filing with Professional Help
If you cannot file for benefits yourself, are unaware of the benefits that pertain to you, or need assistance during the filing process, there are trained professionals readily available to help! The VA has a comprehensive list of accredited attorneys, claims agents, and Veterans Service Officers (VSO) on stand-by to aid veterans in filing for benefits.
Veterans Service Officers help veterans gather all the necessary documentation per the requirements of their specific benefits program and, if needed, can file a claim on behalf of the veteran. It is important to note; however, veterans may be charged for the services provided by a VSO or attorney, dependent upon the outcome of the filed claims. This fee varies between each claim and is typically determined by “unusual expenses” associated with the case.
An application must be completed to locate a VSO or accredited representative to assist in filing a benefits claim, which can be found on the VA website. These requests are then sent to your local VA office, which will jump-start the application process. Accredited representatives and VSOs help veterans learn and apply for benefits programs such as,
- Home loans
- Pension programs
- Disability compensation
- Health care
- Life insurance
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations (va.gov)
Conclusion
The VA makes it very easy for veterans to apply for benefits that help them live a comfortable and prosperous lifestyle. There are many ways to apply for benefits to ensure that veterans have readily available; applying is still a simple matter.
If you are looking to receive a decision on your benefits application as quickly as possible, filing online is the best way to go. While many veterans do not have the opportunity to visit a regional VA office, filing by mail is another great way to get started on the filing process.
There are many benefits programs available for veterans who meet a wide range of criteria for just about all aspects of life after serving in the United States military. Researching and being aware of all the programs related to your situation is the best place to start when looking into filing for veteran’s benefits.
A detailed list of all available veterans programs along with the requirements for eligibility can be found directly through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. If this article was helpful, you might qualify for free wireless service through the federal Lifeline program. You can check your eligibility now by clicking here. Free Cell Phone Service With Government Program | StandUp Wireless
