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How To Get Help With VA Benefits

How To Get Help With VA Benefits

Navigating the bureaucratic processes to get the benefits you are entitled to can be confusing, cumbersome, and time consuming. Low Income Relief has assembled a guide on how to get help with VA benefits for anyone who is having a hard time applying for and claiming their benefits. Read on for more information about how to get help with VA benefits, including financial support, home loans, pensions, financial support, health care, and more. 

How a VSO or accredited representative can help with VA benefits

One of the best ways to get help with VA benefits is to find an accredited representative or Veterans Service Officer (VSO). Accredited representatives and VSOs have passed an exam and take continuing education courses to make sure they have the most up to date information on veterans’ benefits. 

VSOs and accredited representatives can help you understand which benefits you are eligible for and they can help you apply for them. They can also help you gather the documentation you need to submit with applications, they can file claims on your behalf, and they can help you with other things like transportation to and from medical appointments. 

Better yet, it is usually free to work with a VSO or accredited representative. Sometimes they charge fees for unusual expenses that are incurred throughout the process, but it is free to file your initial application for benefits with the help of a VSO or accredited representative. 

woman standing outdoors in a hoodie in article on how to get help with VA benefits

How to find a VSO or accredited representative

There are a couple of ways to find a VSO or accredited representative when you want to know how to get help with VA benefits. 

One option is to go to eBenefits and search for a VSO or accredited representative near you. Another option is to visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs website and search for VSOs, organizations, attorneys, or accredited representatives to help you. 

Once you find a VSO or other representative to help you, you must inform the Department of Veterans Affairs that you authorize the representative to work on your behalf. You can do so through eBenefits, or by mailing a form to your regional office. It is important to contact your regional office before filing a form with them to authorize your VSO or representative. 

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How to get help with VA benefits from private organizations

There are many private non-profit organizations that exist to help veterans claim their VA benefits. 

Many of these organizations can help you to find a VSO or accredited representative who can help you claim your VA benefits. There are many well-known organizations that can connect you with a VSO or accredited representative. In addition to connecting you with a VSO or accredited representative, these organizations offer privately funded programs for veterans separate from what the VA offers. We have listed and linked several of these veterans organizations below:

It is important to note that these are just some of the veterans organizations that exist nationwide. There are also Departments of Veterans Affairs in each state that can help you to access your VA benefits. There are also private non-profit organizations operating in each state that may also be able to help you access benefits, and offer additional help where needed. Alabama Veteran, NYC Veterans Alliance, and Maine Veterans Project are examples of state and local organizations that serve veterans. 

If you’re wondering how to get help with VA benefits, you are not alone. There are many governmental and private non-profit organizations that can help you get the help you deserve. 

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Catherine Hall, LMSW is a therapist at a small group practice in New York City. She earned her master of social work degree at New York University.

DAAVE JENKINS

Thursday 6th of October 2022

I am so lost at trying to get VA HELP. Please call or text for any and all info l have to give that will help me.

Catherine Marucci

Thursday 6th of October 2022

Hi. If the resources above aren't helpful in your case, it may be worth calling 211 to see what else they can suggest.