Top 10 most-missed veteran benefits

Most of these cost nothing, but nearly every one has a clock. Get free help from an accredited VSO rep, and never pay anyone for help with a first claim. In crisis? Dial 988, then press 1.

1. Disability compensation

   Tax-free monthly pay for service-connected conditions.

   What people miss: File for everything documented in your STRs (hearing/tinnitus, back, knees, sleep, mental health); PACT Act presumptives for burn pits/Agent Orange.

   Timing: BDD: file 180-90 days before separation. File within 1 year of discharge to get pay back-dated to the day after discharge. Intent to file holds your effective date for 1 year.

   Official page

2. Intent to File (ITF)

   Locks in a potential start date for disability/pension benefits while you gather evidence.

   What people miss: Takes minutes online and can be worth months of back pay.

   Timing: You have 1 year from the ITF to submit the full claim or the date is lost.

   Official page

3. VGLI (Veterans' Group Life Insurance)

   Converts SGLI to renewable term life after separation.

   What people miss: Apply within 240 days of separation and no health questions are asked. SGLI keeps you covered free for 120 days after separation.

   Timing: Apply within 1 year and 120 days of separation; after the 240-day point you must show good health.

   Official page

4. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Ch. 33)

   Tuition, housing allowance (E-5 w/dep BAH at school ZIP) and books stipend.

   What people miss: Housing allowance is the big money; online-only school pays half the national average. Transfer to dependents must be done while still serving with a service obligation.

   Timing: Separated on/after 1/1/2013: benefit does not expire (Forever GI Bill). Transfer (TEB) only while in uniform.

   Official page

5. Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E, Ch. 31)

   Training, education and job help for veterans with a service-connected disability; can pay tuition and a subsistence allowance.

   What people miss: Can be used before or instead of the GI Bill, and may preserve GI Bill entitlement. Service members awaiting discharge can apply.

   Timing: Basic eligibility period is typically 12 years from separation or first rating notice ⚠ verify (PACT/2023 changes removed it for some).

   Official page

6. VA home loan guaranty

   No down payment, no PMI loans through private lenders.

   What people miss: Funding fee is waived for veterans receiving disability compensation (and for pre-discharge rated members). Entitlement can be reused.

   Timing: Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) early; a pending claim later approved can earn a funding-fee refund.

   Official page

7. Arizona: property tax exemption (disabled veterans)

   Reduces assessed value on primary residence.

   What people miss: 100% service-connected now fully exempt starting tax year 2026 (A.R.S. 42-11111, per secondary source); others get $4,873 x rating%.

   Timing: File annually with county assessor (Maricopa: by Feb 28 / waiver to Sep 1).

   Official page

8. Texas: Hazlewood Act

   Up to 150 credit hours tuition exemption at Texas public colleges.

   What people miss: Unused hours can transfer to a child (Legacy Program). Must use federal GI Bill first where it covers tuition.

   Timing: Apply each term with the school; Legacy child must be 25 or under.

   Official page

9. DoD SkillBridge

   Civilian internships/training during the last up to 180 days of service while drawing military pay.

   What people miss: Command approval is the bottleneck; start the request 9-12 months out.

   Timing: Last 180 days of service only.

   Official page

10. Military OneSource

    Free counseling and financial/legal consults.

    What people miss: Free tax filing (MilTax) and counseling during transition year.

    Timing: Up to 1 year after separation.

    Official page

Leaving soon? Use the leaving-the-service timeline. Logging in to file? See VA.gov sign-in help.