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VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans who got sick or injured during active service, or whose existing condition got worse because of it. It covers both physical and mental health conditions. The PACT Act expanded eligibility for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.

You don't have to pay anyone to file. Accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives help for free. Use VA's tool to find an accredited representative, and be wary of unaccredited "consultants" who charge to help with a claim.

• Gather your DD-214 and medical records, then contact an accredited VSO.
• If a condition may be linked to toxic exposure, read VA's PACT Act page.

TRICARE is not for all veterans. It covers active-duty service members, military retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, and their eligible family members. Most veterans who didn't retire from the military use VA health care instead, which is available to many veterans based on their service history. You can apply online at VA.gov.

CHAMPVA is a separate VA health program for the spouse, dependent child or survivor of a veteran rated 100% permanently and totally (P&T) disabled from a service-connected condition, or who died from one. You can't get CHAMPVA if you're eligible for TRICARE.

• Veterans (not retired): check VA health care eligibility and apply at VA.gov.
• Active duty, Guard/Reserve and retirees: check TRICARE eligibility after any change in status (separation, retirement, activation).
• Families of a veteran rated 100% P&T who aren't TRICARE-eligible: apply for CHAMPVA with VA Form 10-10d.

VA pension is a needs-based monthly payment for wartime veterans who meet income and net-worth limits and are 65 or older or have a permanent and total disability. Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits add to a VA pension payment for veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities like bathing, feeding and dressing, are bedridden, live in a nursing home because of a disability, or have severely limited eyesight. You can't receive Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits at the same time.

• Surviving spouses may qualify for a survivors pension. Check VA's pension pages.
• Veterans Pension also qualifies a household for the FCC's Lifeline phone/internet discount.

Many states and localities offer property tax exemptions or reductions for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and some extend them to surviving spouses. Who qualifies, the disability rating required, and how much is exempt vary a lot from state to state, and some programs require a yearly application.

• Contact your state Department of Veterans Affairs and your county assessor.
• Ask whether the exemption applies automatically or needs an application, and what the deadline is.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) lets eligible servicemembers cap interest at 6% a year on most debts taken out before active duty, including credit cards, car loans and student loans. Interest above 6% is forgiven, not just deferred. Send the creditor a written request and a copy of your orders no later than 180 days after your service ends. The SCRA also protects against penalties for ending certain leases, default judgments, and some foreclosures and repossessions.

Major phone carriers, including T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T, advertise military and veteran discounts or plans that require service verification. Terms change often, so compare against your current bill. Military OneSource offers free, confidential financial counseling to service members and families.

• Send SCRA requests in writing and keep copies.
• Before switching carriers, compare the full monthly price, including taxes, fees and device payments.

Normally, military retired pay is reduced dollar for dollar by any VA disability compensation you receive. Two programs let some retirees keep more.

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) is for military retirees with a VA disability rating of 50% or higher. It lets you get your retired pay and VA disability compensation at the same time. In most cases it starts automatically, because VA shares your rating with DFAS. Special rules apply if you retired for disability (Chapter 61).

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is a tax-free monthly payment for military retirees with combat-related disabilities, such as injuries from armed conflict, hazardous duty, an instrumentality of war, or simulated war. You need a VA rating of at least 10%, and you apply with your branch of service using DD Form 2860. You can't receive CRDP and CRSC at the same time. If you qualify for both, DFAS starts you on the one that pays more, and you can switch during the annual open season (usually January).

• Not getting CRDP but think you qualify? Contact DFAS.
• For CRSC, file DD Form 2860 with your branch of service.