What Veterans Should Know About New VA Healthcare and Housing Assistance Options in 2026

In 2026, several developments are making these resources especially important for Veterans dealing with healthcare needs, housing instability, mortgage problems, disability-related challenges, or difficulty accessing care.

Some of the changes are completely new programs. Others involve expanded access, updated payment rules, faster scheduling, or additional support for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.

For Veterans and their families, understanding the difference between these programs can make it easier to identify the type of assistance that may apply to their circumstances.

The VA reported in September 2026 that more than 250,000 new Veterans had enrolled in VA healthcare during the year. The department also said it had made more than 1.4 million medical appointments involving Veterans who enrolled in 2026, including more than 300,000 mental health appointments.

At the same time, new housing initiatives are addressing both homelessness and the risk of foreclosure. In June 2026, VA launched its Partial Claim Program, while an additional $29 million fund announced in August is providing eligible homeless Veterans and HUD-VASH participants with emergency goods, services, and transportation.

In This Comprehensive Guide, Veterans Will Learn:

• What new VA healthcare developments are available in 2026
• How VA community care scheduling is changing
• What Veterans should know about 2026 healthcare copays
• How the PACT Act continues to expand healthcare access
• How Veterans experiencing homelessness can get immediate help
• What HUD-VASH provides
• How the new $29 million emergency assistance fund works
• How the new VA Partial Claim Program can help homeowners
• What VA home loans and housing grants can provide
• How disability-related home modifications may be covered
• What Veterans should do if they are at risk of losing housing
• Which VA resources are worth checking before the end of 2026

VA Healthcare Access Is Expanding in 2026

One of the most significant developments is the continued expansion of VA healthcare enrollment.

The VA reported that more than 250,000 new Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare during the first part of 2026. The department also said it had been increasing access to appointments outside traditional operating hours, including early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments. (

This can be particularly important for Veterans who work full-time, live far from a VA facility, or have difficulty attending appointments during normal business hours.

VA also said it expects to spend nearly $5 billion during fiscal year 2026 on modernizing, repairing, and improving healthcare facilities. For Veterans, the practical benefit may be easier access to appointments and more modern facilities, although availability still varies by location.

Community Care Scheduling Is Becoming Faster

Veterans who cannot receive appropriate care directly through VA facilities may be eligible for care through VA’s community care network.

In March 2026, VA announced that its External Provider Scheduling system was operating at all VA facilities. The technology gives VA employees direct access to participating community providers’ scheduling systems, allowing appointments to be booked more quickly.

Previously, scheduling staff could have to contact multiple providers before finding an appointment.

The new system is intended to reduce that administrative process.

For Veterans, this could mean less time waiting for an outside appointment when community care has been authorized.

VA Removed a Precertification Step in September

Another change took effect on September 8, 2026.

VA eliminated its previous precertification requirement before authorized community care could be provided. The VA Precertification Portal was taken offline, while authorized care continues under the Veteran’s referral and applicable authorization.

The change does not eliminate the need for authorization.

Instead, it removes an additional administrative step after care has already been authorized.

For Veterans receiving community care, this could make the process easier for participating providers and VA staff.

Understanding 2026 VA Healthcare Copays

VA healthcare is not necessarily completely free for every Veteran.

Copays depend on factors such as the Veteran’s priority group, disability rating, income, and the type of care being received.

For 2026, VA lists the following outpatient copays for certain Veterans without a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%:

• Primary care: $15
• Specialty care: $50
• Specialty tests such as MRI or CT scans: $50

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher do not have outpatient copays for covered outpatient care under the applicable VA rules. Preventive services, laboratory tests, and several other categories also do not require copays.

This is why Veterans should check their specific priority group rather than assuming that everyone enrolled in VA healthcare pays the same amount.

Mental Healthcare Can Be Especially Accessible

Mental health and substance-use treatment continue to have important copayment protections.

VA states that certain outpatient mental health and substance-use disorder visits do not require copayments, including the first three qualifying outpatient visits in each calendar year under the current statutory exemption. The exemption is scheduled to continue through 2027.

Mental healthcare can include services such as:

• Counseling
• Therapy
• Substance-use treatment
• Readjustment counseling
• Military sexual trauma-related care
• Other behavioral health services

Veterans should verify the specific service and provider involved because not every healthcare expense is treated identically under VA copayment rules.

The PACT Act Remains Important in 2026

Veterans who experienced toxic exposures during military service should also review their potential eligibility under the PACT Act.

The law expanded VA healthcare and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, and other hazardous substances.

It also added more than 20 presumptive conditions associated with certain exposures and requires VA to provide toxic exposure screening to Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare.

A presumptive condition can be particularly important because, when the legal requirements are met, Veterans generally do not have to independently prove that the condition was caused by their military service.

Veterans who served in Vietnam, the Gulf War era, Iraq, Afghanistan, or certain post-9/11 locations may want to review the current PACT Act eligibility rules.

Veterans Do Not Always Need a Disability Claim to Explore PACT Act Healthcare

One important point is that qualifying Veterans may be able to enroll in VA healthcare under PACT Act provisions without first filing a disability compensation claim.

VA says eligible Veterans can apply for healthcare based on qualifying service and exposure circumstances.

That means Veterans who believe they may have been exposed to hazardous substances should not necessarily wait until they have a fully developed disability claim before learning about healthcare eligibility.

The healthcare enrollment process and disability compensation process are related but distinct.

VA Is Also Increasing In-Home Care Support for Certain Veterans

Healthcare assistance is not limited to hospitals and clinics.

In February 2026, VA announced an increase in the expenditure cap for certain in-home and community-based services for Veterans with complex medical conditions.

The new rate allows eligible Veterans with conditions such as spinal cord injuries, ALS, and other complex conditions to receive covered services at up to 100% of the cost of comparable care in a VA Community Living Center, compared with the previous 65% rate.

Services can include:

• Home health aides
• Respite care
• Community adult day healthcare
• Veteran-Directed Care
• Skilled home healthcare

For eligible Veterans, this can reduce out-of-pocket expenses and make it easier to remain at home.

Housing Assistance Is Broader Than the VA Home Loan

When people think about VA housing assistance, they often think only about VA-backed mortgages.

The VA actually provides several categories of housing assistance.

These include:

• VA-backed home loans
• Native American Direct Loans
• Home loan refinancing
• Foreclosure-avoidance assistance
• Specially Adapted Housing grants
• Special Housing Adaptation grants
• HUD-VASH
• Homelessness prevention services
• Emergency and transitional housing
• Supportive services for Veterans and their families

VA’s housing assistance system is therefore designed for both Veterans who want to purchase a home and Veterans who are already struggling with housing stability.

A New VA Program Could Help Some Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure

One of the most important housing developments in 2026 is the VA Partial Claim Program.

VA launched the program in June 2026 for eligible Veterans experiencing financial hardship.

The goal is to give eligible homeowners another option for addressing mortgage arrears and avoiding foreclosure.

This is particularly important because preventing homelessness can sometimes be more effective than trying to find a new home after a foreclosure has already occurred.

Veterans struggling to make mortgage payments should therefore contact their mortgage servicer and VA as early as possible instead of waiting until foreclosure proceedings are well underway.

VA Home Loans Remain an Important Option

Veterans who are looking to purchase a home can still use VA-backed home loan benefits if they meet the eligibility requirements.

VA-backed loans are provided through private lenders, while VA guarantees part of the loan.

One major feature is that eligible borrowers may be able to purchase a home with no down payment. VA says nearly 90% of VA-backed loans are made without a down payment. (

However, a VA loan does not mean that every Veteran automatically qualifies for every mortgage amount.

Lenders can still consider:

• Income
• Credit
• Existing debt
• Property value
• Occupancy requirements
• Overall ability to repay

VA eligibility and lender underwriting are therefore separate considerations.

Veterans Need a Certificate of Eligibility

Veterans generally need a Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, to demonstrate eligibility for a VA-backed home loan.

The COE confirms that the Veteran meets the applicable service requirements.

VA says eligibility depends on service history, duty status, and other qualifying circumstances.

Veterans should therefore obtain their COE before assuming that they cannot qualify for a VA loan.

Housing Grants Can Help Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities

Veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities may qualify for housing grants designed to make a home more accessible.

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) programs can help eligible Veterans adapt an existing home or purchase a home that can accommodate their disability-related needs.

Possible modifications can address mobility and accessibility needs.

The exact eligibility requirements depend on the nature of the service-connected disability and the Veteran’s living situation.

For Veterans who need substantial modifications to remain independent, these programs can be an important part of long-term housing planning.

HUD-VASH Combines Housing and Healthcare Support

Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability may want to learn about HUD-VASH.

The program combines a Housing Choice Voucher administered through HUD with VA case management and supportive services.

This combination is important because simply providing a housing voucher may not address every challenge that caused or contributed to housing instability.

VA case managers can help participating Veterans connect with:

• Healthcare
• Mental health services
• Substance-use treatment
• Employment resources
• Budgeting assistance
• Landlord-related support
• Other community resources

As of March 2026, more than 95,000 formerly homeless Veterans were living in homes through HUD-VASH, according to VA. Since 2008, the program has helped nearly 250,000 Veterans obtain permanent housing.

HUD-VASH Does Not Mean the Veteran Gives Up Independence

Some Veterans may hesitate to consider supportive housing because they associate assistance with losing independence.

HUD-VASH is structured differently.

Veterans generally have flexibility to select housing in the private rental market as long as the landlord accepts the voucher, the housing meets HUD requirements, and the rental fits applicable program guidelines.

The VA component provides ongoing support rather than simply controlling where a Veteran lives.

This can make the program useful for Veterans who want permanent housing while also receiving assistance managing health or other challenges.

A New $29 Million Fund Can Help Homeless Veterans With Immediate Needs

In August 2026, VA announced a new $29 million fund for eligible homeless Veterans and Veterans participating in HUD-VASH.

The program was authorized by the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.

The fund can support certain goods and services, including:

• Food
• Shelter
• Clothing
• Blankets
• Hygiene supplies
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Disposable phones
• Other technology that supports stability and access to services

It can also provide transportation assistance for purposes such as attending medical appointments, searching for housing or employment, or obtaining food and supplies.

This is particularly relevant for Veterans who need immediate assistance rather than a long-term housing solution alone.

Veterans at Risk of Homelessness Should Not Wait

VA provides assistance not only after a Veteran becomes homeless but also when someone is at risk of losing housing.

VA homeless programs include prevention services such as Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).

Other programs provide outreach, temporary residential assistance, and connections to healthcare and permanent housing

This means a Veteran who has received an eviction notice, is behind on rent, is facing a foreclosure, or does not have a safe place to stay may want to contact VA before the situation becomes an emergency.

Veterans Who Are Homeless Can Call VA 24/7

Veterans experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of homelessness can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.

The number is 877-424-3838.

VA says the service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A counselor can ask about the Veteran’s current housing situation, immediate safety, and healthcare needs before connecting the Veteran with local resources.

The Connection Between Housing and Healthcare Is Important

VA increasingly treats housing stability and healthcare as connected issues.

A Veteran without stable housing may have difficulty storing medication, attending appointments, maintaining treatment schedules, or managing chronic health conditions.

VA’s homeless programs therefore combine housing assistance with healthcare and supportive services.

The department says stable housing can make it easier for Veterans to remain connected to healthcare, attend appointments, maintain treatment plans, and access preventive care.

For Veterans dealing with both housing and health challenges, applying for only one type of assistance may therefore leave important needs unaddressed.

What Veterans Should Do If They Need Help

The best starting point depends on the problem.

If You Need Healthcare

Check your eligibility for VA healthcare and enrollment status. Veterans already enrolled should also review their priority group and current copay obligations.

If You Need Community Care

Ask your VA healthcare team whether you qualify for community care when appropriate VA services are unavailable or cannot be provided under applicable access standards.

If You Have a Toxic Exposure

Review PACT Act eligibility and ask about toxic exposure screening and related healthcare or disability benefits.

If You Are Behind on Your Mortgage

Contact your mortgage servicer and VA as early as possible. The 2026 Partial Claim Program may provide another foreclosure-avoidance option for eligible Veterans.

If You Are Homeless or About to Lose Your Housing

Contact VA’s homeless programs immediately. You do not necessarily need to wait until you are sleeping outside to ask for help.

If You Need an Accessible Home

Review SAH and SHA grant requirements if you have a qualifying service-connected disability.

If You Want to Buy a Home

Request a Certificate of Eligibility and compare VA-backed mortgage options from qualified lenders.

What Veterans Should Watch Through the Rest of 2026

Several developments deserve attention during the final months of the year.

More VA Healthcare Enrollment

VA is continuing its outreach to Veterans who are not currently enrolled. The department reported more than 250,000 new enrollees through the first part of 2026.

Community Care Improvements

The expansion of digital scheduling and the September elimination of precertification are intended to make authorized community care easier to coordinate.

Housing Stability Programs

The Partial Claim Program and new emergency assistance fund could become increasingly relevant to Veterans facing financial or housing difficulties.

HUD-VASH

Veterans experiencing homelessness should continue monitoring local HUD-VASH availability and other VA homeless programs.

PACT Act Benefits

Veterans exposed to toxic substances should continue reviewing their eligibility as VA implements the law and related healthcare and benefits programs.

Final Thoughts

Veterans have several VA healthcare and housing resources available in 2026, but the programs serve very different needs.

For healthcare, Veterans may benefit from expanded enrollment opportunities, more flexible appointment scheduling, community care, PACT Act protections, and updated copayment rules. VA has also increased support for certain Veterans who need healthcare services in their homes.

For housing, the options extend from VA-backed mortgages and accessibility grants to foreclosure prevention, HUD-VASH, homelessness prevention, and emergency assistance.

The launch of the VA Partial Claim Program in June 2026 is particularly relevant to eligible homeowners experiencing financial hardship, while the new $29 million emergency assistance fund can help certain homeless Veterans with immediate necessities and transportation.

Veterans should also remember that eligibility is highly dependent on individual circumstances.

Service history, discharge status, disability rating, income, healthcare priority group, current housing situation, and other factors can determine which programs are available.

For that reason, Veterans should not assume that they are ineligible simply because they have never used VA services before.

Checking eligibility, keeping VA records updated, responding to notices, and contacting VA early when a problem develops can make it easier to connect with available assistance.

As 2026 continues, the combination of healthcare modernization, expanded community care access, new housing-stability programs, and continued PACT Act implementation could provide additional options for Veterans who need support maintaining their health, homes, and financial stability.