There are numerous ways to apply for VA benefits depending on the type of benefit you are seeking. We encourage you to work with an accredited representative who can assist you with the claims process.
You can find and appoint or manage your accredited representative in eBenefits.
If you are a member of the armed forces serving on either active duty or full-time National Guard duty, you should apply through the VA Pre-discharge claim program before leaving service.
The best way to file for Veteran Readiness and Employment services is to apply online at va.gov/careers-employment. To submit a paper application, download and complete a VA Form 28-1900, "Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation" and mail it to your local regional office. You may also go to your local regional office and turn in your application for processing.
The best way to file for disability compensation is to apply online at www.va.gov/disability.
If you are a service connected Veteran, the fastest way to get your VA claim for increase processed, within 30 days or less, is by working with a Veterans Service Organization to apply for a Decision Ready Claim.
To submit a paper application, download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ, "Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits" and mail the application to:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Or, you can fax it to:
(844) 531-7818 (inside the U.S.)
(248) 524-4260 (outside the U.S.)
You can also go to your local regional office and turn in your application for processing.
For more information, visit the VA Compensation website.
Visit Applying for Compensation for more information on how to apply for compensation.
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, your military casualty assistance officer will help you to complete an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (VA Form 21P-534a). The officer will help you mail the form to the correct VA regional office.
Download VA Form 21P-534a (PDF)
If you’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ).
Download VA Form 21P-534EZ (PDF)
If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535).
Download VA Form 21P-535 (PDF)
You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways:
You can apply for pension benefits online at www.va.gov/pension.
To submit a paper application Pension benefits, download and complete VA Form 21P-527EZ, "Application for Pension" and mail it to the Pension Management Center that serves your state.
By mail
Fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21-534EZ).
Download VA Form 21-534EZ (PDF)
Mail it to the pension management center (PMC) for your state.
Find your PMC
In person
Bring your application to a VA regional office near you.
Find a VA regional office near you
With the help of a trained professional
You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for VA survivors pension benefits.
Get help filing your claim
The best way to apply for your education benefits is by going to www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/.
You can also apply for education benefits by doing any of the following options:
By mail
Call 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, to request that we send the application to you. Fill it out and mail it to the VA regional claims processing office that’s in the same location as your school.
See a list of regional claims processing offices
In person
Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee help you.
Find a VA regional office near you
Work with your school’s certifying official. This person is usually in the Registrar or Financial Aid office at the school.
With the help of a trained professional
You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for education benefits.
Get help filing your claim
For more information education benefits, v isit www.va.gov/education/.
You can apply for a home loan certificate of eligibility online using eBenefits.You may also apply for a home loan certificate of eligibility through your lender.
To apply by mail, download and complete VA Form 26-1880, "Request for Certificate of Eligibility" and send it to the Regional Loan Center that serves your state.
For more information on home loan benefits, visit the VA Home Loans website.
Download and complete VA Form 26-1817, "Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility - Unmarried Surviving Spouses. You can also call 1-877-827-3702 and follow the prompts for "Eligibility" and we will send the form to you.
Mail your completed application to the Regional Loan Center that serves your state.
For information about home loan benefits for survivors, v isit the VA Certificate of Eligibility web page.
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI): SGLI coverage is automatic. You do not need to apply. To designate beneficiaries, or reduce, decline or restore SGLI coverage, you must use either the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) or form SGLV 8286, "Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate.
To find out whether you should use SOES or to download the form visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/resources-forms.asp#sgli.
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI): To file for VGLI, you can apply online at eBenefits. You may also download and complete SGLV 8714, "Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance".
Mail your application to this address:
OSGLI
PO Box 41618
Philadelphia, PA 19176-9913
Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI): To decline, reduce, or restore FSGLI coverage, complete and file form SGLV 8286A, "Spouse Coverage Election and Certificate" with your branch of service.
To find out whether you should use SOES or to download the form visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/resources-forms.asp#fsgli.
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI): To file a claim for TSGLI, complete and file SGLV 8600, "Application for TSGLI Benefits" with your branch of service. Coverage for this benefit is automatic for all Servicemembers covered by SGLI.
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife): You can check your eligibility and apply online. When you apply, you'll need to submit your first premium payment.
For more information, visit VALife web page.
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): To file for VMLI, complete and submit VA Form 29-8636, "Application for Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance" to your Specially Adapted Housing Agent. The agent will help you complete your application.
Also, you must provide information about your current mortgage.