Veteran & Military Services

Veteran & Military Resources for Cumberland County, NC

If you’re a veteran, service member, or part of a military family living in Cumberland County, North Carolina—or expecting to move here—there are many benefits, programs, and support services available to you. This article outlines what you might be eligible for, how to access them, and local resources that can help make your housing, education, and transition easier.

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What Federal VA Benefits Might You Be Eligible For

These are common benefits at the federal VA level that many veterans qualify for. Always check with your local Veterans Service Office to see how these apply in your situation.

• Disability Compensation & Pension: If you have a service-connected disability, the VA can offer disability compensation. If your income or assets are limited and you served during wartime, pension benefits could help.

• Home Loan Guarantees & Grants: The VA doesn’t directly lend you the money, but the VA Loan Guaranty program helps by guaranteeing a portion of your loan, which often means lower interest rates, no down payment, or other favorable terms. There are also special housing grants for veterans with certain disabilities.

• Education & Training: Programs like the GI Bill, vocational rehabilitation, and employment services help veterans get training or schooling. If your ability to find employment was impacted by your service, these programs exist to help.

• Health Care & Enrollment: VA provides medical care including mental health, dental (in certain cases), substance abuse treatment, and services for homeless veterans. Enrollment varies depending on service history, income levels, and discharge status.

• Homelessness Prevention & Housing Assistance: If you’re homeless or at risk, there are programs to help get you into stable housing or assist with transitional housing, emergency shelters, etc. VA-affiliated programs and local agencies are involved. The HUD-VASH program is a key example.

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Local Cumberland County & NC-Specific Resources

These are services and offices closer to home, which can help you navigate and access the above benefits more effectively.

Resource	What They Do / What’s Available	Contact Info / Notes
Cumberland County Veterans Services Department	Local place to obtain advice on VA & state benefits: claims, pensions, home loans, etc. Helps veterans and their dependents.	Located at 301 E Russell Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301. Phone: 910-677-2970.
Fayetteville Veterans Service Center (NC4Vets / DMVA)	Offers benefits assistance, education & training referral, dependent & survivor benefits, home loans, etc.	225 Green Street Suite 903, Fayetteville, NC 28301.
VA Fayetteville Coastal Health Care System	Health care services, mental health, homeless veteran programs, etc. Homeless Veteran Care is specifically available.	Main VA facility in Fayetteville, Ramsey St address. Call their main VA contact for specifics.
HUD-VASH Program through Fayetteville / FMHA	Rental assistance vouchers + case management for veterans who are homeless.
North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs (NC DMVA)	State-level resources: housing assistance, benefits & claims, veteran services, etc. They help bridge local needs and federal benefit programs.

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How to Navigate & Apply: Tips

1. Contact Your Local Veterans Service Office FirstOffices like the Cumberland County Veterans Services or Fayetteville Veterans Service Center are invaluable. They can help you understand eligibility for multiple programs (state & federal), help you apply, track claims, and follow up. They can also help with appealing VA decisions if needed.

2. Gather Key DocumentsHaving your DD-214 (or equivalent discharge paperwork), proof of service, medical records (especially for disability or health benefit claims), and financial records (income, assets) will speed up most applications.

3. Know What You’re Eligible ForSome benefits require certain conditions: honorable discharge, minimum active duty time, or that your service-connected disability meets thresholds. Sometimes family/dependents are eligible as well. Check with local VSO.

4. Explore Both State & Federal ProgramsState resources in NC often supplement what the federal VA offers. For example, NC has housing assistance programs, property tax relief in some cases, and benefit claims assistance through state offices.

5. Don’t Overlook Homeless & At-Risk Veteran ProgramsIf you’re homeless or close to losing housing, programs like HUD-VASH, Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), or local shelters can step in. It’s better to reach out early.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can surviving spouses or dependents use these benefits?A: Yes. Many benefit programs extend to spouses, dependents, and survivors (for example, survivor benefits, dependent education benefits, burial benefits, etc.). Your local Veterans Service Office can give you specifics.

Q: Is there help for veterans who need home modifications due to a disability?A: Yes. The VA offers Specially Adapted Housing grants (SAH) or similar grants to help veterans modify their homes for accessibility. Local offices can assist with applying for those grants.

Q: How do I use a VA home loan vs. conventional loan?A: VA home loans are backed by the VA — meaning lenders may offer more favorable terms. Often no down payment is required, and there can be better interest rates. However, eligibility requirements (discharge status, service requirements) and property conditions (must pass VA appraisal) still apply.