Benefits for Reservists and National Guard Members

Is someone with only Reserve or National Guard service eligible for VA benefits?

If the member is called to ACTIVE duty, then he/she is eligible for the same VA benefits as any other veteran, including those for dependents and survivors.  The member must meet the same length of service requirements.

If the member has NO active duty service, are any benefits available?

A member who has never served on active duty may still qualify for the following benefits:

COMPENSATION:

Monthly benefits may be payable if the member has a disability that resulted from a disease or injury incurred while on active duty for training, or an injury, heart attack or stroke incurred during inactive duty for training.  Additional benefits for the member and his/her dependents or survivors may also apply.

MEDICAL CARE:

VA will provide medical care ONLY if the member is found to have a service-connected disability.

HOME LOAN GUARANTY:

The member must have completed six years in the Guard or Reserve with an honorable discharge.  If he/she was discharged due to service-connected disability, then the required service time could be less.  (Note:  this eligibility expires on September 30, 2007.)

BURIAL FLAG:

A member who completes at least one enlistment in the Guard or Reserve, is discharged due to service-connected disability, or whose death is related to his/her services eligible to receive a flag.

BURIAL IN A NATIONAL CEMETERY AND HEADSTONE/MARKER:

These benefits are available to any member whose death is related to his/her Reserve or National Guard service or who, at the time of death, was eligible for retirement pay based on Reserve or National Guard service or who, at the time of death, was eligible for retirement pay based on Reserve or National Guard service, or would have been entitled had the member attained age 60.

MONTGOMERY GI BILL - SELECTED RESERVE (CHAPTER 1606):

The member may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of education benefits.  Benefit entitlement ends 10 years from the date of eligibility for the program, or on the day the member leaves the Guard or Reserve.  To Qualify, one must:

  1. Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve.  Officers must agree to serve six years in addition to the original obligation.
  2. Complete initial active duty for training (IADT).
  3. Meet the requirements to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before applying for benefits.
  4. Remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit.

All the above information can also be found on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs webpage.