Many South Dakota VA benefits are available under the state Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA), such as bonus payments, property tax exemptions, burial allowances and free college tuition. For assistance in obtaining veterans benefits such as these, servicemembers may contact or visit their local Veterans Service Office (VSO).

Additional veterans administration benefits are available under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These programs include college scholarships, employment resources, life insurance and disability compensation. To learn more about the benefits available to veterans in South Dakota, review the information below.

Disability Benefits for Veterans in South Dakota

Several types of South Dakota VA disability pay are available to veterans with service-connected disabilities or diseases. These VA disability benefits include Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), general compensation and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

Veterans may file VA disability claims by completing the following applications:

  • Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits (VA Form 21-534EZ)
  • Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ)
  • Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance (VA Form 21-2680)

VA life insurance policies are also available to qualifying veterans. Some of these policies include the following:

  • Veterans’ Group Life (SGLV 8714)
  • Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance complete (VA 29-4364)
  • Veterans’ Mortgage Life (VA 29-8636)
  • Traumatic Injury Protection Servicemembers’ Group Life (SGLV 8600)
  • Family Servicemembers’ Group Life (SGLV 8286A)
  • Servicemembers’ Group Life (SGLV 8286)

To learn more about veterans life insurance, contact a local VSO.

Health Insurance Benefits for Veterans in South Dakota

Federal VA health care in South Dakota covers services like exams, immunizations, genetic counseling, surgeries and emergency medical treatments.

In some cases, VA health insurance covers diagnostic services, such as X-rays, ultrasounds or physical therapy.

Eligible veterans may apply for VA medical benefits by completing an Application for Health Care (Form 10-10EZ or 10-10EC) and mailing it to the following address:

Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647

Note: Alternately, servicemembers may apply for health insurance in person at a VA medical facility, or by calling 1-877-222-8387.

Pension Benefits for Veterans in South Dakota

South Dakota VA pension programs are available to low-income servicemembers and/or their surviving family members. These veterans pension programs include veterans or survivors payments, Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound allowances.

To apply for survivors or veterans pension in SD, claimants must complete VA Forms 21P-534EZ or 21P-527EZ. To apply for A&A or Housebound allowances, military members must submit medical evidence to the address below.

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attn: St. Paul Pension Center
P.O. Box 5365
Janesville, WI  53547-5365

In addition to VA pension benefits, qualifying servicemembers may apply for bonuses by completing a Veteran/Active Duty Bonus Application (SDDVA Form B1) and mailing it to the following address:

South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs 
Attn: Bonus Program
425 E. Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-3100

Housing Benefits for Veterans in South Dakota

South Dakota VA housing support includes access to nursing home care at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice Veterans Home. To learn more about local veterans housing assistance or to apply for these programs, veterans must contact a local VSO.

Additionally, federal VA housing assistance includes Purchase Loans, Adapted Housing Grants, Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans and the Native American Direct Loan.

To apply for a VA home loan or to determine, veterans must complete VA Form 26-1880 and mail it to the following address:

Department of Veterans Affairs
St. Paul Regional Loan Center
1 Federal Drive, Ft. Snelling 
St. Paul, MN 55111-4050

Note: Veterans with questions pertaining to VA home loan rates or mortgage servicing assistance may contact the Loan Guaranty Office at 1-877-827-3702.

Education Benefits for Veterans in South Dakota

South Dakota VA education benefits include free college tuition for the children of eligible servicemembers, federal scholarships, and honorary high school diplomas.

The GI bill and its variants, such as the post 911 GI bill, provide financial assistance to help veterans pay for all or most of their educational expenses.

Specific scholarships for veterans and educational opportunities include the following:

  • Free tuition for veterans – complete a Veterans Application for Free Tuition at State Supported Schools (SDDVA Form E-11)
  • Free tuition for the children of veterans killed during service – complete a Veteran’s Dependents or Survivors Application for Free Tuition (SDDVA Form E-12)
  • Free tuition for the dependents of prisoners of war or veterans deemed missing in action – students must visit their school’s financial aid office
  • Reduced college tuition for National Guardsmen
  • Free tuition for the children or spouses of disabled or deceased National Guardsmen
  • Honorary high school diplomas
  • The Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) – complete VA Form 22-1990

For assistance in obtaining these scholarships for veterans, contact a local VSO.

Employment Benefits for Veterans in South Dakota

Several South Dakota VA jobs benefits are available to help veterans find jobs in the state, including state and federal resources. These veteran jobs services include the federal Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, Transition Assistance (TAP), apprenticeship opportunities and on-the-job training.

Additionally, applicants can find jobs for veterans by using the website of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

To help applicants find veteran jobs, the SDDVA also includes a list of open positions on its website.

Funeral Benefits for Veterans in South Dakota

Federal VA death benefits in South Dakota include interment at any of the 135 national cemeteries in the country. Additional VA death benefits include a burial flag, headstone, Presidential Memorial Certificate, the opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care.

SD veterans death benefits also include burial allowances of up to $100 for eligible veterans and their spouses, in addition to a $100 reimbursement for the headstone setting fee. Additionally, veterans burial benefits include a $50 reimbursement for the cost of funeral honors (if applicable).

To apply for the reimbursement, claimants must complete a Military Funeral Honors $50 Stipend Request (SDDVA Form MFH1).

Last updated on Friday, March 6 2020.