VA travel pay (Beneficiary Travel)

Print-and-take checklist. Tick each box as you go, and keep it with your paperwork.

• Confirm you qualify under at least one eligibility category (30% or higher rating, service-connected treatment at any rating, VA pension, low income, Compensation & Pension exam, transplant, service dog, financial hardship, or qualifying caregiver).
• Set up (or confirm you already have) a Login.gov, ID.me, or My HealtheVet account, or have your VA PIV (Personal Identity Verification) card ready.
• Log in to the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System through AccessVA - BTSSS sign-in and confirm your direct deposit info is on file.
• File your claim within 30 days of each appointment, ideally the same day.
• Save receipts for tolls, parking, transportation, meals, or lodging and upload or attach them to the claim.
• Know your deductible structure (a per-appointment amount, capped monthly) and check if you qualify for an automatic waiver; confirm current dollar figures at Reimbursed VA travel expenses and mileage rate.
• If filing by phone, call 855-574-7292 (TTY, text telephone: 711) with your appointment date, facility, and address ready.
• If filing on paper, use VA Form 10-3542 and mail or hand-deliver it to the Beneficiary Travel office at the facility where you were seen.
• Check your claim status by logging back into the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System and viewing "my claims."
• Make it a habit: file after every VA appointment you drive to, not just the big ones.

Full step-by-step guide: ratednowwhat.com/benefits-by-rating#h2_5741b205

Education only. Not the VA, not a government agency, and not financial, tax, or legal advice. Help with a VA claim or rating is always free through a VA-accredited Veteran Service Officer.