Veterans gain access to extensive federal and state support after separation, retirement, or upon reaching a disability status.

Benefits range across:

• Education
• Housing
• Healthcare
• Financial programs
• Employment support
• Assistance for dependents

Many programs are national in scope, while others are administered by individual states, including options offered in Maryland.

Careful review of eligibility rules helps veterans secure programs designed to ease their transition into civilian life and long-term stability.

Education Benefits

Education programs create vital pathways for veterans building careers after service. GI Bill options, vocational programs, and support for dependents each meet different needs.

GI Bill (Post-9/11 & Montgomery GI Bill)

Strong access to education often begins with GI Bill programs, since many veterans aim to build new careers after service.

Coverage levels remove much of the financial burden that would otherwise fall on students, especially those seeking degrees or advanced credentials.

Expanded support comes through full tuition coverage for public institutions and capped private-school support, along with housing and material stipends that ease cost-of-living pressures.

Meaningful figures connected to GI Bill use include:

• Up to 100% tuition coverage for public institutions
• $27,120 as the 2023–2024 cap for private programs
• $1000 per academic year for books and supplies

Eligibility often requires at least 36 months of active-duty service paired with an honorable discharge.

Veterans may use va.gov to apply, check eligibility, and compare school participation data through online comparison tools.

Many private colleges take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps fill tuition gaps not covered under the standard rate.

Vocational and Non-College Training

Many veterans pursue practical careers outside traditional academic settings.

Training programs in skilled trades and technical occupations qualify for VA-backed assistance.

Support applies to hands-on programs where job placement may come quickly after completion.

Programs range across:

• HVAC instruction
• Emergency medical training
• Commercial driving certifications
• Barber and beautician programs
• IT credentialing
• Structured apprenticeships

VET TEC gives strong backing for careers in software, cybersecurity, and other tech fields.

Employment partners that work with VET TEC often help graduates transition directly into paid positions.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

VR&E exists to support veterans whose service-connected disabilities create challenges in securing and maintaining suitable employment.

Guidance focuses on career planning, training, and long-term stability.

Many participants use VR&E to switch career paths after discovering that previous training or experience no longer fits their health capabilities.

Support under VR&E includes:

• Tuition assistance for approved programs
• Personalized career counseling
• Job placement guidance
• Resume preparation and employment readiness services

Eligibility begins at a 10% service-connected disability rating combined with a serious employment handicap.

Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA – Chapter 35)

DEA gives family members access to education benefits when a veteran cannot work due to permanent and total disability or dies because of service-related conditions.

Spouses and children can pursue college degrees, vocational certificates, online programs, and GED preparation. DEA grants up to 35 months of funded education.

Many families rely on Chapter 35 to cover gaps not met by scholarships or state programs, especially when pursuing multi-year degree tracks.

Financial and Insurance Benefits

Financial programs protect long-term stability through insurance, supplemental payments, and debt relief options.

Life Insurance

Service members covered under SGLI may convert coverage to VGLI after leaving active duty. Limit options reach up to $500,000.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for S-DVI or RH coverage, offering life insurance options tailored to health limitations.

Civilian associations such as the Military Benefit Association may extend policies as high as $1,000,000 for eligible applicants.

Aid and Attendance

Aid and Attendance increases the monthly pension for veterans needing help with daily activities, in-home care, long-term care, or assisted living.

Situations involving a family looking for a private caregiver fall under this category as well, since financial support can offset costs tied to hiring personal assistance

Benefits may cover in-home care, assisted living, or long-term care arrangements.

Important payment amounts include:

• Up to $27,195 per year for couples
• Up to $17,538 per year for surviving spouses

Student Loan Forgiveness

Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, along with those approved for TDIU, may qualify for full discharge of federal student loans.

Relief can apply to undergraduate, graduate, and professional student debt.

Housing and Home Loan Benefits

Housing stability remains essential for veterans building civilian lives. Assistance programs reduce financial barriers, lower interest costs, and support modifications for disabilities.

VA-Backed Home Loans

VA home loan programs play a major role in helping veterans enter homeownership.

No down payment requirement creates an immediate financial advantage when compared to a conventional mortgage, which often demands high upfront costs.

Lower interest rates and the absence of private mortgage insurance open the door to significant long-term savings.

A few notable figures highlight that savings:

• No down payment for eligible borrowers
• $82,400 as the average conventional down payment avoided
• No PMI requirement, which often reduces monthly obligations

Eligibility requires a Certificate of Eligibility. National Guard and Reserve members follow specific service rules to qualify.

Funding Fee Exemption

Many borrowers must pay a VA funding fee that helps sustain the program, but veterans with at least a 10% service-connected disability rating are exempt.

That exemption can remove thousands of dollars from closing costs, making homeownership more accessible.

Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans

Adapted housing grants support independent living when disabilities affect mobility or basic home use. SAH, SHA, and TRA grants each fill different needs depending on the level of modification required.

Important grant amounts for 2024 include:

• SAH: up to $117,014
• SHA: up to $23,444
• TRA: up to $47,130 for temporary adaptations

Grants may support the construction of accessible entrances, widened doorways, bathroom modifications, and technology that improves daily living.

Maryland-Specific Housing Benefits

Maryland extends additional benefits to state residents with severe disability ratings.

Support includes a property tax exemption for veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, significantly lowering ongoing housing costs.

Complimentary lifetime vehicle registration is also available for eligible veterans.

Assistance can be arranged through Maryland’s Department of Veterans and Military Families.

Programs for Homeless Veterans

Immediate assistance is accessible through the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838.

Coordinated programs focus on shelter, health care access, mental health support, substance-use treatment, and job placement.

Transitional housing and long-term stabilization resources are also part of VA community partnerships.

Health Care Benefits

Health programs for veterans include clinical care, preventive services, mental health counseling, surgical procedures, and support for chronic conditions.

VA Health Care System

Enrollment in VA health care assigns veterans to one of eight priority groups.

Group 1 applies to those rated at 100% disability, granting the highest level of cost-free care.

Copays are waived at a 50% rating, and full coverage applies at a 100% rating.

Services span routine appointments along with specialized treatments for chronic, urgent, and service-connected issues.

Care categories frequently used include:

• Primary and specialty medical care
• Mental health and counseling services
• Emergency and preventive treatment
• Prosthetics and medical equipment support

Dental, vision, and hearing benefits extend to veterans with a full disability rating.

CHAMPVA for Dependents

Dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or deceased as a result of service may receive CHAMPVA coverage.

Cost-sharing rules maintain affordability through a 50-dollar annual deductible per person and a $3000 annual limit per family.

CHAMPVA covers most medically necessary services at 75% after the deductible requirements are met.

TRICARE

Military retirees and eligible dependents may qualify for TRICARE, covering inpatient care, outpatient appointments, prescription drugs, and, in certain plans, dental treatments.

Eligibility depends on retirement status and specific service categories.

Disability Compensation

Disability compensation provides monthly tax-free payments to veterans with service-connected conditions. Ratings range across multiple levels and determine payment amounts.

Monthly VA Compensation

Monthly compensation supports veterans living with service-connected conditions that affect daily life or employment capability.

Payments are tax-free and increase as disability ratings rise. Ratings span 10% to 100% and cover both mental and physical conditions.

Important compensation ranges include:

• $171 per month at a 10% rating
• $4,433 per month for a veteran with dependents at a 100% rating

Conditions such as PTSD, tinnitus, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory issues, migraines, and hearing loss commonly form the basis for compensation claims.

Most Claimed Disabilities (2023)

A set of conditions regularly appears at the top of VA claim statistics.

These conditions often develop during service due to noise exposure, physical strain, or traumatic experiences.

Figures from 2023 claims include:

• Tinnitus: 24.9%
• PTSD: 23.2%
• Hearing loss: 18.3%
• Scars: 9.7%
• Back and neck strain: 7.7%
• Migraine: 6.9%

TDIU

Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability is designed for veterans unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected impairments.

Compensation pays at the 100% rate even when a veteran’s combined disability rating is lower.

Applications require VA Form 21-8940 and supporting evidence showing employment limitations.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

SMC increases compensation for veterans with severe disabilities that require additional assistance or involve specific functional loss.

Conditions may include loss of use of limbs, blindness, or the need for aid in daily living tasks.

Maryland Disability Benefits

Maryland supplements federal support through state-level benefits such as a clothing allowance for veterans whose conditions damage clothing, automobile grants, dental and education support for dependents, free access to state parks, and lifetime hunting and fishing licenses.

Employment and Job Training

Employment assistance reduces obstacles veterans face after service separation. Programs focus on skill development, federal hiring opportunities, and entrepreneurship.

Federal Employment Preference

Federal agencies give preference to qualified veterans during hiring.

A 10-point preference often applies to disabled veterans, making it easier to advance through competitive hiring stages.

Some applicants may qualify for non-competitive appointments or Direct Hire Authority positions based on experience and disability status.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

VR&E expands beyond education by offering career preparation, job-seeking coaching, and connections to employers seeking veteran talent.

Participants may receive internship placement support and targeted skills training aligned with labor-market needs.

Small Business Support

Veterans interested in entrepreneurship gain access to SBA-backed loans, government contracting programs, and mentorship networks that help new business owners navigate licensing, financial planning, and business expansion.

Final Thoughts

Veterans have access to a broad set of programs designed to support civilian life, family stability, and long-term well-being.

Federal and state benefits often overlap, creating additional value for those who qualify.

Research tools such as the GI Bill Comparison Tool, VA Disability Calculator, and guidance from accredited Veteran Service Officers help veterans secure every benefit available.