Health and benefits
Who handles veterans benefits like VA health care or disability pay?
Who handles it
The federal U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) handles veterans benefits, including health care, disability compensation, pensions and education benefits.
- Federal
- Not State
- Not Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 4 sources
Why federal government
VA is the federal department that runs programs for veterans and members of their families.
What to do next
- Apply for VA health care or file a disability compensation claim on VA.gov.
- Apply for GI Bill and other education benefits on VA.gov.
- Get help with a claim from a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative, attorney or claims agent.
What varies
States also have their own veterans affairs offices, which VA lists among approved outside resources.
Learn the background: What do the Cabinet and federal agencies do?
Sources
Official recordUSAGov: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Official recordVA.gov: Home
Official recordVA.gov: Get help from a VA accredited representative or VSO