Veteran Benefits & Assistance
Originally founded in 1899 as the American Veterans of Foreign Service, the Veterans of Foreign Wars continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is dedicated to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families.
Certified Advocates
Throughout the State of Illinois and at the VA Regional Office in Chicago, VFW Service Officers that are Accredited and Certified by the VA fight for the rights of our Nations veterans on a daily basis. These highly trained professionals, specializing in all programs administered by the VA stand ready and willing to provide whatever VA benefits assistance is required! These services are available at no cost to veterans or their dependents! Nor does one have to be a member of the VFW to receive our services.
From a simple request of a discharge document to a case with complicated issues that may require extensive medical and Court Cases research, we will exhaust all means to obtain a favorable decision. In the event a claim is denied we will represent the case through the appellate process to the Board of Veterans Appeals (VBA) and if not successful to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) if warranted.
How VFW Service Officers Advocate for You:
What We Will Do:
- During your interview, WE WILL review your information and inform you of what benefits you should claim as well as any other benefits that may be available
- WE ARE trained VA benefits experts who have access to VA computer systems in order to provide you with the information you need for your claim to succeed
- WE WILL submit your claim to VA in a timely manner to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit to which you are entitled
- WE WILL conduct a thorough review of your decision before VA sends it to you. The VFW has a 90% success rate in correcting errors, helping you avoid the lengthy appeals process
- If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of your claim, WE WILL help you appeal VA's decision
Please feel free to contact a VFW Representative for help with filing a claim for VA benefits, VA health care and all eligible VA benefits at:
VFW Service Office
VFW Service Office
Location:
2122 West Taylor St
Room 105
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 312-980-4284
Fax: 312-706-6680
BUDDY TO BUDDY PROGRAM
The Buddy to Buddy Program is set up to help veterans that may need the support of another veterans to help them handle transition from military to civilian life. Please click on the links provided for more information.
Federal Benefits for Veterans & Dependents
A to Z Benefits Information
VA Benefits Fact Sheets
Apply for VA Benefits
Google Resources for Veterans & Families
Survivor & Dependent Benefits
VA Benefits and Services
Check the status of your VA claim online
Veteran Benefits Calculator - The American Legion
Benefits – Military.com
Education Benefits
Federal Benefits for Dependents and Survivors
National Resource Directory, Benefits & Compensation
Life Insurance Benefits
Burial Benefits
National Cemetery Military Burial Benefits
Types of Headstones & Markers Available
Home Loans
VA Home Loans
Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan
Health Care
Health Care Benefits - VA
Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors (SSI)
Community-Based VA Vet Centers
Grand Valley State University Wounded Warrior Traumatic Brain Injury Project
PTSD / Stress Management
Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR)
TRICARE Benefit Info
VA Health Benefits
Laws Protecting Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
Transition and Care Management for OEF / OIF Service Members
Long-Term Care
Aid & Attendance Benefit
Armed Forces Retirement Home, Eligibility
Armed Forces Retirement Home, Eligibility
Family Caregiver Program for Post-9/11 Veterans
Medical Foster Care Program, Geriatrics & Extended Care
Prior Service-Connected Medical Conditions
Diseases Associated with Agent Orange Exposure
Agent Orange Health Care Registry Exam for Veterans
Agent Orange, Military Benefits, Military.COM
Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses
Illnesses Related to Gulf War Service
Gulf War Health Care Registry Exam for Veterans
VA Recognizes 'Presumptive' Illnesses in Iraq & Afghanistan
Other Items of Interest
VA Compensation & Pension Benefits
VA eBenefits
VA Life Insurance
VA OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) / OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom)
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
VA Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS)
VFW Veterans Benefits
Emergency Assistance
Aid & Charity Associations
Air Force Aid Society
American Red Cross
Army Emergency Relief
Cell Phone, Government Supported
Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Financial Assistance for Mortgage or Rent Payments
Help for Homeless Veterans
Homeless Vet 24 Hour Hotline 1-877-4AID VET
Homeless Veterans, VA
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Service Members Civil Relief Act - Miliatry.com
Social Security Administration online
Social Security Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
United Way, Nationwide 2-1-1 Phone Numbers
VFW Troop Support
Volunteers of America
Warrior Care, DoD & VA Resources Site
Veteran Information
Historical Documents of Interest to Veterans
Locating Veterans & Service Members
Replacement Military Records
Replacement Medical Records
Replacement Military Awards & Decorations (National Archives)
Social Security Credit for Military Service (1957 - 2001)
U.S. Dept of Justice - Rights of Servicemembers and Veterans
VA Board of Veterans' Appeals
Women Veteran
1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is never the wrong number
The number to call when you don’t know who to call.
You only need to remember one number for information on VA care, benefits,
and services or to speak to a live agent for assistance!