Article Contents
Introduction
Many veterans are aware of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ fundamental health care and education benefits, such as Tricare and the GI Bill. While these Veteran Benefits are significant on their own, several more programs assist veterans and their families in receiving even more benefits. Even within health care and education programs, there are little-known perks that can help veterans better their lives and reduce the financial burden of medical care and other expenses. Here are several veterans perks you may not be aware of that all veterans should investigate to determine whether they are eligible. There are Top seven veterans’ benefits to watch out for: Long-term care, death benefits, free tax preparations, VA foreclosures, caregiver support, non-college degree programs, and life insurance.
Long-term Care
Long-term care is costly, but it is frequently necessary to care for elderly family. Many veterans are eligible for financial assistance to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living programs, and other long-term care options under the Aid and Attendance program. The Aid & Attendance benefit, which allows couples to receive up to $25,020 per year, will assist cover a large percentage of long-term care expenditures. Surviving spouses of veterans are eligible for up to $13,560 per year in long-term care benefits.
Caregiver Support
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a caregiver support program if you choose to care for an ailing Veteran at home. While this program does not provide financial assistance to caregivers, it does provide them with a caregiver support coordinator or a free support line to assist them in navigating military benefits and the burden of caring for others.
Death Benefits
After death, the family of a veteran is eligible for a number of special benefits. Families can ask for a US flag to cover the casket. Also, they can request a Presidential Memorial Certificate to honor the services. The VA department also offers free grave markers and headstones.
Non-College Degree Programs/Certificates
The GI Bill can be used for training certification courses or other vocational training programs such as HVAC repair, emergency medical training, truck driving, and barber/beautician school, in addition to gaining credits toward a college degree. Veterans who want to change jobs or pursue a professional path that does not require a college degree would benefit from this benefit. The VET TEC program offers “accelerated training in coding bootcamps” or comparable information science programs, software training, and other non-college degree programs. Finally, veterans can take advantage of a number of free IT certificates.
Free Tax Preparation
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offices on military bases provide free tax preparation services to veterans and their families. The employees in the offices have experience dealing with the complexities of military-related tax concerns.
Life Insurance
Many veterans have difficulty obtaining regular life insurance. This happens especially if they sustain injuries while serving in the military. Veterans can get up to $400,000 in life insurance under the Service members and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance program. This scheme also provides affordable premium rates.
Mortgage Help
The Department of Veterans Affairs may be able to help veterans who are experiencing problems making their mortgage payments. Special repayment plans, loan forbearance, and debt modification programs are all options for assistance. Veterans with VA loans and homeless veterans are eligible for additional assistance.
VA Foreclosures
The VA keeps track of properties that have gone into foreclosure because of VA loans. Veterans can peruse the list of VA-owned properties and purchase homes at a reduced price. You don’t have to be a veteran to look at the listings. But all of them are eligible for VA financing.
Important Documents Needed to Get Your Veteran Benefits
If it’s your first time applying for a VA benefit, you’ll need to provide your discharge paperwork copy. It will include your service dates and kind of discharge, your full name, branch, dates of service, and social security number.
You should store the papers in a secure location that only you and your family have access to. Your wishes for burial at a national cemetery and the use of a VA-provided headstone should be written down and stored with this information.
Eligibility for VA Benefits
Most VA benefits are contingent on your discharge from active military service under conditions other than dishonorable. Full-time duty in the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, or Space Force officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Public Health Service, or Environmental Services Administration is considered active service.
If you meet the time-in-service and other conditions, you may be eligible for certain perks. This includes house loan guarantees and schooling.
Most VA benefits are available to veterans with honorable and general discharges.
Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges from general courts-martial may prevent you from receiving VA benefits. Certain VA benefits may be available to veterans in jail and parolees. Individuals having multiple discharges granted under different terms, as well as inmates, parolees, and individuals with multiple discharges issued under different conditions, can seek clarification from VA regional offices.
Stay on Top of Your Veteran Benefits
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