Non-connected Veterans Benefits

What do I qualify for?

Many of the benefits available to veterans and their families require: a.) a VA rating for a physical or mental disability that happened or worsened due to military service, or b.) annual income and total assets below a certain level.

What is a service-connected disability? Do I have one?

If you don’t have a VA rating for a service-connected disability, you might consider applying for one if you have symptoms resulting (or made worse) from your military service. For example, if your military job was in infantry, aviation or a job with loud noise, you may have hearing loss or tinnitus that you believe is tied to your service. Or you could be a Vietnam War or Persian Gulf War veteran with a condition listed in the PACT Act as a presumptive condition of exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits or other toxins.

Do I financially qualify for any benefits?

Your net worth must fall below $159,240 to qualify for Veterans Pension and other benefits. This includes your and your dependents’ assets and income, excluding your primary home, car and basic home items like appliances. As an example, if you have $125,000 in assets and $25,000 in annual income, you would qualify.

Do I qualify for VA Healthcare?

Yes, provided you have either a service-connected disability or meet the financial requirements explained above. Otherwise, the answer is likely no, barring a few exceptions.

Which benefits do I qualify for if I don’t need financial help or have a disability?

Education benefits:

The VA will pay for some or all of college, graduate school, vocational programs and other types of training, depending on the characteristics of your service.

Home loans:

You can receive a loan for buying, building or refinancing a home or condominium. These loans can also help pay for making energy-efficient improvements.

Burial and Death benefits:

You and your spouse can be buried or interred at a VA national cemetery. You also can receive a burial flag, inscribed headstone, foot marker, and either a cremation plaque or urn, even if you choose a private cemetery.

Welcome home bonus:

You could receive a welcome home bonus from the state if you served after Sept. 11, 2001 and returned home to Massachusetts.

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance:

If you’ve separated from service in the last year, you could qualify for term life insurance.

Various military discounts:

From your cell phone carrier to various retailers, you should ask the companies you do business with if they offer military discounts. Many do!