Navigating the various government benefit programs often leaves veterans feeling they are in a no-win situation. The initial eligibility process can be arduous and lengthy. In some cases, income from work may reduce or eliminate benefits. Fear of losing key benefits may prevent some from returning to work altogether.

This guidebook by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) provides tools to help Veterans and their families make choices that ensure the greatest financial success while remaining eligible for necessary support and services.

While there are numerous benefit programs available, this guidebook focuses on the ones veterans access most frequently, including programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Defense (DoD), and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs, including:

• Military Retirement or Separation Based on Disability
• VA Pension
• VA Disability Compensation
• Social Security Disability Insurance
• TRICARE
• VA Health Care
• Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment