VA Benefits & Family Support
The benefits that come with a VA rating: home-loan entitlement, GI Bill education, property-tax exemptions, survivor and dependent benefits, and spouse checklists.
All the Benefits That Come
With Your Rating
Disability compensation is just the beginning. At higher ratings — especially 100% P&T — a wide range of additional benefits opens up. Many veterans only claim the cash; these can be worth far more.
Monthly Disability Compensation
Tax-free monthly payments based on your combined disability rating. Increases with spouse, children, and parents as dependents.
VA Healthcare (Free or Low-Cost)
At 50%+ or as a combat veteran, VA healthcare is free. Covers service-connected conditions at all ratings. Includes prescriptions, mental health, dental in some cases.
VA Home Loan Funding Fee Exemption
Veterans with any service-connected disability rating are exempt from the VA loan funding fee — saving thousands on a home purchase or refinance.
Chapter 31 — Vocational Rehabilitation
At 20%+ rating, VR&E can pay for education, training, and living expenses to help you get a job in a field you can do despite your disabilities. Different from GI Bill — no months charged.
Automobile Adaptive Equipment
Veterans with service-connected loss of limb, vision, or severe disabilities may qualify for a one-time automobile grant and ongoing adaptive equipment grants.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)
Veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities can receive grants to build, buy, or modify a home to meet their accessibility needs.
CHAMPVA — Healthcare for Dependents
Surviving spouses and dependents of veterans rated 100% P&T or who died from a service-connected condition are eligible for CHAMPVA — healthcare coverage at little or no cost.
Commissary & Exchange Access
Veterans rated 100% P&T, Medal of Honor recipients, and Purple Heart recipients receive commissary, Exchange, and MWR access — saving an average of 30% on groceries and goods.
State Benefits
Most states offer additional benefits for disabled veterans: property tax exemptions, free or reduced vehicle registration, free hunting/fishing licenses, state park access, and in-state tuition waivers. Check your state's VA website.
Property Tax Exemptions
for 100% P&T Veterans
Most states offer significant or full property tax exemptions for veterans rated 100% P&T. This exemption is NOT automatic — you must apply. Amounts and income limits change — verify with your state before applying. Source: VA.gov and state veterans affairs agencies.
| State | Exemption Type | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Full | Full exemption on primary residence | Must be 100% P&T |
| Alaska | Full | Full exemption on primary residence | Disability must be service-connected |
| Arizona | Partial | Up to $3,000 off assessed value; wider exemptions with income limits | Varies by county |
| Arkansas | Full | Full exemption on homestead for 100% P&T | Must apply through county |
| California | Partial | $196,262–$296,526 exemption based on disability level | Blind/paraplegic get higher tier |
| Colorado | Partial | 50% off first $200,000 of home value | Must be 100% P&T |
| Florida | Full | Full exemption on homestead for 100% P&T | Most popular — apply at county property appraiser |
| Georgia | Partial | Up to $60,000 off assessed value; some counties offer full exemption | County-level variation |
| Hawaii | Full | Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans | Applies to primary residence |
| Illinois | Full | Full exemption on primary residence for 100% disabled | Surviving spouse may continue exemption |
| Louisiana | Full | Full homestead exemption for 100% service-connected veterans | Apply through parish assessor |
| Maryland | Full | Full exemption for 100% P&T on primary residence | Surviving spouse keeps exemption |
| Michigan | Full | Full exemption on primary residence | Must be P&T or TDIU-100% |
| Minnesota | Full | Full exemption up to $300,000 market value | Apply with county assessor |
| Mississippi | Full | Full exemption on primary residence | 100% service-connected required |
| Missouri | Full | Full exemption on primary residence for 100% P&T | Apply with county assessor |
| Nebraska | Full | Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans | Primary residence only |
| New Jersey | Full | Full property tax exemption for 100% permanently disabled vets | Very strong — applies state-wide |
| New Mexico | Full | Full exemption on primary residence for 100% P&T | Apply with county assessor |
| North Carolina | Partial | Up to $45,000 reduction in taxable value | 100% P&T required |
| Ohio | Full | Full exemption on primary residence for 100% P&T | Apply with county auditor |
| Oklahoma | Full | Full exemption for 100% disabled veterans on homestead | Strong state benefit program |
| South Carolina | Full | Full exemption on primary residence for 100% P&T | One of the best veteran states |
| Tennessee | Full | Full exemption on primary residence up to $175,000 value | 100% service-connected |
| Texas | Full | Full exemption on primary residence — no cap | Best veteran property tax benefit in US |
| Virginia | Full | Full exemption on primary residence for 100% P&T | Also covers surviving spouse |
| West Virginia | Full | Full exemption for 100% P&T on primary residence | Apply with county assessor |
| Wisconsin | Full | Full exemption for qualifying 100% disabled veterans | Apply with local municipality |
⚠️ Always verify current exemption amounts at your state's veterans affairs website before applying. Exemption amounts, income limits, and application deadlines change. This table is for general guidance only and reflects 2024–2025 rates. States not listed may still offer partial exemptions — check your state DVA website.
VA Home Loan Benefits
38 U.S.C. §§ 3710–3733
The VA home loan guarantee program, authorized under Chapter 37 of Title 38 U.S.C. (§§ 3710–3733), is one of the most substantive financial benefits available to eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses. Unlike conventional financing, the VA guaranty eliminates the down payment requirement and private mortgage insurance obligation in most transactions — two cost structures that represent tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a typical mortgage.
No Down Payment Required — 38 U.S.C. § 3710
Eligible veterans may purchase a primary residence with zero down payment in most circumstances. Conforming loan limits apply in high-cost areas; however, veterans with full entitlement may borrow above conforming limits with no down payment requirement.
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Conventional lenders require PMI when a borrower puts less than 20% down — typically $100–$300/month added to the payment. The VA guaranty eliminates this requirement entirely. Over a 30-year loan, this savings can exceed $50,000 in eliminated PMI premiums.
Funding Fee Exemption — 38 U.S.C. § 3729(c)
The standard VA funding fee ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan amount depending on down payment and prior use. Under 38 U.S.C. § 3729(c)(1), veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability are exempt from this fee entirely. On a $400,000 loan, this exemption alone saves $5,000–$13,200 at closing.
Competitive Interest Rates
The federal guarantee reduces lender risk, which typically results in VA loan rates 0.25–0.5% below conventional market rates. On a $350,000 loan, a 0.375% rate reduction saves approximately $27,000 in interest over 30 years.
Reusable Entitlement
VA loan entitlement is not a one-time benefit. Entitlement is restored when the prior loan is paid off and the property sold, allowing the program to be used multiple times — for purchases, construction, the Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan (IRRRL), and cash-out refinancing. Second-tier entitlement also allows simultaneous use of entitlement in some circumstances.
Native American Direct Loan (NADL) — 38 U.S.C. § 3762
Native American veterans, and veterans married to Native Americans, may be eligible for the NADL program — a direct VA loan for purchase, construction, or improvement of a home on federal trust land. NADL rates are set by statute and are often substantially below conventional market rates.
GI Bill & VA Education
Benefits
Multiple education benefit programs exist across Title 38 U.S.C. — and you may use only one chapter at a time. The financial difference between chapters can exceed $100,000 over four years. Before enrolling, compare all programs you are eligible for. Veterans Service Organizations and School Certifying Officials (SCOs) can assist, but ultimately the selection is your decision and cannot be reversed mid-enrollment without a formal chapter change request.
Chapter 33 — Post-9/11 GI Bill (38 U.S.C. § 3301 et seq.)
For veterans with 90+ days of aggregate active duty after September 10, 2001. At 100% eligibility, covers full in-state tuition paid directly to the school, monthly housing allowance (MHA) at the E-5 with dependent BAH rate for the school's ZIP code, and an annual book and supply stipend (~$1,000). Transferable to dependents while still on active duty (subject to service obligations under 38 U.S.C. § 3319).
Chapter 30 — Montgomery GI Bill (38 U.S.C. § 3011 et seq.)
Requires an irrevocable $1,200 payroll contribution during active duty. Pays a flat monthly stipend directly to the veteran — not the institution. No housing allowance component. Generally inferior to Chapter 33 for most veterans; however, veterans may elect to keep Chapter 30 and use it simultaneously with certain state programs.
Chapter 31 — Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (38 U.S.C. § 3100 et seq.)
The most financially advantageous program for disabled veterans. Eligibility requires a service-connected disability rating of 20% or more and an employment handicap. Covers full tuition and fees, books and supplies, and a monthly subsistence allowance during training. Not subject to the 36-month cap that limits Chapter 33. Independent living services also available for veterans unable to work. Apply using VA Form 28-1900.
Chapter 35 — Dependents' Educational Assistance (38 U.S.C. § 3500 et seq.)
Provides up to 45 months of education and training benefits to spouses and dependent children of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition, or who died from a service-connected disability. Pays a monthly stipend (~$1,100–$1,400 depending on training type). Apply using VA Form 22-5490.
Yellow Ribbon Program (38 U.S.C. § 3317)
A voluntary agreement between VA and participating educational institutions to fund tuition exceeding in-state rates for Post-9/11 GI Bill users. The school waives a portion, and VA matches it — effectively covering 100% of tuition at many private and out-of-state schools. Verify your school's Yellow Ribbon agreement before enrolling; participation and available seats vary annually.
Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9))
Provides full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Available regardless of whether the service member ever used their GI Bill. Children may begin using the benefit at any age but must use it before age 33. Application submitted using VA Form 22-1990E.
Survivor & Dependent
Benefits
If a veteran dies from a service-connected condition or while rated 100% P&T, their family may be entitled to significant ongoing benefits. These claims are separate from the veteran's own claims and must be filed by the surviving family member.
Spouse & Dependent
Benefits Checklist
Adding dependents to your VA claim can significantly increase your monthly payment. If you're at 30% or higher, you're likely leaving money on the table if your spouse or children aren't listed.
Documents You'll Need
- Marriage certificate (current spouse)
- Divorce decree(s) for prior marriages
- Birth certificates for all dependent children
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
- School enrollment letter (for dependents 18–23)
- Stepchild proof of residency
- Social Security numbers for all dependents
- VA Form 21-686c (Add or Remove Dependents)
Who Can Be a Dependent?
- Legal spouse (same-sex marriages included)
- Biological children under 18
- Stepchildren living in your household
- Adopted children
- Children 18–23 in school full-time
- Children with permanent disability (any age)
- Dependent parents (separate form — 21P-509)
- Seriously disabled adult child