As a spouse, dependent child, or survivor of a Veteran or service member, you may be eligible for a range of benefits designed to support you. This includes access to healthcare, life insurance, and financial assistance for education. Additionally, if you are caring for a Veteran, specific programs are available to help you provide better care while also supporting your own well-being.
Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers
- For Spouse, Dependent Child, Surviving Spouse, Surviving Child, Caregiver: Explore eligibility for healthcare benefits and related programs, such as CHAMPVA. Learn about resources for caregivers, including training, counseling, and financial support.
- For Surviving Spouse, Surviving Child, Surviving Parent: Determine your eligibility for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) or a VA Survivors Pension.
- For Spouse, Dependent Child, Surviving Spouse, Surviving Child: Discover if you qualify for educational financial aid through programs like the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program (Chapter 35) or the Fry Scholarship. Also, learn how a Veteran can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
- For Surviving Spouse: Investigate eligibility for VA-backed loans to purchase, build, improve, or refinance a home. Learn how to manage these loan benefits and prevent foreclosure.
- For Spouse, Dependent Child, Surviving Spouse, Surviving Child: Find out if you’re eligible for Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) coverage or manage an existing policy. Beneficiaries of a Veteran’s or service member’s policy can access free financial advice and will preparation services.
- For Spouse, Dependent Child, Surviving Spouse, Surviving Child, Surviving Parent: Determine if you are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery and learn how to plan a Veteran’s burial. Also, apply for burial cost assistance, request memorial items, and find information about bereavement counseling.
Additional Resources for Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers numerous programs to support Veterans directly:
- Healthcare Benefits: Healthcare benefits and online health management tools for Veterans with service-connected disabilities or who meet other eligibility requirements.
- Compensation for Service-Connected Conditions: Monthly payments and online benefit management tools for conditions related to military service.
- Pension Program: Monthly payments for wartime Veterans with limited or no income who meet certain age and disability requirements.
- Home Loan Programs and Grants: Home loan programs for Veterans and service members, and disability housing grants to help Veterans with service-connected disabilities make changes to their home so they can live as independently as possible.
- Life Insurance: Life insurance options and online policy management tools for Veterans and their families.
Caregiver Support
You can find vital support for the Veteran you care for. The VA also provides resources and assistance to those who provide care to Veterans.
For more information, contact the following VA hotlines:
- VA Benefits Hotline: 800-827-1000
- Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274
- MyVA411 Main Information Line: 800-698-2411
- Telecommunications Relay Services (using TTY): TTY: 711
