How To Apply For Benefits

​ ​​​​How To Apply For Benefits​

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families’ Service and Benefits Program assists veterans, service members, and their families in understanding and applying for the benefits they have earned. OurVA-accredited Benefit Specialists provide knowledgeable, in-person support to eligible veterans, dependents, and survivors seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the State of Maryland, and other veteran-serving programs, helping ensure the application process is conducted clearly, accurately, and with appropriate support.​

Before You Apply

If you already receive benefits, but just need to change your direct deposit information: The VA requires completion of an SF1199-A which can be found here.

It is recommended that you first speak to the VSO before you submit your online request.

​The VA Office of General Counsel maintains a list of VA-recognized organizations and VA-accredited individuals that are authorized to assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA benefit claims at https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp.

How to Apply

Make an appointment with a DVMF specialist:

Find a DVMF Service Office near you (see below) and call that office directly to make an appointment. Service Program offices are open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm, by appointment only.

During the appointment with the specialist​, you can expect the following:

• Military separation discharge document review
• VA system review: Healthcare, Benefits, and Cemeteries
• DVMF programs review: Charlotte Hall Veterans Home and Cemeteries
• Disability compensation/pension claim submission (if discharge paperwork supports the cla​im)

​​DVMF Service Program Offices

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families' Service Program Offices provide assistance from VA-accredited Benefits Services Specialists to veterans and their families with filing VA claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, State of Maryland as well as other agencies that provide benefits to Veterans or family members. The assistance provided is at no cost—veterans should never have to pay to access the benefits they earned through their service. Our accredited specialists work with the veteran/family to the USDVA, DOD, State of Maryland or other agencies that administer benefits to veterans/dependents or survivors. We will assist in guiding individuals through the claims process and advocate on their behalf. Veterans are encouraged to be cautious of individuals or organizations that charge fees or are not VA-accredited, by the USDVA. Oftentimes fees can be applied not only to a  current claim but to any claims for increase that may arise in the future.​