Veteran Benefits You Need to Take Advantage Of

Most veterans already know about the biggest benefits that are afforded to them: Tricare, the basic health care insurance, and the GI Bill, which provides education benefits. Throw in the occasional free beer too you probably have a pretty good package.

However, there are still more benefits of being a veteran that you may not have heard of. Many of these options can further ease the burden of medical care or other expenses. Let’s look and see what else you could qualify for.

Long Term Care

Long term care is an expensive and often necessary part of taking care of our older relatives. Long term care includes nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and more. Veterans may be eligible to receive financial aid to cover the costs associated with these facilities to the tune of up to $25,050 a year for couples. The benefits are given through the Aid and Attendance program. Surviving spouses of veterans are eligible for up to $13,560 a year to help cover their long term care needs as well.

Life Insurance

Obtaining life insurance can be a difficult task for many veterans. Many companies see a risk in insuring a person who might already have incurred serious injuries from their time in active service.

Even civilian issues like errors and negligence of medical professionals or serious chronic illnesses, can prevent you from obtaining life insurance. However, through the Servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance program, veterans can receive up to $400,000 in life insurance.  Available for all veterans, it provides competitive premium rates and peace of mind for many. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website to get more details on the life insurance.

Free Tax Preparation

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offices are located on most military bases. The people who work there are schooled in the unique and complicated process of military-related tax issues. They are there to provide access for veterans and their families to free tax preparation services. Look to take advantage of this when tax season comes around.

Certification Programs and Transferring Credits

Many veterans already know the GI Bill offers credits to use in pursuit of obtaining a college degree. However, the GI Bill also offers up to $2000 to help cover the costs of a vocational training program or some other certification course. It is perfect for veterans who are not interested in pursuing a college degree, but still seek to further their education. The money can be used for any number of trade programs such as auto, electric and more.

The GI Bill also allows veterans to transfer their credits to spouses and dependents. This can be of great help should the veteran have family who wishes to attend school and they have let over credits they never used. However, there are some service limits required to transfer the benefits.

Death Benefits

Families have a few unique options available to them when a veteran passes away. Families may request a U.S. flag to be draped over the casket, and many veteran funerals involve a traditional burial ceremony. Other benefits afforded to deceased veterans and their families include a Presidential Memorial Certificate that honors the deceased love one’s service, as well as free headstones or grave markers, provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

American Corporate Partners

The organization American Corporate Partners works to connect veterans with excellent job opportunities. Their connections in the corporate world give veterans the chance to work for top companies that they might not have had an in to before. American Corporate Partners also provides one-on-one mentoring and other career development services.

Mortgage Help

The Department of Veterans Affairs gives assistance to those veterans who are struggling to meet their mortgage payments. Special repayment plans, loan forbearance and load modification programs are all offered as ways to help veterans keep their homes and avoid foreclosure.

VA Foreclosures

The VA does keep a list of homes that took VA loans and still went into foreclosure. While there is no more that could be done for the previous owners, the house is offered at discounted rates for other veterans and civilians. All the properties offered qualify for VA financing.

Wrap Up

Hopefully you see that veterans have a lot more options than just healthcare and the GI Bill. Their sacrifice means that they are afforded some extra benefits to take advantage of. Whether you need extra help financially, or in school, there are benefits waiting for you to access as a veteran.