Eligibility

• Becoming eligible for veteran benefits typically requires active duty in any of the five military branches. Enlisted soldiers or officers must serve a minimum of 24 continuous months in active duty to become eligible. Individuals who served in the National Guard or Selected Reserve may be eligible for veteran benefits if the individual served six years of service or became activated for active duty. As long as the veteran has not received a dishonorable discharge, he or she can qualify for veteran benefits.
  
  

Benefits

• The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a wide range of benefits for veterans who have served in the armed forces. Benefits include: home loans, medical care, pension, vocational rehabilitation, life insurance, dependent and survivor benefits, and the Montgomery GI Bill, which covers college tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
  
  

Considerations

• Each benefit has specific guidelines for eligibility, such as the length of active duty. Under each guideline, there are clauses for exception cases. Other benefits have time limits or momentary limits.