Military & veteran benefit guides
Clear explanations of what each benefit covers, who it is for, and where to verify it, written for service members, veterans, and families.
UpdatedAll benefit guides
- Veteran benefits guide 2026Where to start with VA disability, health care, education, home loans, family programs and state benefits, plus VA's official 2026 handbook.
- Military pay chart 2026Full 2026 basic pay tables for enlisted, warrant and officer grades, plus 2026 BAS rates, from DFAS.
- VA disability rates 20262026 VA disability compensation rates by rating and dependents, effective December 1, 2025.
- How to get a Veteran ID CardWho qualifies for VA's digital Veteran ID Card, what to upload, and the other IDs that prove veteran status for discounts.
- Hazlewood Act (Texas) guideUp to 150 hours of tuition at Texas public colleges: veteran, Legacy and spouse eligibility, and how to apply.
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)How veterans enrolled in VA health care request the VHIC, use it on base and for discounts, and replace a lost card.
- National park pass for military and veteransThe free America the Beautiful Military Pass: annual for service members, lifetime for veterans and Gold Star Families.
- 100% disabled veteran benefitsWhat a 100% or P&T rating pays and unlocks in 2026: pay with dependents, CHAMPVA, Chapter 35, dental, Social Security and property tax by state.
- Military retirement pay chart 2026Estimated monthly retired pay by rank at 20 to 30 years under High-36 and BRS, from the 2026 DFAS pay table.
- Chapter 35 benefits (DEA)VA education benefits for spouses and children of P&T disabled or deceased veterans: eligibility, 2026-27 rates and time limits.
- Space-A flights guideWho can fly Space-A in Categories I to VI, what it costs, and how to sign up with an AMC passenger terminal.
Why benefit guides help
Military and veteran benefits are spread across many organizations. Federal agencies handle health care, education, and home loans. States set their own tax, tuition, vehicle, and recreation rules. Branches, nonprofits, and businesses add programs of their own. Each one has separate eligibility rules, so a veteran can qualify for one program and not another.
The guides here are built to cut through that. Each one explains a topic in plain English, points out the details that most often decide eligibility, such as service dates, discharge status, rating, state of residence, and household, and links the official page where you can confirm the rule and apply.
How to read a benefits guide
Read for the questions to ask, not for a yes or no. A guide can tell you which programs deserve a closer look and which documents to gather, for example a DD Form 214 or a VA decision letter. The decision itself always belongs to the agency or organization that runs the program.
Go from reading to doing
Once you know the landscape, the Basepass military benefits app can match programs to your profile, and the discount map covers savings and free places near you. Our free calculators help with the numbers, and how we verify benefits explains how we handle sources and updates.
Guides are informational and are not legal, tax, or financial advice. Basepass is not affiliated with the VA or any government agency.
Frequently asked questions
Are these guides official VA information?
No. Basepass is an independent company and is not affiliated with the VA, the Department of Defense, or any government agency. The guides explain programs in plain English and link to the official pages that control eligibility and applications.
Which guide should I read first?
If you are not sure what you may be missing, start with the veteran benefits guide. It covers the major programs and where to check eligibility for each one.
Do the guides tell me whether I qualify?
No. Eligibility is decided separately for each program by the responsible agency or organization. A guide can tell you what usually matters and where to apply, but not make a determination for you.
Does Basepass help file VA claims?
No. Basepass does not decide, prepare, or file VA claims and does not charge a claims fee. If you want help with a claim, look for a VA-accredited representative.
How do I know a guide is current?
Guides show an updated date and link to their sources. Programs and rates change, so confirm current rules on the official page before you act.
Turn the guide into a shortlist
Answer a few questions and Basepass organizes the benefits, discounts, and free places that may fit your service and household, with official sources linked.
Start my free benefits check Basepass is independent and not affiliated with the VA, DoD, or any government agency.