If you are a veteran or an active service member, you have unique medical needs compared to normal civilians. Serving in the military is a difficult and often dangerous job, but it comes with access to some of the best federal health programs available.

Federal grants for veterans and military personnel applies to both service members and their families. In addition to healthcare, veterans also have access to other unique loans, such as housing grants backed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Through the VA, you can apply for federally backed mortgages to either purchase a home or refinance your existing mortgage with better rates. Unlike with other government grants, you do not have to worry about income requirements. As long as you served or are currently serving in the military, you are eligible for VA assistance.

There are some military grants with select eligibility requirements. For example, you can apply for financial housing assistance if you have a service-based disability. If you suffer from limited mobility, either as a result of an injury or because of age, you can apply for a grant to modify or repair your home to make it more accessible.

If you are struggling to find a home or at risk of homelessness, the VA also offers grants through the Per Diem Program, which offers funding to build affordable housing communities for military members.

The VA is not only limited to housing grants. Additional assistance is available for most areas, including medical and college expenses, and even small business startups. You can apply for a military business grant through the Small Business Administrations (SBA) Boots to Business program. The program not only provides generous loans, but also advice to help your small business succeed.

Children who lost a parent during active duty receive some of the best educational grants from the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants fund. Veterans, active service members and their families also benefit from educational assistance through the VA-backed GI Bill.

Lower-income families can receive extra funding from Federal Pell Grants. While this program is technically open to all applicants, military members have increased limits.

There are several government grants to help veterans with healthcare costs. All veterans have access to the TRICARE insurance network. TRICARE is an extensive insurance program, which includes dental services. The exact level of coverage as well as premiums and copays depends on both your military rank as well as location.

This is only a small sampling of the federal grants available to military members. Each state also offers additional financial assistance. To learn more about all the benefits available to service members, contact the Department of Veterans Affair.