All Topics Criminal Justice and Legal Services Legal Services Benefits and Services Assistance Veteran Benefits Assistance

Programs that provide assistance for veterans who are having difficulty understanding, accessing, and/or are unaware of the full benefits and services to which they are entitled by law based on service to their country. The programs may help veterans understand the eligibility criteria for benefits and services, the benefits and services provided by the program, the payment process and the rights of beneficiaries; provide consultation and advice; help them complete benefits and services application forms; negotiate on their behalf with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs staff; and/or represent them in administrative processes or judicial litigation. Included are Veteran Services Officers (VSOs) who are trained and accredited by the Veteran's Administration (VA) and can be found in offices specific to each state, the county courthouse, the local VA office and local veteran's rights organizations; as well as legal aid programs that offer more formalized legal assistance.