Veterans’ Benefits You May Not Be Aware Of
It’s common knowledge that the Department of Veterans Affairs provides numerous benefits, including the GI Bill and TriCare. Many other programmes are available to help veterans and their families, as well. Financial aid for medical bills and other expenses, such as health care and educational programmes, may be available to veterans and active-duty military personnel. You may not be aware of these benefits for veterans, so you should check them out.
Long-Term Care
The cost of long-term care can be prohibitive for some families, but it is often necessary. Long-term care costs can be covered by the Aid and Attendance programme if a veteran qualifies. Couples eligible for up to $25,020 in annual Aid & Attendance benefits may be able to use this benefit to cover a significant portion of their long-term care costs. In order to help with long-term care costs, veterans’ spouses and children can receive up to $13,560 per year.
Support for the Caregiver
For those who choose to care for a sick veteran at home, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a caregiver support programme. Caregivers can make use of a free helpline and a coordinator who can guide them through the process of identifying and utilising military benefits.
Benefits Upon Death
Families who lose a loved one who was a veteran can take advantage of a few special programmes. Allowances for burial and funeral expenses may be available to surviving spouses and dependents of deceased veterans.
The veteran’s service may also be recognised by the presentation of a Presidential Memorial Certificate and a U.S. flag to drape over the casket.
The following may also be available to honour a veteran, service member, or eligible family member: Niche marker on a gravestone, or a government medallion.
There are a variety of eligibility criteria based on when and for how long a veteran served.
Non-Degree Programs/Certificates Outside of College
The Montgomery or Post-9/11 GI Bill is an option to consider in order to pay for college courses and other vocational training or certification. These are just a few examples:
- Work on the heating and air conditioning unit
- Being in charge of a large commercial vehicle
- An emergency medical technician’s cosmetology school
- School of Aviation’s certification as a Scuba Dive Master
The VET TEC programme, which offers training in coding boot camps and other information science programmes, software training, and so on, also provides non-college degree options. Veterans can also take advantage of several free IT certifications.
Program for Veterans’ Readiness and Employment
At least a 10% service-connected disability rating from the VA or being on active duty and awaiting medical discharge may be required to qualify for the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) programme.
Since its inception in 2009, the VR&E programme has helped veterans with service-connected disabilities obtain employment assistance and services. In addition to the GI Bill and other VA programmes, VR&E provides job and educational benefits. Opportunities for training, resume development and internships are all part of VR&E services.
There is a programme called VR&E Special Employer Incentives that provides employers with a financial incentive to hire disabled veterans who face employment-related difficulties.
GI Bill® Credits Can Be Transferred
If you meet certain service requirements, you may be able to transfer any unused GI Bill benefits to your spouse or dependent children.
Free Tax Preparation
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offices on military bases provide free tax preparation services for veterans and their families. VITA’s tax experts are well versed in military-related tax issues.
Life Insurance
Because of their military service, many veterans find it difficult to secure traditional life insurance, especially if they’ve been injured or disabled in some way. Through the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance programme, veterans may be eligible for coverage of up to $400,000 in the event of their death. The VA stipulates that you must submit your application within a year and a half plus 120 days of your separation from active duty. Don’t wait until the last minute to get started on it. Within 240 days of your separation, you are exempt from providing proof of good health for the purposes of applying for VGLI.
Mortgage Help
The Department of Veterans Affairs can provide financial assistance to veterans who are having difficulty making their mortgage payments (VA). Options for those who are struggling to pay back their loans include forbearance and modification programmes. Benefits for veterans with VA loans and those who are homeless can be obtained through the VA.
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