Your benefits don't stop at the border
Programs that work overseas, including the ones most veterans abroad don't know about.
The VA doesn't send a welcome packet when you move overseas. This page is the closest thing to one.
Most of your benefits keep working abroad: disability compensation, pension, the GI Bill, burial benefits and, for service-connected conditions, healthcare through the Foreign Medical Program. What changes is who handles your case, how you get paid and where you get care. Every guide below links the official VA, DoD or government source so you can confirm before you act.
Start with these three
- Download your FMP benefits letter from VA.gov and read the Foreign Medical Program guide. It is the program vets abroad most often discover too late.
- Know who handles your claim. The Pittsburgh Regional Office (+1 412-395-6272) handles most veterans abroad; Manila handles the Philippines. See claims from overseas.
- Save your Crisis Line number. 988 doesn't work abroad. Europe +1 844-702-5495, Asia-Pacific +1 844-702-5493, Latin America +1 866-989-9599. All numbers.
Key numbers to save
| VA benefits (U.S. number) | 1-800-827-1000 |
|---|---|
| VA from overseas (Pittsburgh) | +1 412-395-6272 |
| International direct deposit | +1 918-781-7550 |
| MyVA411 (24/7) | +1 800-698-2411 |
| Mail FMP claims | PO Box 200, Spring City, PA 19475 |
Have a question that isn't covered? Ask in the free community's VA Benefits Abroad channel. Join free.
Foreign Medical Program
VA pays for service-connected care anywhere in the world.
Read the guide →
VA Manila Clinic
The only VA facility abroad, plus a benefits office.
Read the guide →
Pattaya veterans clinic
What actually exists for vets in Pattaya.
Read the guide →
TRICARE & CHAMPVA
Coverage abroad and the Part B rule.
Read the guide →
Not sure where to start?
Ask in the VA Benefits Abroad channel. Members who have filed from your country answer fast.
- Ask about claims from overseas
- Get FMP tips from vets who use it
- Find vets in your country
VA claims from overseas
Intent to File, exams abroad, decision reviews.
Read the guide →
Getting paid abroad
Direct deposit in 30 countries.
Read the guide →
Social Security abroad
Federal Benefits Units and limits.
Read the guide →
GI Bill abroad
Foreign schools and VR&E.
Read the guide →
Taxes & voting
Paperwork that follows you.
Read the guide →
Not sure where to start?
Ask in the VA Benefits Abroad channel. Members who have filed from your country answer fast.
- Ask about claims from overseas
- Get FMP tips from vets who use it
- Find vets in your country
Military retirees overseas
Retired pay, CRDP and CRSC, TRICARE, base access, Space-A.
Read the guide →
Space-A & base access
What retirees and disabled vets can use.
Read the guide →
VA coordinators on base
VA benefits staff in Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea.
Read the guide →
Not sure where to start?
Ask in the VA Benefits Abroad channel. Members who have filed from your country answer fast.
- Ask about claims from overseas
- Get FMP tips from vets who use it
- Find vets in your country
Burial abroad
Headstones, transport and overseas cemeteries.
Read the guide →
Crisis Line overseas
24/7 numbers by region.
Read the guide →
VFW & Legion abroad
Posts by country.
Read the guide →
Support organizations
DAV, WWP, Team Rubicon, USO and more, and what works abroad.
Read the guide →
Wounded Warrior Project
Free programs for post-9/11 vets, and what works from overseas.
Read the guide →
Not sure where to start?
Ask in the VA Benefits Abroad channel. Members who have filed from your country answer fast.
- Ask about claims from overseas
- Get FMP tips from vets who use it
- Find vets in your country
Prefer step-by-step lessons?
Members get free courses on FMP, filing VA claims from overseas, and moving abroad.
