The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to present the “2026 VA Federal Benefits Guide for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers.”

Don’t know what VA benefits and care are available? Not sure which you’re eligible for? The annual Federal Benefits Guide provides information on benefits and services currently available by law and regulation.

The updated handbook contains a comprehensive listing of VA programs, including phone numbers and websites for easy reference. The Federal Benefits Guide hosts a wealth of information on most VA benefits and services, including:

  • Compensation
  • Life insurance
  • Pension and fiduciary services
  • Education benefits
  • Economic development and employment
  • Home loan guaranty programs and housing assistance
  • Mental health resources

The handbook will help Veterans, service members and their families understand the full scope of available VA resources so that they can make the most of life after service. It provides details on eligibility requirements for each benefit, and because VA serves different generations of Veterans, outlines the qualification guidelines for distinct periods of service to clarify eligibility for Veterans with service spanning both peace and wartime periods.

The VA Federal Benefits Guide is available in both print and digital formats. Veterans and family members can access the booklet on VA’s website, providing instant and convenient access to the wealth of information it contains. A limited number of printed copies may be available at your local medical center, Vet Center or regional office. To find the nearest VA facility, go to www.va.gov/find-locations.

The information in this guide is validated by VA as of Oct. 10, 2026. For the most up-to-date information, Veterans and family members should visit www.va.gov, or go to the specific links provided in this publication to access information on the program that they are interested in, as regulations, payments and eligibility requirements are subject to change. You can also call VA at 800-827-1000 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to speak with a representative.

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

71 Comments

  1. John October 16, 2026 at 12:05 - Reply

    Would like a hardcopy I like reading and highlighting so I can think is it possible to get one of asked this before and never got anywhere sincerely John

  2. Rita Tanksley October 16, 2026 at 10:15 - Reply

    Does anyone provide legal family attorney?

  3. Dana Kerby October 16, 2026 at 09:43 - Reply

    I would like to have a printed copy of the Champ VA guide and the VA Benefit Guide. I have repeatedly requested these with no response or success.

    • George Hoag October 16, 2026 at 11:47 - Reply

      I would like the printed form, please

  4. ken Tingley October 16, 2026 at 08:48 - Reply

    Does this come in a PDF?

  5. Melvin Watson October 15, 2026 at 23:04 - Reply

    I need to add a dependent to my claim which already ? percent where can I get that form

  6. Melvin Watson October 15, 2026 at 23:03 - Reply

    I need to add a dependent to my claim which already ? percent where can I get that fo

  7. Richard Barnard October 15, 2026 at 21:13 - Reply

    I don’t believe this is going to be of much help, once again you have started with preconceived notions of what questions a veteran may ask . It is fine to start with the most common, the problem, you don’t give any one anywhere to ask the question they have, if it is not listed.

  8. LaVerne G Smikrud October 15, 2026 at 19:24 - Reply

    It’s great that the new information is now available. However, I wish it was available in book form via the postal system. It is inconvenient for some of us disabled vets to get a copy at a VA facility because we can’t drive or because of the distance. Also, many of us aren’t computer savvy or don’t have the facilities to download and print the information. I will contact my local Vets Service Office to see if I can obtain a copy through them.

  9. douglas d morehouse October 15, 2026 at 15:59 - Reply

    i there a porgram that helps with replacement roof for my home

  10. James M. Moran October 15, 2026 at 15:54 - Reply

    Provide a link online next time so I can get a copy for my DAV office and one for myself.

    James M. Moran DAV Chapter 2< Lawrence, MA Service officer and trustee.

    [Editor: There is a hyperlink in the first sentence and an unlinked URL in the second to last paragraph.]

  11. Anthony Georges October 15, 2026 at 13:44 - Reply

    As mentioned in the VA News that I received in an email, I went to the VA.Gov website, signed-in, and searched for the “Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors” publication…over 900 results were returned, which I believe is an entirely unreasonable number to expect users to search through. Please fix or let me know of a better way to view the publication I’m interested in. (AND YOU COULD PROVIDE A LITTLE HELPFUL CLARITY WITH QUESTIONS LIKE – ENTER THE URL!)
    Thank you,
    AGeorges

    [Editor: The URL is hyperlinked in the first sentence and, for screen readers, is un-linked and spelled out in the second to last paragraph. Go to https://department.va.gov/get-started/ and click on the benefits guide.]

  12. James H October 15, 2026 at 13:23 - Reply

    Can you guys not read the article? – The VA Federal Benefits Guide is available in both print and digital formats. Veterans and family members can access the booklet on VA’s website, providing instant and convenient access to the wealth of information it contains. A limited number of printed copies may be available at your local medical center, Vet Center or regional office. To find the nearest VA facility, go to http://www.va.gov/find-locations.

  13. Scott Rogers October 15, 2026 at 12:32 - Reply

    As a 100% disabled veteran, I want the VA to order ALL the states to exempt us from paying state property taxes without an income cap or threshold applied or a limit on the value of our property. State property taxes are killing us!

  14. James A Love October 15, 2026 at 12:07 - Reply

    As usual, ZERO benefits for me!

  15. Arthur F Smith, Jr October 15, 2026 at 11:43 - Reply

    Are there any programs that a79 year old Vet can take for Jobs Training so he can increase monthly income? I have not been able to qualify to be paid disability payments. I have ingerys that happened while i was in service but i keep getting rejected. I have ok health. Will I hear from VA for some help ASAP . I have trouble paying my monthly expences each month. I miss payments on bill each, please I need food Stamps, eating healthy food i was turned down for food stamps. Please help me.

    • Dakota Wolff October 16, 2026 at 11:03 - Reply

      Call the VA Main # 1-800-827-1000 to ask questions. I also suggest using a veterans service organization like VFW , or DAV or AMVETS as a power of attorney to at least get service-connected for Tinnitus ( ringing of the ears and hearing loss) It is the EASIEST to prove and can’t DISprove, and it is 10% service connection, which will open other services for you. Also, they will assist you in getting OTHER service connections for other disabilities. They know all the best ways to help you. Find a VSO in your area. Best of luck ?

  16. William Dawson October 15, 2026 at 11:38 - Reply

    I am a Vet, I served during the Viet Nam era. I worked part of my career in the VA hospital system and retired from that system in 2006. Several times I have tried to obtain medical service from the VA hospitals but was told I make too much money. What about Congress who uses government services and has little risk to bodily harm.

  17. Mary Ella Cole October 15, 2026 at 11:22 - Reply

    I would love to have a book of the VA benefits guide if possible.
    I am a surviving spouse of a veteran.

  18. Richard Dudman October 15, 2026 at 11:11 - Reply

    I would like a printed copy of the Benefits Guide.
    Thank You.

  19. MARK Stephens October 15, 2026 at 11:03 - Reply

    I would like a hard copy of the benefits guide sent to me if possible and thank you so much.

  20. Dennis C Knudsen October 15, 2026 at 10:39 - Reply

    I hope I won’t be insulting anybody’s intelligence with this response but if you happen to be a senior citizen like myself, my comment might be of value.

    Instead of waiting for the “maybe” “maybe not”, ability to order and RECEIVE a printed copy of the new benefits guide, you might be able to do what I did. I downloaded the new guide to my laptop/desktop computer. I then sent it to my desktop printer and printed a hard copy. If you don’t have a printer, find someone who does. You can take your laptop to that person or copy the document to a “thumb drive” (also called a flash drive) and then take that thumb drive to your friend or to a company like “FedEx or Kinkos or Office Max” and have them print the document. Doing it yourself eliminates the frustration of waiting for the government to catch up. You can purchase thumb drives at Office Max, Walmart and just about any other department store.

  21. Amanda Schroeder October 15, 2026 at 10:24 - Reply

    Just FYI, there is a typo: the article says the guide was validated 10-6-2024, but inside the guide it says 10-6-2026.

  22. John Armstrong October 15, 2026 at 10:23 - Reply

    What will be the increase for 40%

  23. Félix R Amézquita October 15, 2026 at 09:39 - Reply

    As a veteran, I would like to have a printed booklet copy of VA benefits. Thank You.

  24. John K October 15, 2026 at 09:32 - Reply

    I called VA Benefits & the lady said w/ cutbacks they only have the PDF edition, but mentioned we can obtain a hard copy for $10 from the Gov’t Publishing Office Bookstore here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/search/products?keywords=veterans+benefits+guide
    I searched “2026 veterans benefits guide” on the Gov’t Bookstore’s site (top right) and saw last year’s edition populate 1st on the left. So I called the Gov’t Bookstore’s number at 1-866-512-1800 and the lady at the store said they don’t have the 2026 edition available “yet”, to check back in 30 days, that they “may have it available at by the end of the year”, “but” they don’t always have each year’s edition. Notice I have quotes on key words here. Apparently they may or may not have a hard copy, so I wouldn’t expect they will (just my thoughts). Hope this helps everyone who also wants one.

  25. Tim Pickett October 15, 2026 at 09:08 - Reply

    am I able to get a printed booklet sent to me
    VA Federal Benefits Guide for Veterans .

  26. Kresek John H October 15, 2026 at 09:02 - Reply

    I would like to get a printed copy of VA benefits because I don’t remember things for long

  27. JOHN H. MILNE JR. October 15, 2026 at 08:52 - Reply

    PLEASE SEND A COPY OF THE VA BENEFITS TO OUR HOME. MY HUSBAND IS TOTALLY DISABLED AND RARELY COMES TO HIS COMPUTER. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT . THANK YOU.

  28. Robert Justice October 15, 2026 at 08:35 - Reply

    I would like a book.

  29. David C Beauchamp October 15, 2026 at 08:26 - Reply

    WHAT IS THE BENEFIT GOING UP TO FOR 90%
    DAVID C. BEAUCHAMP US NAVY US ARMY

    • Cherylrose Budd October 15, 2026 at 20:07 - Reply

      Take your current benefit and on your calculator type : (current benefit) x 3.6% =
      That is your increase
      ex, if benefit is 1500 1500x 3.6%= $54

  30. Sharon Borthwick October 15, 2026 at 08:25 - Reply

    I would like a printed copy of the Benefits Guide.
    Thank You.

  31. Sharon Borthwick October 15, 2026 at 08:25 - Reply

    I would like a printed copy of the Benefits Guide.
    Thank You.

  32. Garland October 15, 2026 at 07:34 - Reply

    Thanks for this information. The VA has not been so great in letting veterans know about their benefits.
    Hopefully this is a step in the right direction to put in a veterans hands his or her benefits.
    Again, thanks.

  33. Mary Dickerson October 15, 2026 at 06:21 - Reply

    I would like the BTSSS system explained in an A B C form to follow when submitting travel reimbursement requests, and is there a way to log in to the system directly?

  34. Raymond E. Oyler October 15, 2026 at 02:50 - Reply

    Thank you VA.

  35. Michael V Davis October 15, 2026 at 00:28 - Reply

    I would love to have a current hard copy of the VA Benefits Guide. I’ll save my info below. Please contact me about how to get it. Or to supply you with the information you require to send me one.
    Thank you in advance.
    Michael V Davis Disabled Veteran at 90% service related. Again, thank you.

  36. Kirsten Cosme October 15, 2026 at 00:09 - Reply

    GET THESE PEOPLE A PRINTED COPY, please!!!!

  37. Ronald Mcadam October 15, 2026 at 00:06 - Reply

    The VA continues to expand electronic services to help veterans and their families access information and benefits. If not being able to read or upload documents see a local library or check with a veteran regional office to seek assistance. Also, information changes during the year and what was true weeks or months ago may not be true today. Stay on top of changing information by subscribing online to veteran news letters, veteran groups such as Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and veteran support groups. Data and electronic records make access easier for many veterans staying informed. Helping fellow veterans navigate the system are meaningful ways to protect those benefits and honor that service.

  38. Kenneth W Bruce October 14, 2026 at 23:57 - Reply

    Would like a printed copy of VA benefits…please send to Kenneth Bruce. Thank you.

  39. Brenda Jamison October 14, 2026 at 23:52 - Reply

    I am the new Commander for DAV Washington D.C. Department. I would definitely appreciate it if you were to send me a box the these new booklets so that they can be given to my next meeting as a department on Nov 21 2026. Most of my lifetime members are not computer savvy
    at all. Written material they can and will use. It will help them a lot..

  40. Bill Hilsher October 14, 2026 at 23:49 - Reply

    How can I obtain a printed copy? Thanks!

  41. Bernardo Garza October 14, 2026 at 23:48 - Reply

    I’m an old dinosaur that barely started using the web . And just like learning about web sites and for information and I too could use one of them books to learn about what I can qualify for. Thank you for helping all of us veterans. Proud to have served.

  42. William Conard October 14, 2026 at 23:38 - Reply

    1 would like a printed copy of the VA benefits

  43. Daniel Martinez October 14, 2026 at 22:53 - Reply

    Can you please send me information. I would appreciate it.

  44. Sheryl A Bartos October 14, 2026 at 22:39 - Reply

    I need to know what benefits are available to surviving spouses

  45. Richard Bellis October 14, 2026 at 21:34 - Reply

    I would like to get a printed copy of the new va benefits book mailed to me thank you

  46. Frank M Drew October 14, 2026 at 20:24 - Reply

    I would like to get a printed copy of VA , “The 2026 Veterans Benefits Guide”So I can read and share with my wife!!

    Thank You

  47. Angela Goggins October 14, 2026 at 19:16 - Reply

    I called about getting a copy sent to my home and was told they do not mail them out. You can pick up a copy at a VA Regional office (if they have them) or go online and purchase one from the federal government. Good luck everyone. I am not equipped to download and copy off a book in my home.

  48. Alan Crocker October 14, 2026 at 18:53 - Reply

    What I would like to see is veterans with 100 % disability, should be exempt from paying property taxes!

  49. Kenneth Barrett October 12, 2026 at 12:50 - Reply

    I would like to get a printed copy of VA benefits because I am not the most computer literate and can’t remember things for long periods. I would appreciate your assistance . Thank You.

    • Steve October 15, 2026 at 03:38 - Reply

      A librarian will help you KB

  50. Darin Collazo October 9, 2026 at 09:50 - Reply

    I operate a Veterans One Source Center in Grand Junction, CO called the Western Region One Source. We would love to have a box of these new booklets at our facility to distribute to our veterans. If you are able to send some, we would greatly appreciate it!

  51. MSgt Thompson October 7, 2026 at 15:10 - Reply

    “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
    First Amendment
    .

    “Each agency shall give an interested person the right to petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule.”
    5 USC 533(e)
    .

    “Advocacy. VA employees will be truly veteran-centric by identifying, fully considering, and appropriately advancing the interests of veterans and other beneficiaries.”
    38 CFR 0.601(c)
    .

    “Each guidance document must clearly and prominently state that it does not bind the public.”
    38 CFR 5.15(a)
    .

    “A member of the public wishing to petition for withdrawal or modification of a guidance document may submit such petition via email to: OEIDMO@va.gov. VA will provide a response to a petition within 90 days of receipt of the request.”
    38 CFR 5.20(a)
    .

    “The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of other Federal entities, and members of the public.”
    38 CFR 15.160(a)
    .

    “Patient grievances. Each patient has the right to present any matter to staff members at the facility in which the patient is receiving care and other VA officials without fear of reprisal.”
    38 CFR 17.33(g)
    .

    “Other rights. The rights described in this section are in addition to and not in derogation of any statutory, constitutional or other legal rights.”
    38 CFR 17.33(i)
    .

    “Agencies may impose legally binding requirements on the public only through regulations.”
    Executive Order 13891
    .

    “It is the policy of the United States to ensure that no Federal Government officer, employee, or agent engages in or facilitates any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen.”
    Executive Order 14149
    .

    “The First Amendment greatly curtails enforcement of restrictions on free speech by a governmental entity.”
    VA Handbook 8502
    Freedom of Speech for Veterans! https://c.org/BbjFmt6czB

    “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” First Amendment.

    “Each agency shall give an interested person the right to petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule.”
    5 USC 533(e).

    “Advocacy. VA employees will be truly veteran-centric by identifying, fully considering, and appropriately advancing the interests of veterans and other beneficiaries.” 38 CFR 0.601(c).

    “Each guidance document must clearly and prominently state that it does not bind the public.” 38 CFR 5.15(a).

    “A member of the public wishing to petition for withdrawal or modification of a guidance document may submit such petition via email to: OEIDMO@va.gov. VA will provide a response to a petition within 90 days of receipt of the request.”
    38 CFR 5.20(a).

    “The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of other Federal entities, and members of the public.” 38 CFR 15.160(a).

    “Patient grievances. Each patient has the right to present any matter to staff members at the facility in which the patient is receiving care and other VA officials without fear of reprisal.” 38 CFR 17.33(g).

    “Other rights. The rights described in this section are in addition to and not in derogation of any statutory, constitutional or other legal rights.” 38 CFR 17.33(i).

    “Agencies may impose legally binding requirements on the public only through regulations.” Executive Order 13891.

    “It is the policy of the United States to ensure that no Federal Government officer, employee, or agent engages in or facilitates any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen.”
    Executive Order 14149.

    “The First Amendment greatly curtails enforcement of restrictions on free speech by a governmental entity.”
    VA Handbook 8502.

    • Michael V Davis October 15, 2026 at 01:02 - Reply

      I fully understand your detailed post. In this current administration, as well as the majority in both house and senate. But more specifically the current President and his hand picked cabinet. They are violating constitutional laws with a total disdain for the lettering of those laws. Blatantly! Others have done the same on both sides of the fence. Which is now a rift due to the propaganda driven media. Some things he is doing are beneficial to our nation. But whether for the good or bad, I expect my elected officials to perform their duties within the boundaries of the printed laws of this forever already great nation. It stinks of tyranny and a plot for rebellion. When I swore my oaths I knew what would be expected of me. Sacrifices and a commitment to defend this nation and it’s established Constitution.
      There is a part that speaks on what must be done if tyranny shows up in our elected officials. Not what to do when an entire political party chooses to be complicit. I am concerned. Yet fully prepared to stand on my oath facing civil unrest.

  52. MSgt Thompson October 7, 2026 at 11:59 - Reply

    https://c.org/gs75Gtjwrp

    VA Secretary Doug Collins and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs illegally abridge and infringe on First Amendment
    freedoms of speech and petition to silence dissenting opinions from the veterans they claim to serve.

    VA Online Services Terms of Use abridges and infringes on the freedom of speech and petition by limiting messaging frequency, recipients, subjects, and vocabulary to “as we determine using our discretion”. These are impossible and unconstitutional terms of use! Codified rights were overlooked and intentionally slighted. The restrictions are arbitrary, employee centered, and based on feelings and perception rather than established law and regulation.

    VA Secretary Doug Collins and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs further abridge and infringe on the freedom of speech and petition by refusing to acknowledge receipt of, consider, and respond to, petitions for a redress of grievances; petitions for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule; and petitions for the withdrawal or modification of a guidance document.

    VA staff offices, including OAWP​, OGC​, OIG​, ORM​, ORPM, and VEO, refuse to provide advocacy or assistance of any kind. VA employees retaliate against veterans who does not submit to their personal biases and unlawful conduct.

  53. Arthur F Scarselli October 7, 2026 at 09:28 - Reply

    send printed copy please

    • Steve October 15, 2026 at 03:40 - Reply

      A librarian can help you, Arthur

  54. DON BALLARD October 3, 2026 at 20:50 - Reply

    I am interested in learning whether the VA in KCMO has a ham radio club.
    I would like to hear from other veterans who would like the VA to establish a ham radio club in their hometown area to improve the quality of life of our veterans and maybe prevent suicide. Check out our nonprofit; we have an answer if anyone is interested in learning more and, hopefully, joining our program to save lives by using ham radio as entertainment rather than living in isolation. Let’s do more communicating and less medicating. Triumphantspiritfoundation.org Doc

  55. Quinn Dahlstrom October 3, 2026 at 16:22 - Reply

    I really would like to have a copy of this handbook in my hands–how may I get one mailed to me. I am 70% disabled, partially blind, do not drive and really would like to have a copy for myself and the people that care about me. I am 84 years old.

    • Kirsten Cosme October 15, 2026 at 00:08 - Reply

      God bless you, my great grandmother is 86 and yall deserve the whole world.

  56. Linda Wolverton October 3, 2026 at 12:20 - Reply

    Thank You so much for this concise information. 11 years ago I had to piece together the information from numerous resources…you did it all in this handbook. Thank you so much. I will be happy to share this with other veterans groups with whom I speak. I have info regarding all Casualty Assistance programs, and Veterans Caregiver info from the VA … this is so much better. It is concise and easily accessed.

  57. Ron Dragon October 2, 2026 at 21:26 - Reply

    Would love to get a printed copy mailed to our house. Thank you!

  58. Billy October 2, 2026 at 17:27 - Reply

    how do you get a printed copy

  59. Ronald S Jessee October 1, 2026 at 20:20 - Reply

    Could we get a printed copy of the 2026 Federal Benefits for Veterans Booklet mailed to us:

  60. Renee Rouster October 1, 2026 at 17:26 - Reply

    I thank God for VA. I apologize for any comment I may have had that wasn’t appropriate I love being a Disabled Veteran. I’m getting help

  61. RICHARD PETRUCCI October 1, 2026 at 16:52 - Reply

    COULD I/ MY SPOUSE RECEIVE THE BENEFITS BOOKLET IN BOOKLET/PRINTED AND SENT TO US? PLZ MAIL IT TO- RICHARD PETRUCCI THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! I’M 85 YEARS OLD, AND MY PRINTER DOESN’T WORK VERY WELL.

  62. Arthur Lopez October 1, 2026 at 16:07 - Reply

    I have checked at the VA hospital in Redlands. Also, the v a hospital in loma, linda also at the vet center in san bernardino, and no one has the benefit book in print . I would like for you too mailed me one, please and Thank you.

  63. Kenneth Ayers October 1, 2026 at 10:30 - Reply

    Good info at va hospital now. Tampa Fl
    Came up on my news feed.

Leave A Comment

More Stories