U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
You may be eligible for 8 forms of assistance.
Forms of Assistance without Online Applications
Inquiry Routing and Information System (IRIS)
Show DetailsProgram Description
The Inquiry Routing and Information System (IRIS) is a web-based inquiry management tool used by veterans and other Veterans Affairs (VA) website visitors to obtain general information on VA benefits and other areas of interest relative to VA. The system may be used to obtain information about specific benefits claims. Users may also submit compliments, complaints, and suggestions via IRIS. Any of the following options may be used 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
There is no application process to access IRIS. Users must complete a web form to ask questions. To begin using IRIS, please visit https://iris.custhelp.com.Program Contact Information
For technical issues with IRIS, please visit:https://iris.custhelp.com/
My HealtheVet Website
Show DetailsProgram 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 use if your originals are destroyed in a disaster.General Program Requirements
You must currently be receiving medical care from the VA.Application Process
To use HealtheVet, you must register on the VA webpage at http://www.myhealth.va.gov/.Program Contact Information
For more information about this program, please call 1-877-222-8387.
Native American Veterans Housing Loan Program
Show DetailsProgram Description
The Native American Direct Loan Program makes home loans available to eligible Native American veterans. This loan can be used to purchase, construct, or improve a home on Native American trust land. The home must be your primary residence. It is 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
If you are inquiring about a new loan, please contact the VA Loan Eligibility Center at 1-888-244-6711.If you have questions about your existing VA loan, or are a veteran having difficulties paying a non-VA loan, please contact your local Regional Loan Center at http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/rlcweb.asp. You may also call your Regional Loan Center at 1-877-827-3702.
If you know that your tribe has already entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the VA, obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Some lenders may be able to help you obtain your COE. If your lender cannot help you obtain your COE you can obtain your COE directly from the VA. To obtain your COE online, use the eBenefits website, https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/. To obtain your COE by mail, print out VA Form 26-1880. To have a blank VA Form 26-1880 mailed to you call 1-888-768-2132.
Once you have obtained your COE you may contact your local housing authority or the VA loan servicing office for your area. The appropriate VA office can be found at http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/rlcweb.asp.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions about the eBenefits website or need help using the website, you may call the eBenefits Help Desk Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at 1-800-983-0937. More information about the Native American Veteran Direct Loan Program is available at:
http://www.vba.va.gov/ro/phoenixlgy/NADL%20Info%20Sheet.htm
http://www.vba.va.gov/ro/phoenixlgy/NADL%20Info%20Sheet.htm
VA - Burial Benefits - Headstones and Markers for Placement in Private Cemeteries
Show DetailsProgram 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 131 national cemeteries in 39 states (and Puerto Rico) as well as 33 soldier's lots and monument sites.
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/hmm/discharge_documents.asp
Program Contact Information
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 The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) website can be visited at:http://www.cem.va.gov
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 The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) website can be visited at:http://www.cem.va.gov
VA - Burial Benefits - Partial Reimbursement of Expenses
Show DetailsProgram 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
Show DetailsProgram 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
Show DetailsProgram Description
The National Cemetery Administration honors Veterans and their families with final resting places and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation.The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration maintains 131 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico as well as 33 soldier's lots and monument sites.
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 a burial allowance. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.
Burial benefits available 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.
To schedule a burial fax the discharge papers to 1-866-900-6417 and follow-up with a phone call to 1-800-535-1117.
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.Veterans whose only active duty service was for training while in the National Guard or Reserves are not eligible unless there are special circumstances (e.g., death while on duty or as a result of training).
Persons with 20 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves who are entitled to retired pay are also eligible for a government headstone or marker. A copy of the Reserve Retirement Eligibility Benefits Letter must accompany the application. Active duty service (other than active duty for training) while in the National Guard or Reserves also establishes eligibility.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and Veterans, once discharged.
Any deceased Veteran discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces under conditions other than dishonorable is eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker. Service after Sept. 7, 1980, as an enlisted person or after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum of 24 consecutive months or be completed under special circumstances (e.g., death on active duty or discharge resulting from injury).
Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services the Veteran/Servicemember's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, dishonorable and other discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.
Spouses and certain eligible dependents may also be buried in national cemeteries.
Pre-arrangement for burial at a National Cemetery is available.
Application Process
Requests for burial in a VA National Cemetery cannot be made via the Internet.For more information, visit:
http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/
For a list of National Cemeteries by state, visit:
http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp
Funeral homes that are assisting families during their time of need can contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office to make arrangements for burial and/or inurnment and a committal service. To schedule a burial, fax the discharge papers to 1-866-900-6417 and follow-up with a phone call to 1-800-535-1117. Direct contact with a veteran's family during the difficult days surrounding a loved one's death is usually not necessary until the family arrives at the cemetery for the committal service.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions:
- Visit https://iris.custhelp.com/ to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask a question on-line
- Call 1-800-827-1000
- Call 1-800-829-4833, if you are hearing impaired
VA Change of Address
Show DetailsProgram 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 be currently enrolled in the VA medical system, receiving VA medical treatment or assistance, or receiving 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 that manages your records, or call 1-800-827-1000.To find the addresses of VA Regional Offices, go to http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=3.
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.
You may find the address and other contact information of your VA medical facility at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1.
Program Contact Information
To view contact information for the agency that administers this benefit go to: http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isflash=1