Skip to Content
Your browser is out of date. To use this website, please update your browser or use a different device.
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

How to Apply for VA Health Care

Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or Servicemember.

How do I prepare before starting my application?

What documents and information do I need to apply?

  • Your most recent tax return
  • Social Security numbers for yourself and your qualified dependents
  • Account numbers for any current health insurance you already have (like Medicare, private insurance, or insurance from your employer)

You can also apply:

By phone

Call our toll-free hotline at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET) to get help with your application.

By mail

Fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).
Download VA Form 10-10EZ.

You or someone acting as your power of attorney must sign and date the form. And:

  • If you’re using a power of attorney, you’ll need to submit a copy of the Power of Attorney form along with your application.
  • If you sign with an “X,” 2 people you know must witness your signature. They’ll also need to sign and print their names on the form.

Send your completed application here:

Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329

In person

Fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).
Download VA Form 10-10EZ.

You or someone acting as your power of attorney must sign and date the form. And:

  • If you’re using a power of attorney, you’ll need to submit a copy of the Power of Attorney form along with your application.
  • If you sign with an “X,” 2 people you know must witness your signature. They’ll also need to sign and print their names on the form.

Go to your nearest VA medical center or clinic. Bring a signed Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) with you.
Find a VA medical center or clinic near you.

Or get help through your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
Find your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.

With the help of a trained professional

You can work with a trained professional called an accredited representative to get help applying for health care benefits.
Get help filing your claim.

What if I'm the caregiver of a post-9/11 Veteran or Servicemember?

You may qualify for VA health care and other benefits. View the Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (VA Form 10-10CG).

Download Form 10-10CG.

What if I need long-term care?

If you need community nursing home care, domiciliary care, adult day health care, geriatric evaluation, or respite care, you may need to fill out an Application for Extended Care Services (VA Form 10-10EC).

Download Form 10-10EC.

What happens after I apply?

Find out what happens after you apply.

If you’ve also applied for a VA pension or disability benefits, you can check the status of those claims online.
Check the status of your claim.

How long does it take VA to make a decision?

Less than 1 week If more than a week has passed since you gave us your application and you haven’t heard back, please don’t apply again. Call our toll-free hotline at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET).

How do I update my information if I’m already signed up?

To update your personal, insurance, or financial information from an earlier application, fill out a Health Benefits Update Form (VA Form 10-10EZR).

Download VA Form 10-10EZR.

Last updated: