Don’t Miss Out: 5 VA Benefits You Might Be Overlooking
Many veterans are aware of some VA benefits like healthcare and home loans, but the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide range of support that often goes unused. Understanding your eligibility and exploring these less-known opportunities can significantly improve your quality of life. Are you truly maximizing the VA benefits available to you and your family?
1. Aid and Attendance: Financial Support for Long-Term Care
One of the most overlooked, yet impactful VA benefits is the Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension. This benefit provides financial assistance to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses who require help with daily living activities. Unlike some benefits with strict service-connected requirements, A&A focuses on your current needs.
To be eligible, you generally need to meet one of the following criteria:
- Require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, or toileting.
- Be bedridden due to illness.
- Reside in a nursing home.
- Have severely limited eyesight (corrected vision of 5/200 or less in both eyes; or a field of vision of 5 degrees or less).
The A&A benefit is paid on top of your existing VA pension. The exact amount you receive depends on your income, net worth, and level of need. As of 2026, a veteran with no dependents could receive over $2,700 per month through Aid and Attendance.
Applying for A&A requires completing VA Form 21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance. You’ll also need to provide medical evidence demonstrating your need for assistance. This can include doctor’s reports, nursing home assessments, and statements from caregivers.
From my experience assisting veterans with their claims, I’ve found that providing detailed medical documentation is crucial for a successful application. The more specific you are about the challenges you face, the better the VA can assess your needs.
2. Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Career Training and Education
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation, is a fantastic resource for veterans seeking to start a new career, advance in their current field, or return to the workforce after a disability. This program offers a wide range of services, including:
- Career counseling and guidance
- Education and training
- Job placement assistance
- Financial support
To be eligible for VR&E, you generally need to have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% and be found feasible for rehabilitation. However, even if you don’t meet these criteria, you may still be eligible if you have a serious employment handicap.
VR&E offers five different “tracks,” or ways to use the benefit. These include: reemployment, rapid access to employment, self-employment, employment through long-term services, and independent living. The one you choose depends on your personal circumstances and goals.
VR&E can provide funding for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. It can also help you find internships, apprenticeships, and other on-the-job training opportunities. Furthermore, VR&E counselors can work with you to develop a personalized career plan that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals.
The amount of financial assistance you receive through VR&E depends on the type of training you pursue and your individual circumstances. However, it can be a significant source of support as you transition to a new career.
According to the VA’s 2025 Annual Benefits Report, veterans who participate in VR&E have a significantly higher employment rate than those who don’t. This highlights the program’s effectiveness in helping veterans achieve their career goals.
3. State Veterans Homes: Affordable Long-Term Care Options
Many states operate veterans homes that provide long-term care services to eligible veterans. These homes offer a range of services, including:
- Nursing care
- Assisted living
- Rehabilitation services
- Memory care
State veterans homes are often more affordable than private nursing homes, making them an attractive option for veterans who need long-term care. To be eligible, you typically need to be a veteran, a resident of the state, and meet certain medical and financial criteria.
The specific eligibility requirements vary from state to state, so it’s important to check with the veterans home in your area for more information. However, in general, you’ll need to provide proof of your veteran status, residency, and medical needs.
The cost of care at a state veterans home depends on your income and assets. However, the VA may provide financial assistance to help cover the cost of care. Furthermore, some state veterans homes accept Medicaid, which can further reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Finding the right state veterans home is a personal journey. I recommend visiting several homes to see which one feels like the best fit for you or your loved one.
A study by the National Association of State Veterans Homes found that residents of state veterans homes report higher levels of satisfaction with their care than residents of private nursing homes. This suggests that state veterans homes offer a high quality of care in a supportive environment.
4. Life Insurance Options: Protecting Your Family’s Future
The VA offers several life insurance programs designed to help veterans protect their families’ financial future. These programs include:
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI): Available to active-duty service members.
- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI): Available to veterans who were covered by SGLI.
- Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI): Available to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): Available to veterans who have received a VA-guaranteed home loan.
VGLI allows veterans to maintain life insurance coverage after they leave the military. You can convert your SGLI coverage to VGLI within one year and 120 days of separation from service.
S-DVI is available to veterans with service-connected disabilities who are otherwise unable to obtain commercial life insurance. This program offers up to $10,000 in coverage.
VMLI helps veterans with VA-guaranteed mortgages protect their families from losing their homes if they die. This program provides coverage up to the amount of the outstanding mortgage balance.
Determining which life insurance option is right for you depends on your individual circumstances and needs. Consider factors such as your age, health, financial situation, and family obligations. Talking to a financial advisor can help you make an informed decision.
From my experience, many veterans underestimate the importance of life insurance. It’s a crucial part of financial planning, especially if you have dependents who rely on your income.
5. Burial Benefits: Honoring Your Service
The VA provides a range of burial benefits to eligible veterans and their families. These benefits include:
- Burial in a national cemetery
- A government-furnished headstone or marker
- A burial flag
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Reimbursement of burial expenses
To be eligible for burial in a national cemetery, you generally need to have served on active duty and been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
The VA will provide a government-furnished headstone or marker for the gravesite of an eligible veteran. You can choose from a variety of styles and materials.
The VA will also provide a burial flag to drape over the casket of a deceased veteran. The flag is presented to the next of kin after the funeral service.
A Presidential Memorial Certificate is a certificate signed by the President of the United States honoring the service of a deceased veteran.
The VA may reimburse some of the burial expenses incurred by the family of a deceased veteran. The amount of reimbursement depends on the circumstances of the death and the veteran’s service record. As of 2026, the VA can pay up to $900 for burial expenses for service-connected deaths.
Pre-planning your funeral arrangements can ease the burden on your family during a difficult time. You can visit the National Cemetery Administration website to learn more about burial options and eligibility requirements.
According to the VA, over 4 million veterans and their family members are buried in national cemeteries across the country. These cemeteries serve as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans.
What is the income limit for Aid and Attendance benefits?
There isn’t a strict income limit, but your income must be below a certain threshold that varies based on your dependency status. The VA will reduce your pension by the amount of your countable income. You should still apply even if you think your income might be too high, as the VA considers medical expenses when determining your eligibility.
Can I use VR&E to get a degree in any field?
VR&E is designed to help you find suitable employment. Your counselor will work with you to determine if your chosen field aligns with your skills, interests, and the current job market. They may not approve training in a field with limited job prospects.
Do all state veterans homes offer the same services?
No, the services offered at state veterans homes vary. Some homes may specialize in certain types of care, such as memory care or rehabilitation. It’s essential to research the homes in your area to find one that meets your specific needs.
How long do I have to convert my SGLI to VGLI?
You have one year and 120 days from your separation from service to convert your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI).
Who is eligible for reimbursement of burial expenses?
The spouse, child, or other eligible dependent of a deceased veteran may be eligible for reimbursement of burial expenses. The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and certain other conditions apply. The amount of reimbursement depends on whether the death was service-connected.
Many VA benefits go unnoticed, yet they can significantly improve a veteran’s life. From Aid and Attendance providing crucial support for long-term care, to Veteran Readiness and Employment opening doors to new career paths, and state veterans homes offering affordable care, the VA offers a wealth of resources. Don’t overlook life insurance options to protect your family, and be aware of the burial benefits available to honor your service. Take the time to explore these opportunities and ensure you’re receiving all the support you’re entitled to. Contact the VA today and start maximizing your veterans benefits.
