Three lesser-known benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

 

Here are three lesser-known benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — what they are, why they matter, and how you apply for them.

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1. Adapted Housing Grants (SAH / SHA)

What it is:
If you have a qualifying service-connected disability, the VA offers grants to help you buy, build, or adapt a home for your needs — e.g., ramps, wider doors, accessible bathrooms, or even building a new home. Benefits+3Kiplinger+3VETERANS VALOR - VA Claims Consulting+3
Why many miss it:
These are more niche than typical benefits like healthcare or education. The eligibility criteria are specific (e.g., loss or loss-of-use of limbs, blindness, severe burns). Veterans Affairs+1
How to apply / Website / Link:

• Main info page: VA Housing Assistance – Disability Housing Grants Veterans Affairs

• To apply: Apply for an adapted housing grant (online or paper) Veterans Affairs+1

• You can use VA Form 26-4555: Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant. Veterans Affairs+1
  Tips & notes:

• Make sure your disability rating/decision supports the required criteria. Benefits+1

• You do not always have to use the full grant amount in one year — you may use portions over multiple years. Veterans Affairs

• Even if you already own a house, you may be eligible to adapt it. Benefits

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2. Caregiver Support Program – Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

What it is:
If a veteran has a serious injury or illness related to their service, their family caregiver may qualify for the VA’s program offering support services: a monthly stipend, health care through CHAMPVA for the caregiver (if applicable), training, respite, and other resources. Veterans Affairs+1
Why many miss it:
The focus is often on the veteran’s benefits; but caregiving support is a different dimension and not always front-page in benefit guides.
How to apply / Website / Link:

• Info & eligibility: Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Veterans Affairs

• Application: You can apply online or download VA Form 10-10CG (Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers). Veterans Affairs+1
  Tips & notes:

• The veteran must be enrolled in VA health care or being medically discharged to qualify. Veterans Affairs

• There’s a distinction between the “General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)” (less formal) and the PCAFC (more comprehensive). Caregiver VA

• Make sure to gather all documentation about the veteran’s injury/condition and caregiver role.

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3. Clothing Allowance & Adaptive Equipment / Vehicle Grants

What it is:
Though it sounds small, these benefits help veterans who have service-connected disabilities that require prosthetic or orthopedic appliances, skin conditions that damage clothing, or adaptive equipment in vehicles. For example:

• The VA clothing allowance helps replace damaged or worn-out clothing due to service-connected disability. Kiplinger+1

• Automobile Allowance & Adaptive Equipment: If your disability affects your ability to drive, the VA may help with a one-time payment for a specially equipped vehicle or adaptive equipment. Kiplinger+1
  Why many miss it:
  These benefits seem minor compared to large assistance programs, so people may not realise they’re eligible. Also, conditions like needing a specially equipped vehicle might be assumed to be covered by other programs and overlooked.
  How to apply / Website / Link:
  While there isn’t a single “clothing allowance page” link cited here, the VA main benefits page gives the umbrella context and you’d want to contact your local VA regional office or benefits counselor. For example:

• General page for service-member and veteran benefits: VA Service Member Benefits Veterans Affairs

• For detailed vehicle equipment and adaptive housing, see the adaptive housing grants page above (since these kinds of adaptive equipment/vehicles are in the same umbrella of “adaptation” benefits).
  Tips & notes:

• Even if you think the benefit is “small”, it still adds up and you deserve to claim it.

• Document how the disability damages clothing or how adaptive equipment is required — that evidence helps your claim.

• Ask your local veteran’s service officer (VSO) for help — they often know lesser-used benefits.