When it comes to VA benefits, understanding the application process and eligibility requirements can be confusing and overwhelming.
One form that veterans may come across during their journey to receiving benefits is VA Form 27-0501, also known as the VA Benefits Timetable.
This form outlines the different benefits that are available to veterans and the timetables associated with each benefit.
Understanding this form can help veterans navigate the complex VA benefits system more effectively.
In this article, we will break down VA Form 27-0501 and explain each benefit and its associated timetable in detail.
What are Disability Benefits and How Do I Qualify For Them?
If you are a veteran who has been injured or has developed a medical condition due to your military service, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
These benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to veterans who are no longer able to work or have difficulty functioning due to their service-connected injuries or illnesses.
In order to qualify for VA disability benefits, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a current medical condition that is directly related to your military service.
The severity of your condition will also be taken into account when determining the level of benefits you may be entitled to.
To apply for VA disability benefits, you will need to submit an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provide medical evidence that supports your claim.
The VA will then review your application and medical evidence to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
If you are approved, you will receive a disability rating that reflects the severity of your condition, which will be used to calculate your monthly benefits.
VA Benefits: When Do They Expire?
VA benefits can vary in terms of when they expire.
Some benefits last until the veteran dies, there is a change in the conditions that justified the benefit, or other circumstances.
Other benefits have fixed start and stop dates, while others have specific expiration dates.
Here are some examples of each:
Benefits that never expire
- Disability compensation for a service-connected disability
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for eligible survivors of veterans who died from a service-related cause
- VA healthcare services for veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system
Benefits with fixed start and stop dates
- VA education benefits for active duty service members, which can typically be used after completing initial training and during their first duty station
- VA employment benefits for veterans who have retired or separated from military service
Benefits with specific expiration dates
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill, which generally expires 15 years after the veteran’s last period of active duty service
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) benefits, which usually have an expiration date of 12 years from the date of separation from military service
The Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a benefit program that provides educational assistance to eligible military service members and veterans who have served on or after September 11, 2001.
The program covers up to 36 months of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.
Expiration Dates
| Military Service End Date | Expiration Date |
| Before January 1, 2013 | 15 years after leaving military |
| On or after January 1, 2013 | Does not expire |
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is a program that provides financial support for education and training to veterans and active-duty service members.
The MGIB has two primary programs:
- MGIB-Active Duty
- MGIB-Selected Reserve
MGIB-Active Duty is available to those who entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, and made a $1,200 contribution to the program.
MGIB-Selected Reserve is available to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the Army National Guard and Air National Guard.
Expiration Dates
VA.gov notes that the MGIB typically expires 10 years from your departure from military service, but this may be subject to change depending on status.
The table below outlines the expiration rules for both MGIB-Active Duty and MGIB-Selected Reserve.
| Benefit | Expiration Dates |
| Montgomery GI Bill | 10 years after leaving military service |
| Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) | 14 years from the date of your first 6-year military service commitment if you separated due to disability, your unit was deactivated between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2014, or you involuntarily separated between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2014 |
| MGIB-SR (Extended) | Benefits are extended for the duration of duty plus four additional months if called to active duty with the Guard or Reserve |
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) VA Benefit is a program that assists veterans and currently serving service members with disabilities caused or made worse by military service.
The program provides vocational rehabilitation and employment services that help veterans find and keep a job that is compatible with their skills and abilities.
Expiration Dates
If you are eligible for VR&E and were discharged from active duty before 2013, your basic eligibility period is 12 years from the date you got a date of separation from active duty or the date you got your first VA service-connected disability rating, whichever is later.
For those discharged from active duty on or after January 1, 2013, there is no time limit or expiration of benefits.
| Discharge Year | Basic Eligibility Period |
| Before 2013 | 12 years from date of separation from active duty or first VA service-connected disability rating |
| On or after January 1, 2013 | No time limit or expiration of benefits |
Combat Veterans Healthcare Benefits
Combat Veterans Healthcare Benefits are a set of benefits offered to qualifying veterans who have served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998.
These benefits provide free healthcare for 10 years following their date of discharge, subject to certain eligibility criteria.
To qualify, a veteran must have been discharged or released from active service on or after January 29, 2003, and must not have received a dishonorable discharge.
The healthcare benefits for combat veterans can cover a wide range of medical treatments, including primary care, specialty care, and mental health services.
The program aims to provide veterans with access to the necessary healthcare services to help them transition back to civilian life and address any physical or mental health issues they may have developed as a result of their service.
| Date of Discharge | Expiration Date for Healthcare Benefits |
| Before 1/28/2003 | N/A |
| 1/29/2003 – 1/27/2009 | 5 years after separation from military service |
| 1/28/2009 – 1/28/2011 | End of 5-year post discharge enrollment period |
| 1/29/2011 and later | Length of the veteran’s medical condition or disability + 5 years from separation from military service |
Post-Discharge Dental Care Benefit
The Post-Discharge Dental Care Benefit is a VA program that provides one-time dental treatment to eligible veterans who did not receive a dental exam within 90 days of their separation or retirement from military service.
This benefit aims to ensure that veterans receive essential dental care that may have been missed during their military service.
The benefit allows veterans to receive one-time dental treatment within 180 days after their separation or retirement. After this 180-day period, the benefit expires and is no longer available.
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a program providing life insurance coverage to service members. SGLI coverage is offered in increments of $50,000, up to a maximum of $400,000.
SGLI coverage expires 120 days after separation or retirement from military service.
It is important to note that service members have the option to convert their SGLI coverage to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) within 240 days of separation or retirement, without undergoing a medical examination.
VGLI is renewable coverage that can be maintained for life.
Family Group Life Insurance (FGLI)
Family Group Life Insurance (FGLI) is a group insurance program that offers life insurance coverage to the spouses and children of service members insured under SGLI, up to a maximum of $100,000.
This coverage typically expires 120 days after the military member’s retirement or separation from service.
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
VGLI, or Veterans’ Group Life Insurance, is a program that provides renewable term life insurance coverage to veterans.
The program is designed to offer continued life insurance protection to veterans after they leave military service. VGLI coverage can be obtained by veterans who had SGLI coverage while serving in the military and within 240 days of their military separation or retirement.
The VGLI coverage typically expires 120 days after military retirement or separation, and veterans must apply for the coverage within one year and 120 days of their separation or retirement from service.
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) is a life insurance program that provides coverage for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
The program offers coverage of up to $10,000, with waived premiums for veterans who have been rated as 100% service-disabled.
The coverage typically expires within two years of the notification of the disability rating of 100%.
Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance Deadline
This is not an expiration date; it’s an application deadline.
VMLI offers up to $90,000 in mortgage protection insurance, designed for disabled veterans who have received grants for Specially-Adapted Housing from VA.
You must apply for this program before reaching age 70.
In conclusion, understanding the expiration dates for various VA benefits is crucial for veterans and their families.
It’s important to note that the VA benefits expiration dates are subject to change based on a veteran’s specific situation, so it’s always best to consult with the VA directly to ensure you are aware of any updates or changes.
By being aware of these deadlines, veterans can make informed decisions about their benefits and take advantage of them before they expire.
If you are interested in learning more about filing for disability benefits, check out our FREE ebook The Road to VA Compensation Benefits .
