Seven Military Veteran Benefits Serving Those Who Served
If you need some extra help when adjusting to life after active duty and want to improve your health and financial security, it’s well worth learning as much as you can about veteran benefits.
There are many programs out there that work to serve veterans. Making use of these resources can allow you to thrive both immediately after military service and in your later years.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. Here are the 7 key military veteran benefits that you should know about.
1. Health Services and Long-Term Care
One of the best benefits available for veterans is access to healthcare services and long-term care.
VA health care services can help veterans with a variety of needs. This includes preventive care such as health exams and immunizations as well as inpatient and emergency services. In addition to these, the Aid and Attendance program can help cover the costs of long-term care such as those related to nursing home services and assisted care services.
Other health services exist as well that can help with the specific needs of veterans. The VA Blind Rehabilitation Services, for example, works to help blind or partially blind veterans to become more independent.
Aside from these health services, veterans also have access to specialized life insurance options and coverage of burial costs.
2. VA Home Loans
One of the best benefits for veterans is the ability to get extra help when purchasing a home. There are many programs out there that serve veterans and can help them with homeownership needs.
VA home loans can make the process of getting a home a much simpler one and can be very favorable. There are also programs that help veterans with mortgage refinancing and with medically necessary structural renovations.
There are many types of repayment plans, loan modification options, and loan forbearance options for veterans as well, so if you want to buy a home as a veteran, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of resources available to you.
3. Veterans Crisis Line
Another major tool that veterans can access is the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) at 1-800-273-8255. The crisis line exists for the benefit of veterans and their families and allows them to call a responder 24/7 in the case of a crisis.
Talking to a responder is totally free and confidential and the hotline can be accessed by veterans as well as their family members. Responders are highly qualified and caring and understand the unique needs of military members and veterans.
The helpline exists for veterans and their families to call in times of crisis and is well worth remembering. For veterans who are experiencing lifestyle changes or financial challenges, having mental health issues, or who are considering self-harm, the hotline is an invaluable resource.
4. Covered Education Costs
One of the top perks that veterans can use is the ability to go to college with tuition fully covered. The GI Bill benefits veterans by covering in-state tuition and fees for public colleges and there are also limited allowances for private school tuition as well.
In addition to these benefits for college degree seekers, the GI Bill can also be applied to other uses. The credits can be used for graduate school or other training courses and vocational programs including truck driving, HVAC programs, and beauty school.
All or some of your GI Bill credits can also be transferred to dependents or to a veteran’s spouse as well.
5. Veterans’ Pensions
For veterans who are struggling financially, there are programs that can help. One of the best examples of this is the Veterans Pension program, which works to offer financial help to veterans who are in need in the form of monthly cash payments.
This compensation is available to veterans who are over 65 years old or who are disabled. Offerings also vary based on several factors including the number of dependents and a veteran’s income.
Not everyone qualifies for VA pension benefits. However, for those who are eligible, a VA pension can go a long way in strengthening a veteran’s financial security.
6. Tax Breaks and Benefits
Active duty members of the military receive many tax breaks on their income including a combat pay exclusion, a moving expense deduction, and a tax deduction for costs of certain uniforms.
There are also many tax benefits available for veterans as well. For example, veterans are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is is a refundable federal income tax credit that is meant for low and moderate-income veterans and their families. There are also other tax compensation options available for those who are disabled or who were injured during active duty.
Financial help for veterans also comes in the form of tax preparation assistance. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs work to offer free tax preparation services to veterans and their families.
7. Free Wireless Phone Service
Another great benefit that is available to veterans is free phone service. The Veterans Pension program and the Survivors Pension program work with the Lifeline program to offer eligible vets access to phone service.
Lifeline is a federal program that works to serve low-income veterans and help them afford phone service. StandUp Wireless is one of the best providers of this service and allows eligible veterans to get phone service free of charge. This phone service comes with many features and includes voice minutes, texting, and data.
For veterans who have a low income and who qualify for the veterans’ pension program, getting free phone service can be a big help when managing monthly finances.
Making Use of Military Veteran Benefits
While serving your country well may be its own reward, it can be gratifying to learn that there are a lot of military veteran benefits available to you as well. By making use of the benefits above you’ll gain better control over your life as a veteran and will improve your financial and personal well-being.
Ready to get started with free Lifeline phone service? Click here to apply for free wireless service now.
