How to Apply for Benefits
The DVMF Service and Benefits Program provides free assistance from VA-accredited Benefits Specialists. DVMF Benefits Program staff are here to help veterans, dependents, and survivors apply for benefits and navigate claims with federal, state, and other veteran-serving agencies. Veterans should be cautious of unaccredited organizations that charge fees for claims assistance.
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 form - PDF.
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.
How to apply for VA benefits
Find answers to frequently asked questions about applying for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, including eligibility, required documents, the claims process and how to receive free assistance from a DVMF-accredited Benefits Specialist.
Any veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard member, reservist, or family member residing in Maryland.
Appointments are recommended. You may schedule an appointment with a DVMF VA-accredited Benefits Services Specialist or walk into a MVA branch location near you.
Office hours are 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 claim)
Never. All services are 100% free.
A claim shark is an unaccredited individual or company that charges veterans excessive fees for help with VA benefit claims.
Yes. Our accredited officers are trained to support all VA appeal pathways.
You can still work with a Maryland VSO for claims, updates, and support.
DVMF Benefits Office Locations
Find a DVMF Benefits Specialist near you. Browse the DVMF office locations (16), hours, and contact information to get free help applying for VA benefits.
| Annapolis Motor Vehicle Administration Service Center 160 Harry S. Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401 | Joeanne Johanson, Veterans Benefit Specialist II 410-573-4786 |
|---|
| *Regional Office 31 Hopkins Plaza, Room 3020 Baltimore, MD 21201 410-230-4444. ext. 16453 410-230-4445 (fax) 800-446-4926, ext. 6450 800-446-4926 (office secretary) | Phil Munley, Director Kiana Hinton, Appeals Chief Cardell Bass, Deputy Director Sharron Hall, Veterans Benefit Specialist II Jeanie Paeng, Veterans Benefits Specialist II |
|---|
| Bel Air Service Center Motor Vehicle Administration 501 W. Macphail Road Bel Air, MD 21014 | VACANT, Veterans Benefits Specialist Advanced Jermaine Wesley, Veterans Benefits Specialist II 410-638-6501 (benefits specialist) 410-638-6507 (office secretary) 410-683-6549 (fax) |
|---|
| Charlotte Hall Veterans Home 29449 Charlotte Hall Rd., Bldg. 3, Room 105 Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 | Aaron Awkward, Eastern Area Supervisor Yvette Carey, Veterans Benefits Specialist II 240-249-0474 |
|---|
| Cumberland Motor Vehicle Administration Service Center 13300 Winchester Road, SW Cumberland, MD 21502 | Aaron Clark, Veterans Benefits Specialist Advanced 301-729-4676 |
|---|
| 11 South Harrison Street Easton, MD 21601 (physical address) P.O. Box 1148 Easton, MD 21601 (mailing address) | Ashley Lahm, Veterans Benefits Specialist II 410-690-7181 |
|---|
| Motor Vehicle Administration Service Center 105 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite A Elkton, MD 21921 | Mike Cantrell, Veterans Benefits Specialist Advanced 667-225-6870 |
|---|
| Frederick Motor Vehicle Administration Service Center 1601 Bowmans Farm Road Frederick, MD 21701 | David Skisano, Veterans Benefits Specialist Advanced LeeAnn Nordick, Veterans Benefits Specialist II 301-631-7147 ext. 20147 301-631-2852 ext. 20852 |
|---|
| Gaithersburg Motor Vehicle Administration Service Center 15 Metropolitan Grove Road Gaithersburg, MD 20878 | Christina Williams, Veterans Benefits Specialist II 301-987-8412 301-987-8413 301-987-8496 (fax) |
|---|
| Glen Burnie Service Center, Building A, Ground Floor Motor Vehicle Administration 6601 Ritchie Highway Glen Burnie, MD 21062 | Antione Strange, Veterans Benefits Specialist II Jynell Proctor, Office Secretary III 410-424-3039 410-424-3047 (fax) |
|---|
| Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Service Center 18306 Col. Henry K. Douglas Drive Hagerstown, MD 21740 | Andrea Jones, Area Supervisor 240-527-6894 240-527-6893 (fax) |
|---|
| Largo Motor Vehicle Administration 10251 Central Ave Largo, MD. 20774 | Corey Bryant, Veterans Benefits Specialist ll (301) 333-1544 |
|---|
| Howard County Multi-Service Center 9900 Washington Blvd., Suite I Laurel, MD 20723 | Katherine Perkins, Veterans Benefits Specialist II 410-313-0229 |
|---|
| VA Eastern Baltimore County Community Based Outpatient Clinic Franklin Square Professional Center 5235 King Avenue, Suite 200 Rosedale, MD 21237 | Debra Hynes, Veterans Benefits Specialist 410-804-6053 (Wednesday, 9am to 1pm, excluding federal holidays) |
|---|
| Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Salisbury Branch 251 Tilghman Road Salisbury, MD 21804 | Jodi Satterfield, Veterans Benefits Specialist II 410-219-7256 410-219-7257 (fax) |
|---|
| Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration 11 Industrial Park Drive Waldorf, MD 20602 | Vanessa Roberts, Veterans Benefits Specialist 301-632-5784 301-632-5785 (fax) |
|---|