Veteran Tech Benefits

Who qualifies: Any veteran with a DD-214 or current service member. Family members can create their own account for survivor benefits.

What it provides: One website for everything VA: file disability claims, check claim status, refill prescriptions, message your doctor, download your records, and view payment history.

How to apply

1. 1.Go to VA.gov and click "Sign in or create an account".
2. 2.Pick Login.gov or ID.me — both are free and secure.
3. 3.Verify your identity with a photo ID and a quick selfie.
4. 4.Once verified, link your VA records — it pulls them in automatically.

• •You only have to verify your identity once — covers VA.gov, MyHealtheVet, and eBenefits.
• •Family members of deceased veterans can apply for survivor benefits through the same portal.

Who qualifies: Any veteran enrolled in VA health care. If you are not enrolled yet, apply for VA health care first at VA.gov.

What it provides: Refill prescriptions online, send secure messages to your VA doctor, view lab results, schedule appointments, and download your full medical records.

How to apply

1. 1.Go to MyHealth.va.gov.
2. 2.Sign in with your Login.gov or ID.me account (the same one you use at VA.gov).
3. 3.On your first visit, ask the front desk at your VA clinic to "upgrade" your account to Premium — this unlocks prescription refills and secure messaging.
4. 4.The upgrade is free and takes about 5 minutes at any VA facility.

• •Refilling prescriptions online means no waiting on hold and no trip to the pharmacy window.
• •Secure messages reach your provider faster than the phone line in most cases.

Who qualifies: Veterans, service members, and family caregivers. No VA enrollment needed for most apps.

What it provides: Over 40 free apps from the VA: PTSD Coach, Mindfulness Coach, Insomnia Coach, VA Health Chat, Annie (text-message check-ins), VA Welcome Kit, Caregiver Self-Care, and more.

How to apply

1. 1.Open the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android).
2. 2.Search for the app name with "VA" in front — for example, "VA PTSD Coach".
3. 3.Confirm the publisher reads "U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs" before downloading.
4. 4.Most apps work without a sign-in; a few connect to your VA health account.

• •PTSD Coach has been downloaded over 600,000 times and is recommended by VA mental health providers.
• •Mindfulness Coach is helpful even if you do not have a diagnosis — it is good for general stress.

Who qualifies: Veterans enrolled in VA health care who do not have reliable home internet and need it for telehealth visits.

What it provides: A no-cost iPad or hotspot with a data plan for telehealth video appointments. The VA covers the device and the monthly internet for as long as you need it for medical visits.

How to apply

1. 1.At your next VA appointment, tell your provider you have trouble with telehealth because of internet.
2. 2.They put in a "Digital Divide Consult" — that is the official name.
3. 3.A VA social worker calls within 1-2 weeks to ship the device.
4. 4.Device arrives by mail with a one-page setup guide.

• •Also available through SAMHSA and tribal partner programs.
• •You keep the iPad as long as you have ongoing VA telehealth care.

Who qualifies: Active duty, veterans, retirees, and their spouses. Gold Star families qualify too.

What it provides: 25% off the unlimited wireless plan, plus discounts on AT&T Fiber home internet. Discount applies for the whole household on one bill.

How to apply

1. 1.Go to att.com/wireless/military-discount.
2. 2.Click "Verify with ID.me" — same system the VA uses.
3. 3.Sign in to ID.me (or create a free account) and confirm veteran status.
4. 4.Link your AT&T account number; the discount appears on your next bill.

• •Works on existing accounts — you do not have to switch plans.
• •Spouses can apply on the veteran's behalf with a marriage certificate.

Who qualifies: Veterans, active duty, and Gold Star families. Verified through ID.me.

What it provides: Up to $25/month off each line on Verizon Unlimited plans. A family of 4 can save around $100 a month. Includes free Disney+ and Apple Music on the higher tiers.

How to apply

1. 1.Visit verizon.com/military.
2. 2.Verify with ID.me using your DD-214 or current military ID.
3. 3.Pick a plan or apply the discount to your existing one.
4. 4.Discount appears on the next billing cycle.

• •The discount stacks on top of mix-and-match family plans.
• •Auto-pay is required to keep the discount.

Who qualifies: Veterans, active duty, retirees, reservists, and Gold Star spouses and parents.

What it provides: Half off additional lines on the Go5G or Magenta MAX plan, plus a free year of Apple TV+ and Paramount+. Two lines run around $80/month after the discount.

How to apply

1. 1.Go to t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/military.
2. 2.Verify through ID.me with your service record.
3. 3.Switch a current plan or sign up new — they will port your number free.
4. 4.Discount kicks in on the first bill.

• •T-Mobile also waives the activation fee for veterans.
• •Gold Star families get the same pricing as active military.

Who qualifies: Veterans 65+ who are eligible for VA care, and many veterans on Tricare for Life or certain Medicare Advantage plans.

What it provides: Free gym membership at over 16,000 locations (Planet Fitness, YMCA, LA Fitness, Anytime Fitness) plus free senior fitness classes. Includes the SilverSneakers GO mobile app for at-home workouts.

How to apply

1. 1.Go to SilverSneakers.com → "Check Your Eligibility".
2. 2.Enter your Medicare or Tricare ID number.
3. 3.If you do not have those, call 1-888-423-4632 and ask about VA Champion Veteran enrollment.
4. 4.Print the membership card or show the app at the gym front desk.

• •No copay, no contract, and you can use any participating gym anywhere in the country.
• •Great for veterans who travel — switch gyms while on the road at no extra cost.

Who qualifies: Veterans (and any adult) living with vision loss, blindness, or progressive eye disease.

What it provides: Free online and audio courses on living with vision loss: smartphone use with VoiceOver/TalkBack, computer keyboard shortcuts, daily tasks, braille, and emotional adjustment. Personal one-on-one phone support too.

How to apply

1. 1.Go to Hadley.edu and click "Get Started".
2. 2.Complete a short, free enrollment form.
3. 3.Pick the courses you want — over 200 to choose from.
4. 4.Learn at your own pace by audio, large print, or online video.

• •Founded in 1920 — the oldest school of its kind in the US.
• •You can also call a Hadley counselor for free phone tutoring on a smartphone or computer.

Who qualifies: New veterans, transitioning service members, and family members who are unsure where to start.

What it provides: A free PDF guide that lists every VA benefit by life event — buying a home, having a baby, going back to school, retiring. Each section has the right phone number and website.

How to apply

1. 1.Go to va.gov/welcome-kit.
2. 2.Click "Download the welcome kit".
3. 3.Save the PDF or print it. About 50 pages.
4. 4.Spanish version available on the same page.

• •The best single document for understanding what the VA actually offers.
• •Mail-order print copies are free by calling 1-800-698-2411.