While most military veterans know about the health care and education benefits available, many are not aware of the several other benefits offered to veterans and their families. These benefits range from tax preparation to caregiver support, and a variety of offers in between. Below are the top 10 veterans benefits everyone should utilize:
- American Corporate Partners
American Corporate Partners connects veterans with top companies to help them find employment after their time of service. In addition to gainful employment, veterans have the opportunity to receive one-on-one mentoring and other career development services.
- Mortgage Help
Repayment assistance for veterans having trouble making their mortgage payments may be eligible through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Help options include loan modification programs, loan forbearance, and special repayment plans. Additional benefits are available for veterans with current VA loans and for homeless veterans.
- VA Foreclosures
The VA maintains a list of homes serviced by VA loans that have gone into foreclosure. The public has the ability to search this list of VA acquired properties and purchase these homes at a discount. All properties qualify for VA financing since they were already issued a VA loan for the previous owner.
- Life Insurance
The Servicemembers’ and Veteran’s Group Life Insurance program offers veterans up to $400,000 in life insurance, as well as competitive premium rates. Many veterans have trouble obtaining traditional life insurance, especially if they sustained an injury during their time of service. This program makes it possible to obtain life insurance at a reasonable rate.
- Death Benefits
Some unique benefits are available to families of deceased veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides free headstones or grave markers, and a U.S. flag may be requested to drape over the casket. Also, a Presidential Memorial Certificate can be requested to honor the deceased loved one’s service.
- Caregiver Support
This program offers veteran support to individuals who opt to care for a veteran at home. It provides a free support line and a caregiver support coordinator to help navigate military benefits and the stress of caregiving.
- Long-term Care
The Aid and Attendance program offers many eligible veterans money to cover the cost of nursing homes, assisted living programs, and other long-term care options. Couples could receive up to $25,000 per year, potentially assisting with a large portion of long-term care costs. Surviving spouses of veterans are also eligible to receive up to $13,650 a year to cover their long-term care costs.
- Certification Programs
The GI Bill is not just for college degrees. It also offers up to $2,000 to help cover the cost of certification courses or other vocational training programs.
- Transferring GI Bill Credits
Unused credits through the GI Bill may be transferred to spouses and dependents of veterans. There are service limits required to transfer the benefits.
- Free Tax Preparation
Veterans and their families have access to free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Offices on military bases.
