You may be eligible for 8 forms of assistance.
Forms of Assistance without Online Applications
Inquiry Routing and Information System (IRIS)
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Program Description
IRIS is a web-based mechanism used by veterans and other VA Web site visitors to obtain information on specific areas of interest in the VA. The IRIS is also used to submit new inquiries, compliments, complaints and suggestions. A user may select any of the following options to obtain information:
- Locations (find a VA facility)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Education Benefits Inquiries
- Board of Veteran Appeals
- Ask a Question
- Toll Free Numbers for contacting VA
- FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests
- Paperwork Reduction Act Notice
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
To begin using IRIS, please visit the following location:
https://iris.custhelp.com/
My HealtheVet Website
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Program Description
If you are a veteran who receives medical care from a Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center, you can access your VA medical records online by using the My HealtheVet website. Along with the medical records, you will be able to access prescription refill information that you may need copies of if your originals are destroyed in a disaster.
General Program Requirements
You must currently be receiving medical care from the VA.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
To use HealtheVet, you must register on the VA webpage at:
https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/anonymous.portal?_nfpb=true&_nft...
For more information about this program, please call 877-222-8387 or visit:
http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
Native American Veterans Housing Loan Program
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Program Description
The Native American Direct Loan Program makes home loans available to eligible Native American veterans who wish to purchase, construct, or improve a home on Federal trust land. The home must be your primary residence. It's also possible to use the program to re-finance an existing Native American Direct Loan.
General Program Requirements
Native Americans who may qualify for these loans must be:
- Enrolled in an American Indian tribe or Alaskan Native village, a Pacific Islander or a Native Hawaiian; or be married to such a person.
- Veterans (including Reserve and National Guard members who were called to active duty) Veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Active duty service members.
- Current Reserve and Guard members (usually after 6 years of reserve service).
- Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
Application Process
The tribe must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with VA and provide VA with copies of the lease to be used (if tribal trust land) and tribal foreclosure ordinances. The Veteran completes the application, with VA's assistance, if necessary, and submits the application to VA. If approved, VA schedules the closing at the veteran's convenience. If it is a construction loan, VA makes staged disbursements, through escrow account, to the builder. Funds are disbursed upon approved progress inspections. More information on this may be found at http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/, including copies of model MOUs, leases, & foreclosure ordinances.
Program Contact Information
More information about the Native American Veteran Direct Loan Program is available at:
http://www.homeloans.va.gov/VAP26-93-1.htm
More information on establishing eligibility is available at:
http://www.homeloans.va.gov/eligibility.htm
You may also directly contact a regional loan center. Locations are listed at:
http://www.homeloans.va.gov/rlcweb.htm If you need to obtain your COE, contact a lender about obtaining your COE or download VA Form 26-1880, complete it and mail it (with proof of service) to our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center at:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
PO Box 20729
Winston-Salem, N.C. 27120
You can download the form at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
http://www.homeloans.va.gov/VAP26-93-1.htm
More information on establishing eligibility is available at:
http://www.homeloans.va.gov/eligibility.htm
You may also directly contact a regional loan center. Locations are listed at:
http://www.homeloans.va.gov/rlcweb.htm If you need to obtain your COE, contact a lender about obtaining your COE or download VA Form 26-1880, complete it and mail it (with proof of service) to our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center at:
VA Loan Eligibility Center
PO Box 20729
Winston-Salem, N.C. 27120
You can download the form at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
VA - Burial Benefits - Headstones and Markers for Placement in Private Cemeteries
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Program Description
The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation.The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) National Cemetery Administration maintains 125 national cemeteries in 39 states (and Puerto Rico) as well as 33 soldier's lots and monument sites. To visit the webpage for the closest National Cemetery in your state just visit the website and select your state.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in any of our open cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casket remains.
Burial benefits for eligible spouses and dependents include burial with the veteran and perpetual care of the interment site. The spouse or dependent's name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the veteran's headstone at no cost to the family.
General Program Requirements
Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies while on active duty or any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may be eligible for burial in a National Cemetery.Certain National Guard and reserve members may also qualify.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
Length-of-service requirements apply in some cases.
Spouses and certain eligible dependents may also be buried in national cemeteries.
Pre-arrangement for burial at a National Cemetery is not allowed.
Application Process
Please read the instructions on the application form thoroughly. When military documents are available, completing the form should take approximately 15 minutes. You may either print the blank form or fill it in while online and print the filled out form ready for signatures. You may print an application form (VA Form 40-1330) through this web link:http://www.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA40-1330.pdf
To determine if the military or discharge documents you have are sufficient to verify eligibility and support your application, you may review a list of documents which can be used to establish honorable active duty military service at:
http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm/dischdocs.asp
Program Contact Information
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) website can be visited at:
http://www.cem.va.gov
You may review more specific information about the National Cemetery Administration headstone and marker program at:
http://www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp
If you need further assistance or have questions about inscription information you may call our Applicant Assistance Division at: 1-800-697-6947
http://www.cem.va.gov/hm_hm.asp
If you need further assistance or have questions about inscription information you may call our Applicant Assistance Division at: 1-800-697-6947
VA - Burial Benefits - Partial Reimbursement of Expenses
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Program Description
VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements for burial and funeral costs for eligible veterans. When the cause of death is not service-related, VA may be able to pay two modest allowances:
- One for burial and funeral expense, and
- One for the cemetery plot.
In some service-connected death cases, VA can pay a reimbursement for transportation costs.
General Program Requirements
To be eligible for this benefit, the veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.VA can pay a reimbursement only if the expenses for the funeral/burial have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source.
Generally, at least one of following additional eligibility criteria must also be met.
Reimbursement is possible if the veteran:
- Died because of a service-related disability;
- Was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death;
- Was entitled to receive VA compensation, but decided not to reduce his/her military retired pay;
- Died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract, or while in an approved state nursing home;
- Had a claim pending at the time of death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date of death; or
- Died while traveling, under proper authorization and at VA expense, to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
Application Process
To apply for the burial allowance, you must complete an Application for Burial Benefits (VA Form 21-530). You may download the form at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions about this benefit please call VA at this toll-free number:
1-800-827-1000
People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free TTY number:
1-800-829-4833
Additional information on this program may be obtained from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at: http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/burials/Burialeg_0508.doc The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) website can be visited at: http://www.vba.va.gov
1-800-827-1000
People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free TTY number:
1-800-829-4833
Additional information on this program may be obtained from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at: http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/burials/Burialeg_0508.doc The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) website can be visited at: http://www.vba.va.gov
VA - Burial Benefits - Presidential Memorial Certificates
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Program Description
A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans.
General Program Requirements
This benefit may not be requested for a living veteran.The veteran must have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.
Certain National Guard and reserve members may also qualify.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
Eligible recipients (those who may receive a Presidential Memorial Certificate) include the deceased veteran's next of kin and loved ones.
Requests for this benefit may only be submitted by an eligible recipient. An eligible recipient is the next of kin, a relative or a friend, or someone authorized to act on behalf of such relative or friend.
Application Process
When requesting a PMC, there is no form or format to use. A simple written request will suffice.Eligible recipients or their authorized agent may request a PMC using any one (1) of the three (3) methods listed below. Please only use one of the following methods:
1.Visit any VA regional office and speak with a representative.
2.Send a request by fax to 202-565-8054 or by mail to:
Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
3.Use the "Contact the VA" web link (on the top of the page) at:
http://www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp
All written or faxed requests must include a copy of the veterans' death certificate and a copy of the veterans' honorable discharge. Please do not provide original documents, as they cannot be returned.
Program Contact Information
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) website can be visited at:
http://www.cem.va.gov
VA - Burial Benefits - Veteran and Dependent Burial in VA National Cemeteries
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Program Description
The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation.The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) National Cemetery Administration maintains 125 national cemeteries in 39 states (and Puerto Rico) as well as 33 soldiers' lots and monument sites. To visit the closest National Cemetery to you, please visit the listed website in the Program Contact Information and select your state.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in any of our open cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.
Burial benefits are available for eligible spouses and dependents include burial with the veteran, perpetual care of the interment site. The spouse or dependent's name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the veteran's headstone at no cost to the family.
General Program Requirements
The following persons are eligible for this form of assistance:
- Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies while on active duty or any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may be eligible for burial in a National Cemetery.
- Certain National Guard and reserve members may also qualify.
- Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
- Spouses and certain eligible dependents may also be buried in national cemeteries.
Application Process
To confirm your eligibility for burial benefits at a national cemetery you may call your VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000. A Veterans Benefits Counselor will be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.
Program Contact Information
The mailing address is:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
Telephone: 1-800-827-1000
To find the closest National Cemetery to you, please visit: http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) website can be visited at: http://www.cem.va.gov
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
Telephone: 1-800-827-1000
To find the closest National Cemetery to you, please visit: http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) website can be visited at: http://www.cem.va.gov
VA Change of Address
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Program Description
If you receive medical treatment or a benefit payment from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and need to change your address because of a disaster, VA may be able to make the change over the phone or assist you in finding the address to mail a request to.
General Program Requirements
To be eligible for this form of assistance, you must currently receive medical treatment or a benefit payment from VA.
Application Process
In order to change your address for VA benefits payment purposes, you must either send a signed letter to the VA regional office with your records or call 1-800-827-1000.
Program Contact Information
To find the addresses of VA Regional Offices, go to:
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1
If you wish to change your address for MEDICAL ENROLLMENT AND/OR RECORDS purposes, please contact:
- the VA facility at which you receive treatment, or
- call the VA Health Benefits Service at:
1-877-222-8387
