YOUR MILITARY
BENEFITS.
Most service members use less than 30% of the benefits they earned. Here's everything you're entitled to — VA disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, the VA home loan, and healthcare transition — all with 2026 numbers.
VA Disability Compensation 2026
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions. The 2026 rates include a 2.8% COLA increase effective December 1, 2025. You can file a claim up to 180 days before separation (Benefits Delivery at Discharge — BDD). The earlier you file, the earlier payments start.
| Rating | Veteran Alone | With Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.22/mo | — |
| 20% | $346.39/mo | — |
| 30% | $552.47/mo | $617.47/mo |
| 40% | $795.84/mo | $882.84/mo |
| 50% | $1,132.90/mo | $1,241.90/mo |
| 60% | $1,435.02/mo | $1,566.02/mo |
| 70% | $1,808.45/mo | $1,961.45/mo |
| 80% | $2,102.15/mo | $2,277.15/mo |
| 90% | $2,362.30/mo | $2,559.30/mo |
| 100% | $3,938.58/mo | $4,158.17/mo |
BDD Filing: File your VA disability claim 180-90 days before your ETS date. The VA processes these claims while you're still in — so your first payment arrives shortly after separation. Go to your installation's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) office or file online at va.gov.
GI Bill & Education Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is one of the most valuable education benefits in existence. With 36 months of active duty service, you qualify for 100% benefits:
Paid directly to school — up to in-state tuition at public institutions, or $28,937/yr for private schools (2026)
Monthly BAH at E-5 with dependents rate based on your school ZIP code — tax-free
Annual book stipend paid to you each semester — $500 per term
Key Details
- ◆36 months of benefits — covers a 4-year degree if you take full course loads.
- ◆Transfer to spouse or children after 6+ years of service (must apply while still active duty).
- ◆Yellow Ribbon Program covers costs above the GI Bill cap at participating private schools.
- ◆Tuition Assistance ($4,500/yr) available while still on active duty — separate from GI Bill.
- ◆15-year expiration from date of separation (for service after Jan 1, 2013).
- ◆Cannot use GI Bill and TA simultaneously for the same course.
VA Home Loan
The VA home loan is arguably the most powerful mortgage product available to any American. It lets you buy a home with zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates.
VA Loan Advantages
- ◆No down payment required on any loan amount — no conforming loan limit for full-entitlement borrowers.
- ◆No PMI — saves $100-$300/month compared to conventional loans with <20% down.
- ◆VA Funding Fee: 2.15% first use, 3.3% subsequent use (waived for 10%+ disability rating).
- ◆Can be used multiple times — your entitlement is restored when you sell or pay off the previous VA loan.
- ◆Assumable — future buyers can take over your VA loan at your original rate.
- ◆Lenient credit requirements — most lenders accept 620+ FICO.
Healthcare — TRICARE to VA Transition
Your TRICARE coverage ends 180 days after separation. Planning your healthcare transition early prevents gaps in coverage for you and your family.
- ◆VA Healthcare: Enroll at va.gov/health-care. Priority groups 1-8 based on disability rating, income, and service history. Combat veterans get 5 years of free VA care after separation.
- ◆TRICARE Transitional Assistance (TTA): 180 days of continued TRICARE coverage after separation. Coverage is automatic — you do not need to apply.
- ◆CHCBP (Continued Health Care Benefit Program): 18-36 months of TRICARE-like coverage you can purchase after TTA expires. Premiums are ~$600/quarter individual.
- ◆Dental: TRICARE dental ends at separation. VA dental is only available for 100% disability rating, former POWs, or specific service-connected dental conditions.
- ◆Mental Health: VA provides free mental health care for any veteran who served in a combat zone. No disability rating required. Call 988 (Veterans Crisis Line) for immediate help.
- ◆Prescriptions: VA pharmacy fills prescriptions at $0 for service-connected conditions and $5-$11 copay for non-service-connected medications.
Action item: Register at va.gov/health-care as soon as you have your DD-214. Don't wait for your disability rating — enrollment is separate.
ARE YOU LEAVING
MONEY ON THE TABLE?
The average service member has access to $300,000+ in lifetime benefits. Most never use them fully because they don't know they exist.
Veterans United Home Loans
The #1 VA purchase lender in the U.S. Specializes exclusively in VA loans — zero down payment, no PMI, competitive rates for active duty and veterans.
Check Your VA Loan Eligibility →Affiliate link — TotalMilPay may earn a referral fee at no cost to you.
Related Tools
Information based on current VA and DoD regulations. Benefits eligibility varies. Always verify with your finance office, a VSO, or va.gov before making decisions.