Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families have access to a substantial set of education, housing, and emergency grants — most administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the service branches, and the long-standing branch-specific relief societies.
This page summarizes the major programs available in 2026 and the realistic dollar amounts. Always confirm current rates at va.gov before relying on them.
Education benefits
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
The largest education benefit. For service members with at least 36 months of qualifying active-duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, it covers:
- Full in-state tuition and fees at public colleges, or up to a national cap at private and foreign schools (the cap is adjusted annually — see the GI Bill rate tables).
- A monthly housing allowance (MHA) keyed to the BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents at the school's location.
- A books and supplies stipend up to $1,000 per year.
The benefit is generally available for up to 36 months of full-time enrollment, used within 15 years of separation (longer for service members discharged after Jan. 1, 2013).
Yellow Ribbon Program
At schools where tuition and fees exceed the GI Bill cap, the Yellow Ribbon Program is a voluntary cost-share between the school and the VA that can cover the gap. Eligibility and dollar contributions vary by school — see the VA Yellow Ribbon page.
Fry Scholarship
For children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after Sept. 10, 2001. Pays at the same rate as the Post-9/11 GI Bill (tuition + housing allowance + books stipend). Apply through the VA.
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35)
Monthly stipend for spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, or who died in service or from a service-connected condition. Rates are lower than the Post-9/11 GI Bill but the eligibility window is broader.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)
For veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10 % with an employment handicap. Provides tuition, books, equipment, monthly housing allowance, and career counseling — generally more generous than the Post-9/11 GI Bill for those who qualify.
Housing grants
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
Up to roughly $117,000 in 2026 (the cap is adjusted annually per statute — confirm at VA disability housing grants) to help veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities buy, build, or modify a home for accessibility.
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant
A smaller adaptation grant (roughly $23,000 in 2026, statutory annual adjustment) for veterans with specific service-connected conditions including blindness, loss of use of both hands, and certain respiratory or burn injuries.
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant
For SAH/SHA-eligible veterans living temporarily with a family member — pays for modifications to the family member's home.
VA Home Loan
A no-down-payment home loan guaranty (not a grant) available to most service members and veterans. Use through any VA-approved lender.
Service-branch relief societies
These non-profits provide emergency grants and interest-free loans for service members and certain veterans:
- Army Emergency Relief — Soldiers, retirees, surviving spouses. Emergency assistance for housing, transportation, food, medical, funeral expenses; scholarships for dependents.
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society — Sailors, Marines, family members. Interest-free loans and grants for emergencies, plus the Education Assistance Program.
- Air Force Aid Society — Airmen and Guardians, retirees, families. Falcon Loans, Community Enhancement Grants, and the Education Grant program.
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance — Coast Guard members and families. Emergency grants and loans, education programs.
Veterans-supporting non-profits with grants
- Folds of Honor — Scholarships for children and spouses of fallen or disabled service members (up to $5,000+ per academic year).
- Pat Tillman Foundation — Tillman Scholars — Competitive scholarships for service members, veterans, and military spouses pursuing graduate degrees.
- Operation Homefront — Critical financial assistance, transitional housing, and family programs.
- Hope For The Warriors — Direct assistance for combat-wounded service members and families.
- AMVETS — National scholarship program; emergency assistance through state AMVETS departments.
- The American Legion Legacy Scholarship — Up to $20,000 for children of service members who died on active duty on or after 9/11 or have a combined VA disability rating of 50 % or higher.
Compensation (not grants, often confused)
- VA Disability Compensation — Monthly tax-free payment for service-connected conditions, based on VA rating.
- Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) — Monthly tax-free payment for retirees with combat-related VA-rated disabilities.
- Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) — Allows certain retirees to receive both retired pay and VA disability without offset.
These are entitlement benefits, not competitive grants — eligibility determines payment.
How to apply
- For VA education or housing benefits — apply at va.gov. Most applications can be completed online with a Login.gov or ID.me account.
- For service-branch relief — contact the relief society for your branch directly.
- For private/non-profit veterans grants — apply through each organization's site. Eligibility windows can be short (e.g., Tillman Scholars is annual).
- For state veterans benefits — every state has a Department of Veterans Affairs with additional grants, tuition waivers, and benefits. Find yours at nasdva.us.
All legitimate VA and military-relief applications are free. Any service charging to "expedite" or "guarantee" benefits is not legitimate.
Common questions
Can my spouse or children use my GI Bill? Yes, through the Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) provision while you are still on active duty, with a 4-year additional service obligation. After separation, transfer is not possible.
Are VA disability and retirement payments taxable? VA disability compensation is not taxable. Military retired pay generally is, except where offset by VA disability.
Do I qualify if I served in the Reserves or National Guard? For many programs yes, depending on the specific qualifying periods and active-duty time. Each program has its own thresholds.
How long do I have to use the GI Bill? For most service members discharged after January 1, 2013, there is no expiration ("Forever GI Bill"). Service members discharged before that date generally have 15 years.