How To Apply For Benefits

​ ​​​​The Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families Service and Benefits Program provides assistance to men and women who served in the Uniformed Services of the United States, their dependents, and survivors in obtaining benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, State of Maryland a​nd other programs for veterans and their families.

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

Step 1: 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, 8:00-4:00, by appointment only.

What to expect during this meeting? 

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)

Step 2: Submit your claim online​

Once your claim is submitted, you’ll get claim processing tracking, additional claim development (if needed), followed by a decision review and explanation of benefits.​

DVMF Service Program Offices