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As the proud representative of a Congressional district with more than 60,000 veterans, I want to make sure that all of America's heroes receive the full benefits that they have earned. If you are a local veteran and have questions about which benefits you qualify for, please do not hesitate to call my office for assistance. The information highlights some of the Veterans Administrations' many services and benefits.
How can I get education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill?
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is available for those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. MGIB encompasses both the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (Chapter 30) and The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606). Under Chapter 30, Active Duty members enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months; and are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation. Under Chapter 1606, a reservist must be actively drilling and have a 6-year obligation in the Selected Reserve to be eligible.
Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, veterans who have served at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, 2001 and received an honorable discharge qualify for education benefits. To qualify for the full benefit, a veteran must have served at least 3 years of active duty after September 10, 2001. Those who qualify for the Active Duty GI Bill, the Reserve GI Bill or REAP can choose which benefit best suits their need. For more information, click here.
How can I get medical benefits?
Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To view the Federal Benefits for Veterans Affairs booklet containing a summary of these benefits effective Jan. 1, 2010, click here.
To apply for enrollment in the VA health care system, or for nursing home, domiciliary or dental benefits, applicants must fill out a 10-10EZ form . This form is electronic and will be sent directly to the VA health care system.
How can I get a home loan?
Veterans can apply for a VA loan with any mortgage lender that participates in the VA home loan program. During the application process, applicants will need to get a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA to prove to the lender that you are eligible for a VA loan. For more information on VA loans, click here.
How can I get life insurance?
For complete details on government life insurance, visit the VA Life Insurance site here or call the VA's insurance Center toll-free at 1-800-669-8477. Specialists are available between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., ET to discuss premium payments, insurance dividends, address changes, policy loans, naming beneficiaries and reporting the death of the insured.
If your insurance policy number is not known, send whatever information in available, such as the veterans VA file number, date of birth, Social Security number, military serial number or military service branch and dates of service to:
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Regional Office and Insurance Center
- Box 42954
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101
How can I get vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits?
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess Program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities in preparing for, finding, and keeping suitable jobs. For Veterans with service-connected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VetSuccess offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible. For more information visit the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service website.
How can I get a copy of my military records?
The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) is the repository of millions of military personnel, health, and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services during the 20th century.
- National Personnel Records Center
- Military Personnel Records
- 9700 Page Avenue
- St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
How can I apply for a medal, award or decoration I earned while in the service?
Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. However, for Air Force (including Army Air Corps) and Army personnel, the National Personnel Records Center will verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forward the request with the verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the medals.
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