As Veterans Day approaches, it’s a time to recognize not only the service of our veterans but also ensure they and their families are aware of the comprehensive benefits they’ve earned through their sacrifice and dedication. This blog post is written to share key benefits and resources available to veterans and their loved ones.
Photo by Kevin Malik: https://www.pexels.com/
Healthcare Benefits
VA Healthcare System
- Comprehensive medical care through VA medical centers and clinics
- Mental health services, including PTSD treatment and counseling
- Dental care (eligibility varies based on service conditions)
- Prescription medication coverage
Priority Groups: Veterans are assigned to priority groups 1-8, determining cost-sharing requirements and access to services. Factors include:
- Service-connected disabilities
- Income level
- Military service history
Links
- Apply for VA healthcare: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction
- Find VA locations: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
- Mental health services: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health
- Dental care information: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care
Family Healthcare Options
- TRICARE for military retirees and their families
- Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA) for eligible dependents
- Caregiver support programs and resources
Links
- TRICARE information: https://www.tricare.mil
- CHAMPVA details: https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/champva
- Caregiver Support Program: https://www.caregiver.va.gov
Educational Benefits
GI Bill Programs
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers full tuition at public schools, housing allowance, and book stipend
- Montgomery GI Bill: Monthly education benefits for approved programs
- Yellow Ribbon Program: Additional funding for private institutions
Links
- Post-9/11 GI Bill overview: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11
- Montgomery GI Bill details: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty
- Yellow Ribbon Program: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program
- Transfer of Benefits: https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits
Transferability: Service members can transfer unused educational benefits to:
- Spouse
- Children
- Combination of spouse and children
Housing Benefits
VA Home Loan Program
- No down payment required
- Competitive interest rates
- No private mortgage insurance
- Reduced closing costs
- Available for:
- Home purchase
- Construction
- Refinancing
- Home improvements
Additional Housing Support
- Adapted housing grants for disabled veterans
- Property tax exemptions in many states
- Homeless veteran support programs
Links
- VA Home Loans overview: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans
- Certificate of Eligibility: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/how-to-apply
- Adapted Housing Grants: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants
Financial Benefits
Disability Compensation
- Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected disabilities
- Additional allowances for dependents
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for severe disabilities
Pension Benefits
- Need-based benefit for wartime veterans
- Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefits for those requiring care
- Survivor pension for eligible spouses and children
Links
- Disability benefits overview: https://www.va.gov/disability
- File a claim online: https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-online
- VA disability ratings explained: https://www.va.gov/disability/about-disability-ratings
- Veterans Pension: https://www.va.gov/pension/veterans-pension
- Aid & Attendance benefits: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound
- Survivors Pension: https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension
Employment Resources
Career Support
- Veterans’ preference in federal hiring
- Vocational rehabilitation and employment services
- Job training programs
- Small business loans and entrepreneurship support
Transition Assistance
- TAP (Transition Assistance Program) workshops
- Career counseling
- Resume writing assistance
- Interview preparation
Links
- Veterans Job Bank: https://www.vets.gov/veterans-job-bank
- Veteran Readiness and Employment: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation Veterans’
- Preference Information: https://www.fedshirevets.gov
Additional Benefits
- Life insurance options
- Burial and memorial benefits
- State-specific veteran benefits
- Recreation and travel discounts
- Veteran Service Organizations support
How to Access Benefits
- Get Started:
- Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Register for VA healthcare
- Connect with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)
- Important Resources:
- VA.gov – Official source for benefits information
- Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1
- eBenefits portal for online access
- Local VA facilities finder
- Documentation Needed:
- DD Form 214 (discharge papers)
- Military service records
- Medical documentation
- Marriage/dependent documentation
Recent Changes and Expansions to Veterans Benefits
PACT Act Resources
- PACT Act overview: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits
- File a PACT Act claim: https://www.va.gov/resources/file-a-pact-act-claim
- Toxic exposure screening: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/toxic-exposure-screening
Mental Health Support
- Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1
- Online chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat
- Mental Health Apps: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-apps
Important Organizations and Resources
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV): https://www.dav.org
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): https://www.vfw.org
- American Legion: https://www.legion.org
- Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: https://iava.org
- Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil
Digital Services
- VA.gov main portal: https://www.va.gov
- VA mobile apps: https://mobile.va.gov/appstore
- My HealtheVet: https://www.myhealth.va.gov
- VA Benefits Banking Program: https://veteransbenefitsbanking.org
Stay Connected
- VA Newsletter signup: https://www.va.gov/VetResources
- VA Social Media Directory: https://www.va.gov/social-media
- State Veterans Affairs Offices: https://www.va.gov/statedva.htm
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Thank you
Thank you to all Veterans, your service to our country has meaning. Thank you to all of you for making time to read my weekly blog. Your continued support means so much to me.
Support one another ❣️Changing seasons are upon us. Be sure to reach out should you have questions about your contingency plans. Send me an Email or Message if you have any questions. For additional information about my work check out @ The Living Planner or @ The Living Planner.
If you’re up for planning for your life’s administrative side, my book is a resource for you. The Living Planner What to Prepare Now While You Are Living © Check it out HERE.
This quote is a reminder for us all “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy
Look after one another❣️ Lynn
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