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Veterans Benefits Newsletter
January 2026
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VALife Program Celebrates Three Years
VALife is proudly celebrating its three year anniversary, as well as a significant milestone. Since its launch in 2023, VALife has provided over $2.2 billion in total coverage to more than 70,000 Veterans, offering peace of mind and financial protection to those who have served our country.
VALife offers up to $40,000 of whole life insurance coverage to Veterans, with guaranteed acceptance for Veterans age 80 and under with a service-connected disability rating from 0% to 100%. There are no medical questions to answer and premiums do not increase. Learn more and apply today.
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Increased Cost Grants
VA has increased building and materials costs grant amounts for severely disabled Veterans and Service members eligible for Specially Adapted Housing to adapt their homes. VA wants to ensure that Veterans maximize their benefit no matter when they decide to adapt their existing home or build or buy an adapted home. Learn More.
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Enrollment verification for VA Education benefits required starting January 2026
Starting in January 2026, all Department of Veterans Affairs education beneficiaries, including Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) students will be required to verify their enrollment each month to receive their benefit payments. Please note that you must verify your enrollment for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to begin processing your monthly benefit. Once verified, payment processing can take five to seven calendar days.
You can learn more about the different enrollment verification methods in this video or the Verify Your School Enrollment webpage. If you have questions about your enrollment, please contact your School Certifying Official. You can find their contact information listed on the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
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Object 100: Iraq Burn Pit
A year after returning from Iraq with severe respiratory problems in 2008, Capt. Le Roy Torres and his wife founded Burn Pits 360 to raise awareness of the health hazards of burn pit emissions. Over a decade of persistent advocacy by Burn Pits 360 and other Veterans groups paid off with passage of the PACT Act in 2022, the largest expansion of Veterans benefits since the 1944 GI Bill.
Read more about Object 100 in the History of VA in 100 Objects digital exhibit.
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Mentorship Matters: Guiding Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurs
Veterans and military spouses don’t have to build their businesses alone. Through SBA programs like the Mentor-Protégé program, experienced mentors provide personalized guidance, resources, and support to help the military community start, grow, and succeed in government contracting.
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VA Travel Pay Reimbursement
Find out if you're eligible for travel pay reimbursement through the Beneficiary Travel program. Eligible Veterans are repaid by VA for travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments.
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