Veterans and family members

Washington State’s Veterans Benefit Enhancement Program (VBEP) works with WDVA to help eligible veterans and their families get assistance through Veterans Affairs (VA) health care.

• Since 2003, the VBEP has helped qualify over 15,600 Washington veterans and their families for federal benefits.
• It is estimated that only 23 percent of veterans and survivors of veterans eligible for benefits are receiving them.

Who is eligible?

WDVA assists veterans, their family members, and survivors connect to benefits they earned through their military service. These benefits and services may be available to you if you meet VA eligibility criteria.

Active service members, reservists, members of the National Guard, as well as eligible spouses, children, and survivors of veterans may also receive some benefits.

“Under VA rules, anyone who served honorable for two years in a branch of the military is eligible for some benefits, even if they never left American soil or saw combat.” (Heather Kerrigan, "Moving Vets Off Medicaid and Onto VA," Governing, October, 2010.)

What benefits and services are available?

• Pensions or compensation
• Medical coverage
• Prescription drugs
• Medical devices
• Family benefits

For a full list of services and benefits you or your family may be eligible for, visit ExploreVA.

How do I apply?

Complete the following steps to apply for benefits through WDVA:

1. Email WDVA or call 1-800-562-2308 for questions regarding available benefits.
2. WDVA may refer you to the County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO) to learn what benefits you may be entitled to. Find your local CVSO (by county) and a full list of resources.
3. The CVSO will confirm you and/or your family's VA eligibility and assist you in applying for the benefits you have earned for your service.

What information do I need when applying?

The following items may be required when applying:

• DD214 or other separation papers
• Marriage certificate(s) and divorce decree(s)
• Birth records for each dependent child
• Death certificates
• Service medical records (if relevant)

What about CHAMPVA or TRICARE?

CHAMPVA

You may be eligible for Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA) health insurance if you are the spouse or child of a veteran who:

• Is or was rated totally disabled for a service-connected disability, or;
• Died from a service-connected disability.

For more information about CHAMPVA, visit Civilian Health and Medical Program webpage. You can apply for coverage online at VHA Office of Community of Care.

TRICARE

You may be eligible for TRICARE coverage if you are:

• Active-duty military, retired military, or a Guard/Reserve member, or
• A family member/survivor of a(n):
  • Active-duty military,
  • Retired military,
  • Guard/Reserve member, or
  • Veteran who died in the line of duty

Visit TRICARE for more information about eligibility and how to enroll or purchase a plan.