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VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers

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Learn about VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers of Veterans and service members.
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As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training. As the survivor of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for added benefits, including help with burial costs and survivor compensation.

If you’re caring for a Veteran, you may also be eligible for support to help you better care for the Veteran—and for yourself. Find out which benefits you may qualify for and how to access them.


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How do I get help for a Veteran who’s in crisis?
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Find out how to get support anytime, day or night
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If you’re concerned about a Veteran in crisis, connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.

To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:

If you’re concerned about a Veteran who’s homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You or the Veteran can talk privately with a trained VA counselor for free.

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Benefits for spouses, dependents, and survivors
Health care
Find out if you may qualify for health care through our CHAMPVA program, the Department of Defense's TRICARE program, or one of our programs related to a Veteran's service-connected disability. If you already have health care through VA, learn how to manage your health and benefits. <br/><b>For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child</b>
Education and training
Find out if you may be eligible for help paying for school or job training through our Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance Program (also called Chapter 35) or the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. And learn about how a Veteran may transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to you. <br/><b>For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child</b>
Employment
Find out how to get free educational and career counseling if you're a dependent family member who is eligible for VA education benefits. <br/><b>For spouse, dependent child</b>
Home loan programs or financial counseling
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for VA home loan programs to buy, build, repair, or refinance a home. Or, if you're having trouble making mortgage payments on a VA-backed loan, get help to avoid foreclosure and keep your house. <br/><b>For surviving spouse</b>
Life insurance options, claims, and beneficiary assistance
Learn how to apply for Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) coverage, explore other coverage options, and manage an existing policy. If you're the beneficiary of a Veteran's or service member's policy, find out how to get free financial advice and will preparation services. <br/><b>For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child</b>
Pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery
Apply in advance for eligiblity to be buried in a VA national cemetery. This can help you plan ahead to make the burial process easier for your family in their time of need. <br/><b>For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child</b>
Burial benefits and memorial items
Get step-by-step guidance on how to plan a burial in a VA national cemetery, or in a state or tribal government Veterans cemetery. You can also apply for help paying for burial costs, request memorial items, and learn about bereavement (grief) counseling and transition support. <br/><b>For surviving spouse, surviving child, surviving parent</b>
Survivors Pension
If you're the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran with wartime service, find out if you're eligible for monthly pension benefits. <br/><b>For surviving spouse, surviving child</b>
Compensation for surviving spouse and dependents (DIC)
If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, find out how to apply for this tax-free monetary benefit. <br/><b>For surviving spouse, surviving child, surviving parent</b>
Support and services for caregivers of Veterans
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
Learn more about eligibility for this program and how to apply. The program offers support and services for family caregivers of eligible Veterans who were seriously injured in the line of duty and meet other eligibility requirements.
The Program of General Caregiver Support Services
Find out how to get resources, education, and support available to caregivers of eligible Veterans from all eras. For this program, the Veteran doesn't need to have a service-connected condition, for which the caregiver is needed, and may have served during any era. We don't require a formal application for this program.
More resources for those supporting a Veteran or service member
VA Fiduciary Program
Find out how to apply to become a fiduciary who manages benefits for a Veteran who can't manage their financial affairs because of injury, health conditions, or age.
Fisher House Program
Learn about free, temporary accommodations where you can stay to be near a Veteran or active-duty service member who's receiving treatment in a VA health facility far from home.
Coaching into Care
Connect with a licensed psychologist or social worker for guidance on how to support a Veteran who's readjusting to civilian life, dealing with mental health problems, or wanting to find services through VA or the community.
Related Links
Help a Veteran find benefits
VA health care for Veterans
Health care benefits and online health management tools for Veterans with service-connected disabilities or who meet other eligibility requirements
Disability compensation
Monthly payments and online benefit management tools for conditions related to military service
Veterans Pension
Monthly payments for wartime Veterans with limited or no income who meet certain age and disability requirements
Housing assistance for Veterans and service members
Home loan programs for Veterans and service members, and disability housing grants to help Veterans with service-connected disabilities make changes to their home so they can live as independently as possible
Life insurance
Life insurance options and online policy management tools for Veterans and their families
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VA Caregiver Support Program
Support Services
VA benefits hotline:
Caregiver support line:
MyVA411 main information line:
If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 711.
VACO
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Family member benefits
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Learn about the benefits you may qualify for as a spouse, dependent, or survivor. And find out what you're eligible for as a family member caring for a Veteran with disabilities.
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Family member benefits