VA Benefits Most Veterans Don't Know About
As a veteran herself, Keneshia Haye is passionate about ensuring every service member gets the benefits they've earned. These programs could save you tens of thousands of dollars.
VA Benefits at a Glance
This infographic breaks down the key VA benefits available to disabled veterans, including housing adaptation grants, mortgage life insurance, and automobile assistance programs.
A comprehensive overview of VA disability benefits, grant amounts, and eligibility pathways.
Download InfographicHousing Adaptation Grants
These grants help veterans with service-connected disabilities modify or purchase adapted homes. Most veterans have no idea these programs exist.
SAH Grant — Up to $109,986
The Specially Adapted Housing grant is one of the most valuable VA benefits. It provides funding through four distinct plans:
- 1. Build a new adapted home on land you will purchase
- 2. Build a new adapted home on land you already own
- 3. Remodel an existing home with adaptations
- 4. Purchase an already-adapted home
SHA Grant — Companion to SAH
The Special Housing Adaptation grant serves veterans with less severe service-connected disabilities who still need home modifications. It works as a companion program to the SAH grant, providing funding for necessary adaptations like widened doorways, roll-in showers, and accessible kitchen modifications.
HISA Grant — $6,800 / $2,000
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grant covers medically necessary home modifications. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can receive up to $6,800 for service-connected conditions or $2,000 for non-service-connected conditions. This covers improvements like grab bars, ramps, bathroom modifications, and other structural alterations.
Florida Property Tax Exemption
Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the VA are eligible for a total property tax exemption on their homestead in Florida. This can save thousands of dollars every year. Partial exemptions are also available for veterans with lower disability ratings. Keneshia can help you understand your eligibility.
Downloadable Forms & Resources
Mortgage & Insurance Protection
Protect your family and your home with these VA insurance and mortgage programs designed specifically for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
VMLI — Up to $200,000
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance pays your mortgage directly to your lender upon your death, protecting your family from losing their home. Key features:
- ✓ Coverage up to $200,000
- ✓ Decreasing term matches your mortgage balance
- ✓ Standard premium rates regardless of disability
- ✓ Available to SAH/SHA grant recipients
S-DVI — $10,000 + $30,000 Supplemental
Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance provides basic life insurance coverage of $10,000 with an optional supplemental coverage of $30,000. This is available to veterans with a service-connected disability rated by the VA, even if the disability is 0%.
VGLI — Convert from SGLI
Veterans' Group Life Insurance allows you to convert your Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to renewable term coverage after separation. No health exam required if you apply within 240 days of discharge.
TSGLI — Traumatic Injury Protection
Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance provides a lump-sum payment of up to $100,000 for qualifying traumatic injuries sustained during service. This covers losses such as amputation, sight, hearing, burns, and traumatic brain injuries.
Downloadable Forms & Resources
Automobile & Mobility Grants
The VA provides grants to help veterans purchase and adapt vehicles for their mobility needs. These benefits can be life-changing.
Automobile Grant — Up to $20,114.34
A one-time, lifetime grant to help you purchase a new or used vehicle. This grant can be applied toward the purchase price of an automobile or other conveyance.
Qualifying Conditions
- • Loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet
- • Permanent impairment of vision in both eyes
- • Severe burn injuries
- • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- • Ankylosis of one or both knees or hips
Adaptive Equipment Grant — Repeatable
Unlike the one-time auto grant, the adaptive equipment grant can be used repeatedly to modify your vehicle for accessibility. Covered modifications include:
- ✓ Hand controls for gas and brake
- ✓ Wheelchair lifts and ramps
- ✓ Modified steering and seating
- ✓ Power transfer seats
- ✓ Lowered floors and raised roofs
Downloadable Forms & Resources
Employment & Rehabilitation
The VA offers comprehensive programs to help disabled veterans prepare for, find, and maintain employment, or achieve independent living.
VR&E / Chapter 31
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment services help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment. Services include career counseling, training, education, resume development, and job placement assistance.
Independent Living Services
For veterans whose disabilities are too severe for traditional employment, the Independent Living track provides services to improve daily functioning. This includes assistive technology, home modifications, community support, and connection to VA and community resources.
Prosthetics & Sensory Aids
The VA provides prosthetic devices, sensory aids, and assistive technology to veterans with service-connected disabilities. This includes artificial limbs, orthotic devices, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and other equipment needed for rehabilitation and daily activities.
Downloadable Forms & Resources
Get the Complete VA Benefits Resource Kit
Download all 15 official VA forms, applications, and guides in one package. Plus get Keneshia's personal recommendations on how to maximize your benefits.
Who Qualifies?
Most of the benefits on this page require a service-connected disability rating from the VA. Here is a quick overview of how disability ratings work and who may be eligible.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Navigating VA eligibility can be confusing. Keneshia has helped dozens of veterans figure out which programs they qualify for and how to apply. She can point you in the right direction — even if she is not the one processing the claim.
Jacksonville Veteran Resources & Helpful Links
Bookmark these essential resources. We've compiled the most important links for veterans and military families in the Jacksonville area.
VA & Military Services
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ↗
Official VA benefits, healthcare, and services portal
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VA Benefits Overview ↗
Complete guide to service member benefits
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VA Regional Office — St. Petersburg ↗
Regional office serving Jacksonville area veterans
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Jacksonville VA Clinic ↗
Primary VA outpatient clinic in Jacksonville
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Florida Dept. of Veterans' Affairs ↗
State-level veteran benefits and services
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Military OneSource ↗
24/7 support for military families (counseling, legal, financial)
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NAS Jacksonville ↗
Naval Air Station Jacksonville official page
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NS Mayport ↗
Naval Station Mayport official page
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K9s For Warriors ↗
Local Ponte Vedra nonprofit pairing veterans with service dogs
Jacksonville Homeowner Essentials
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Duval County Property Appraiser ↗
Look up property values, ownership records, and assessments
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Property Search Tool ↗
Search any Duval County property by address
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Homestead Exemption Application ↗
Apply online for Florida homestead exemption (save thousands on property taxes!)
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Duval County Tax Collector ↗
Pay property taxes, renew tags, and more
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JEA — Start Utilities ↗
Set up electric, water, and sewer for your new home
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Building Permits & Inspections ↗
Apply for permits, schedule inspections
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Online Permit System (JaxEPICS) ↗
Look up permits by address or apply online
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Jacksonville Code Enforcement ↗
Code compliance and violation lookup
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FEMA Flood Zone Maps ↗
Check if a property is in a flood zone (critical for insurance!)
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Florida Building Code ↗
Current state building codes and standards
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Duval County Clerk of Courts ↗
Deed searches, lien searches, official records
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Duval County Public Schools ↗
School district info and school finder
Nearby County Resources
For buyers looking outside Duval County
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St. Johns County Property Appraiser ↗
Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine area property records & homestead
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Clay County Property Appraiser ↗
Orange Park, Fleming Island area property records & homestead
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Duval County Supervisor of Elections ↗
Voter registration for new residents
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FDOT Northeast Florida ↗
Road projects and infrastructure updates near your property
All links open in a new tab and go directly to official government or nonprofit websites. Links verified March 2026.
Let a Fellow Veteran Guide You
Keneshia Haye served in the U.S. military and understands the unique challenges veterans face. She's helped dozens of fellow veterans navigate VA benefits and find their dream homes.