The Veterans Administration website lists benefits for veterans at VA.gov/veteran services. This includes information on the new VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 and the Post 9-11 GI Bill.

Call your local Veteran’s Service Commission if you are a veteran with emergency needs. The Veteran’s Service Commission may provide cash or other help for needy veterans and their families.

Veterans and service members can apply for compensation, pension, and vocational rehabilitation benefits. Veterans need to apply within six months of leaving the service. Find applications at vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp.

Disability Compensation

The VA pays disability compensation if the disability is the result of military service. The VA may pay more for dependents if your disability is 30% or more disabling. The VA will pay more if a spouse is a patient in a nursing home or is disabled and requires the on-going help of an attendant.

Apply for VA compensation benefits if:

• You were injured while you were in the service, or
• You are permanently and totally disabled as a result of your military service, or
• You were seriously ill while you were in the service, and you have continuing problems, or
• You developed a mental or physical condition related to your military service.

Disability Pension: VA pays Disability Pensions to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled but NOT as a result of military service and who have served during World War II; Korean Conflict; Vietnam Era; or (Persian) Gulf War. Veterans must have limited income. The amount of the pension is based on household income and the number of dependents.

Apply for VA Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits if:

• You are a veteran; or
• A service member waiting for a disability discharge;
• You have a combined service-connected disability rating over 10%;and
• You are disabled due to military service; and
• You have a disability application pending; or
• You are filing a disability application with a vocational rehabilitation claim.

The VA pays education benefits to qualified veterans and reservists. The VA only pays for attendance at approved courses. VA pays a monthly benefit check based upon the type of training and training time. Apply for VA Education Benefits if you are eligible based upon active duty service or if you are currently a member of the Selected Reserve.

Other resources: www.veteransoutreach.net; www.dol.gov/vets; www.gibill.va.gov; www.hadit.com

This article is meant to give you general information and not specific legal advice.
Prepared by Community Legal Aid Services, Inc. Updated April, 2012. CE-72-F227-CLAS