Before leaving military service – pre-discharge claims
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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.
Disability compensation benefits for Veterans
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The best way to file for disability compensation is to apply online at www.va.gov/disability.
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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 4444Janesville, WI 53547-4444Or, 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.
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For more information, visit the VA Compensation website.
Pension benefits for Veterans
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You can apply for pension benefits online at www.va.gov/pension.
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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.
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For more information, visit www.va.gov/pension/eligibility.
Pension benefits for survivors
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By mail
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Fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21-534EZ).
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Mail it to the pension management center (PMC) for your state.
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In person
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Bring your application to a VA regional office near you.
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With the help of a trained professional
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You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for VA survivors pension benefits.
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For more information, visit www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension.
Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits for service members and Veterans
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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.
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) benefits for spouses, dependents, and parents
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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.
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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).
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If you’re a surviving parent, fill out an Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s) (VA Form 21P-535).
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You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways:
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· Mail the form to the Pension Management Center (PMC) for your state.
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· Work with an accredited representative.
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· Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee.
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For more information, visit the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC).