Other benefits for Veterans
Use this guide to find programs worth checking, understand what kind of help they offer, and go directly to official eligibility and application information.
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Some programs change your compensation rate, some provide a separate benefit, and others reimburse a qualifying expense or provide a service. None are automatically added to the calculator result.
To estimate regular compensation, use our VA disability pay calculator.
Which programs should I look at first?
- Service-connected needs or inability to work: check Special Monthly Compensation or Individual Unemployability.
- A separate disability program: review Social Security’s rules for SSDI.
- Specific costs: check travel reimbursement, clothing allowance, or adapted housing assistance.
- Care and education: review VA health care and GI Bill eligibility.
- Financial need after wartime service: explore Veterans Pension and compare it with compensation.
Nine programs to explore
These summaries were reviewed October 15, 2026. Use the linked official pages for current eligibility, evidence requirements, deadlines, and application steps.
Special Monthly Compensation
For Veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities or a qualifying need for daily personal help.
May provide a higher compensation rate for specific needs. Not included in this calculator.
Individual Unemployability
For Veterans whose service-connected disabilities prevent substantially gainful employment and who meet VA requirements.
May pay at the 100% rate even with a lower rating. It replaces the payment rate; it is not a second disability check.
Social Security Disability (SSDI)
For people who meet Social Security’s work-history and disability requirements.
You may receive SSDI and VA disability compensation together. A VA rating alone does not establish SSDI eligibility.
Health care travel pay
For eligible Veterans traveling to approved health care appointments; additional travel eligibility rules apply.
May reimburse mileage and qualifying travel expenses. Some expenses need advance approval.
Clothing allowance
For qualifying damage to clothing from a device or prescribed skin medicine used for a service-connected disability.
An annual payment to help replace affected clothing. Check the current requirements and application process.
Adapted housing grants
For Veterans with certain qualifying service-connected disabilities who need an accessible home.
May help buy, build, or adapt a home. Grant type and permitted uses depend on your circumstances.
VA health care
For Veterans who meet service and discharge requirements; other enrollment rules and exceptions may apply.
Access medical care, prescriptions, and related services. Costs depend on your eligibility and priority group.
GI Bill benefits
For eligible Veterans pursuing approved education or training. Your service and program determine eligibility.
May help with tuition, books, and housing. What is paid—and to whom—depends on the program and enrollment.
Veterans Pension
For qualifying wartime Veterans who meet age or disability requirements and income and net-worth limits.
An alternative to VA disability compensation, not an extra payment on top of it. The two cannot be received at the same time.
Which payments can overlap?
SSDI and VA disability compensation may be received together if you separately qualify for both programs. A VA rating alone does not establish Social Security eligibility. Read SSA’s Veteran guidance ↗.
Individual Unemployability can pay compensation at the 100% level while your rating stays the same; it is not a second regular disability check. Review VA’s IU rules ↗.
VA pension and disability compensation cannot be paid at the same time. VA explains that if you qualify for both, it pays the greater benefit. Compare pension and compensation ↗.
Before you apply
- Open the official program page and check its current eligibility requirements.
- Follow its instructions for evidence, forms, deadlines, and submission.
- Review whether another benefit affects the amount or payment arrangement.
Your state may offer additional programs. Find your state Veterans affairs office ↗.
This guide is educational. It does not screen applicants, submit claims, or determine eligibility.