CHAMPVA health coverage
CHAMPVA is a cost-sharing health care program for the spouse or dependent child of a veteran rated permanently and totally (P&T) disabled from service-connected disability, and for certain survivors, including those of a veteran who died from a service-connected disability or who was rated P&T at death. You can't be eligible for TRICARE. Children may stay covered to age 23 while in school. If eligible for Medicare, you must have Parts A and B. Apply with VA Form 10-10d or online.
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA, Chapter 35)
Spouses and children of veterans who are P&T disabled from service-connected conditions, or who died from them, may get education and training benefits. Rates effective October 1, 2026:
| Enrollment | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,621.00 |
| 75% | $1,281.00 |
| 50% | $939.00 |
| 25% or less | Up to $405.25 (or tuition, if less) |
Children of service members who died in the line of duty may qualify for the Fry Scholarship instead.
Survivor benefits
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): monthly payments to eligible survivors. See our DIC & survivor benefits page.
- Survivors Pension for low-income survivors of wartime veterans. See pension & Aid and Attendance.
- Adding dependents: veterans rated 30% or more get additional compensation for a spouse, children, and dependent parents. Use our calculator to estimate.
Arkansas benefits for veterans and families
- Homestead and personal property tax exemption: for a veteran rated 100% P&T service-connected, or awarded SMC for loss or loss of use of one or more limbs or total blindness in one or both eyes. It extends to an unremarried surviving spouse and minor dependent children (Ark. Code § 26-3-306). Apply through your county collector and recertify as required.
- Military Dependents Scholarship: helps eligible spouses and children of qualifying veterans with tuition, fees, and on-campus housing at Arkansas public schools.
- Hunting and fishing: lifetime licenses for resident disabled veterans. The combination license is $3 for 100% P&T, and $52.50 for veterans rated 70%+ (or 50%+ with a Purple Heart).
- Income tax: military retirement pay is exempt from Arkansas income tax. VA disability compensation isn't taxable federally or by the state.
Living in another state?
Nearly every state offers something extra, such as property tax relief, tuition waivers for dependents, license plates, or state veterans homes. Benefits and eligibility vary widely. Start with your state's department of veterans affairs, and ask us during your free review which state benefits your rating may unlock.
We'll review whether your rating should be permanent and total.
Sources
VA: CHAMPVA · VA: Chapter 35 rates · Arkansas DVA: Property taxes · Army benefits: Arkansas state benefits · Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 2026.