Your situation
Veterans & military families
Crisis support
Where to start
See which VA benefits exist
VA offers health care, disability compensation, education and training, home loans, and benefits for families and caregivers. Eligibility usually depends on service history and discharge, and VA makes every decision.
- Start at VA.gov and pick the benefit you're interested in.
- Keep a copy of your discharge papers (DD-214). If you can't find them, request your records from the National Archives.
- Apply only through VA.gov or VA offices.
Use education and training benefits
GI Bill and other VA programs can help pay for college, technical training, and apprenticeships. What you can get depends on your service.
- Read VA's education and training page to compare programs.
- Check that a school or program is approved before you enroll.
VA: Education and training benefits (GI Bill)(opens va.gov in a new tab)Department of Education: Accreditation database (DAPIP)(opens ope.ed.gov in a new tab)Paying for college guideFind work after service
VA, the Department of Labor, and OPM all help veterans find jobs. In federal hiring, some veterans get preference, as OPM explains.
- Explore VA's careers and employment services.
- Contact the Labor Department's veterans' employment service or a local American Job Center.
- Read FedsHireVets to learn how veterans' preference works for federal jobs.
VA: Careers and employment(opens va.gov in a new tab)Department of Labor: Veterans' Employment and Training Service(opens dol.gov in a new tab)FedsHireVets (veterans' preference)(opens opm.gov in a new tab)Find an American Job Center (CareerOneStop)(opens careeronestop.org in a new tab)Government Careers & TrainingLearn about VA-backed home loans
VA-backed loans are made by private lenders, with VA backing part of the loan. You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to show a lender that you qualify.
- Read how VA home loans work and how to request a COE.
- Compare lenders, and consider talking with a HUD-approved housing counselor before you buy.
VA: VA-backed home loans(opens va.gov in a new tab)HUD: Find a housing counselor(opens answers.hud.gov in a new tab)Money, housing & taxes guideSupport for military families and spouses
Military OneSource is the Defense Department's free, confidential support line for service members and families, available 24/7. SpouseWorks helps military spouses with education and careers.
- Call or chat with Military OneSource for counseling, moving help, and family support.
- Use SpouseWorks for career coaching and education planning.
- Read VA's benefits for family members and caregivers.
Citizenship through military service
People who are serving or have served in the U.S. armed forces may be able to naturalize under special provisions, and USCIS has information for their family members. USCIS decides every case.
- Read USCIS's pages for military members and families.
- For your own situation, talk with a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.
This guide can't tell you whether you or a relative qualifies.Get help in a crisis
The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support 24/7 for veterans and their loved ones. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
- Dial 988, then press 1, or chat online through the Veterans Crisis Line.
- In an emergency, call 911.