Veteran and Caregiver Benefits
eBenefits
The VA provides a secure electronic portal called eBenefits to send and receive information from the VA about your benefits. It allows veterans to access many benefits online. A veteran can file a claim, view a claim status, change contact information, add a spouse or child to his or her compensation award, get a home loan certificate of eligibility, and request copies of his or her DD Form 214 and personnel records. You can link eBenefits to a program called MyHealtheVet, which will allow you and the veteran for whom you care to send and receive messages from VA doctors, order prescription refills, and complete other tasks.
Helpful hints:
- Ask questions
- Ask for clarification
- Ask for copies of all documentation
Once you have filed a claim, the process moves slowly. You can help by organizing the documents, having a basic understanding of benefits, and following up about once a month or whenever you receive a letter from VA. Also, notify your veteran service officer (VSO) if the veteran for whom you care becomes severely or terminally ill, turns 75 years old, was a prisoner of war, or served in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001. These veterans’ claims might be expedited. If you are unable to reach your VSO after a reasonable period of time (about three weeks), notify the VSO’s headquarters office for reassignment.