By Larry Dandridge
This article is the second part of a two-article series on VBA benefits and how to claim those benefits. Both articles offer only a summary of information veterans, service members, and their family members and survivors need to understand their VA benefits and how to file for those benefits.
Anyone filing a claim for VA benefits should use a VA-trained professional called an accredited representative, to help them understand and apply for VBA-managed benefits. VA-accredited representatives include VA-trained and certified Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), Lawyers, and Claims Agents.
How can a veteran’s survivor apply for Survivors Pension Benefits online, by mail, in person, and with help of a VA-trained and certified professional?
Survivors of a veteran should read the information at the VA Survivors Pension web page https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/ and work with a trained professional (VSO, Lawyer, or Claims Agent) to get help applying for VA pension benefits.
Get more help by reading the information at https://www.va.gov/disability/get-help-filing-claim/. Survivors can file a claim in the following ways.
Online: Use the QuickSubmit tool through AccessVA at https://bit.ly/3Ie3bku to upload the claim form online.
By mail: Fill out an Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21P-534EZ, found at https://bit.ly/3vwzkfF. Mail the completed application to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, Wis. 53547-5365.
In-person: Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee. Find a VA regional office near you at https://bit.ly/3BpjKET.
What evidence will a veteran or family member need to support VA pension, DIC, or accrued benefits claims?
Go to the VA Evidence Explanation web page at https://bit.ly/3SAC1pH to find out what evidence is needed with each type of claim.
How can a veteran apply for VA Education & Training Benefits?
Veterans, military service members, and their qualified family members should go to https://www.va.gov/education/ and read about their VA education benefits and how to apply. Work with your school’s certifying official when applying for and attending school. The VA Certifying Official is usually in the Registrar or Financial Aid office. Applications can be submitted:
Online: The best way to apply is by going to www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/.
By mail: Call 888-442-4551, to request that the VA send the application to you. Fill it out and mail it to the VA regional claims processing office that’s in the same location as your school. Find VA regional claims offices a https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/regional_processing.asp.
In-person: Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee help you. Find a VA regional office at https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=benefits.
With the help of a trained professional: It is always smart to work with a trained and accredited professional (VSO, Attorney, or Agent) to get help applying for benefits. Read the information at https://www.va.gov/disability/get-help-filing-claim/.
How can a veteran or military service member apply for VA Home Loan Benefits?
Read about VA Home Loans at https://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/index.asp. Veterans can apply for a home loan certificate of eligibility online using eBenefits at bit.ly/3VAGRVj. They may also apply for a home loan certificate of eligibility through their lender.
To apply by mail, download and complete VA Form 26-1880, “Request for Certificate of Eligibility,” which can be found at https://bit.ly/3jNFWDK. Send the form to the Regional Loan Center that serves the veteran’s or service member’s state which can be found at https://bit.ly/3GalowA
How can a veteran or military service member survivor apply for VA Home Loan Benefits?
Download and complete VA Form 26-1817, “Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility – Unmarried Surviving Spouses, which is found at https://bit.ly/3Z4V1Rg. Survivors can also call 1-877-827-3702 and follow the prompts for “Eligibility” and the VA will send the form to them.
Survivors should mail the application to the Regional Loan Center that serves their state. Find the Regional Center that serves the survivor’s state at https://bit.ly/3GalowA. Survivors should visit the VA Certificate of Eligibility web pagehttps://bit.ly/3CkPxbr for information about home loan benefits for survivors.
Life Insurance benefits for service memberes, veterans and survivors claims
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI): SGLI coverage is automatic. You do not need to apply. To designate beneficiaries, or reduce, decline, or restore SGLI coverage, you must use either the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) or form SGLV 8286, “Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate”.
To find out whether you should use SOES or to download the form visit https://bit.ly/3Ijqqtn.
Visit the VA SGLI web page, https://bit.ly/3Gxbsia for more information.
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI): To file for VGLI, you can apply online at eBenefits, at https://bit.ly/3WWbmpG. Veterans may also download and complete SGLV 8714, “Application for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance”, found at https://bit.ly/3VKaqDI.
Veterans should mail their applications to OSGLI, PO Box 41618, Philadelphia, Pa. 19176-9913. Visit the VA VGLI web page, found at https://bit.ly/3IeOldv for more information.
Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI): To decline, reduce, or restore FSGLI coverage, complete and file form SGLV 8286A, “Spouse Coverage Election and Certificate” with your branch of service. To find out whether you should use SOES or download the form visit https://bit.ly/3YZFpPb. Visit the VA FSGLI web page https://bit.ly/3WUMGOe for more information.
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI): To file a claim for TSGLI, complete and file SGLV 8600, “Application for TSGLI Benefits” found at https://bit.ly/3vzO9hu with your branch of service. Coverage for this benefit is automatic for all service members covered by SGLI. Visit the TSGLI web page found at https://bit.ly/3WDXEYI for more information.
Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): To file for VMLI, complete and submit VA Form 29-8636, “Application for Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance” found at https://bit.ly/3Q9qlu6 to your Specially Adapted Housing Agent. The agent will help you complete your application. Also, you must provide information about your current mortgage. Visit the VA Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance web page at https://bit.ly/3X3f7tg for more information.
The bottom line
Do not miss out on your hard-earned military and veteran benefits. Ask a VSO to help you understand your VA benefits and apply for all benefits that you are eligible for. After all, you and your family paid for your VA benefits through much hardship, separation, loneliness, sweat, cold, grief, anxiety, hazardous material exposure, and blood!
You can read all (more than 80) of The Island News’ articles on Veterans and Military Benefits at www.yourislandnews.com.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing free-lance writer with the Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
