Family & caregivers
Spouses, dependent children, survivors, and caregivers may have access to VA programs of their own.
Who may qualify
Each program has separate requirements. The veteran’s service, your relationship, and other circumstances determine which options may apply.
Before you begin
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Your next steps
Start with your situation
VA organizes family benefits by relationship, including spouses, dependents, survivors, and caregivers.
Explore the relevant programs
Options may include health coverage, education assistance, survivor benefits, burial support, or caregiver services.
Check requirements before applying
Open the official program page for eligibility, required documents, and the correct application. Contact VA when you need help choosing a path.
After you take the first step
Follow the application instructions for the specific family or caregiver program. Keep the relevant VA notices together and ask the program’s contact team about questions or changes in your circumstances.
Questions from the field
Where should a caregiver begin?
Start with the caregiver support links on VA’s family benefits page. The available programs have different requirements and can include training, counseling, and other support.
Are all family benefits part of one application?
No. Health coverage, education, survivor, and caregiver programs have different eligibility rules and application paths. Choose the program that matches your relationship and needs.
Program details: VA: Benefits for family and caregivers ↗