In recognition of the sacrifices you made and risks you took as a military servicemember, you receive a wide variety of benefits, ranging from healthcare, education, and financial assistance to military discounts and more. But for many Veterans, it can be difficult — and overwhelming — to try to sort through the different programs and services they are entitled to receive.  

 

 

Below is a comprehensive guide outlining various programs and assistance you may be eligible for as a Veteran. Take a look and consider how you can gain the advantage of these offerings in order to thrive long after your military service.  

But first, make sure to register with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and be sure to keep your mailing address, email, and marital status up to date, as it may determine your eligibility for some benefits. 

1. Disability Compensation 

As you depart from service, document and report to the VA any condition that was diagnosed or exacerbated during your military service. Doing so can help you receive compensation you’re entitled to, as well as priority in the VA Health Care system. It’s important to be thorough when documenting your health — even if your conditions are not severely affecting you now, they may in the future. For example, what seems like a minor or insignificant knee injury now may require a full operation later on.  

If any of your conditions worsen, you will need to update your claim. Include medical treatment records for the condition so that the VA can re-evaluate the severity and rate the condition accordingly 

2. Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)  

Before you file a VA Disability claim, consider signing up for life insurance. Check out policies from organizations such as Armed Forces Mutual that offer coverage designed specifically for servicemembers, Veterans, and their families. It’s important to note that VGLI is usually more expensive than alternative policies for those who are in fair or better health. If you have a documented disability, you can still get VGLI, but it can cost you more, so make sure you shop around for the best coverage at a price that works within your budget.  

3. VA Health Care 

Even if you already have primary healthcare through a new employer, TRICARE, or Medicare, as a Veteran, you should consider enrolling in VA Health Care. Coverage comes at no cost to you and provides additional resources for things like vaccinations, which aren’t always covered by other health insurance providers, as well as the possibility of lower copays for non-service-related healthcare needs.  

VA Health Care provides the minimum essential coverage, so you don’t have to sign up for the Affordable Care Act. 

4. Employment Opportunities 

It’s the military’s goal to help those who served successfully transition back into civilian life, which includes finding good work. As a Veteran, you may generally receive preference in civil service jobs through a system known as Veterans' Preference, which gives you advantages over non-Veteran applicants. 

Veterans can also benefit from workshops, training, and transition resources offered by the Department of Labor’s Employment Navigator and Partnership Program (ENPP) or American Corporate Partners (ACP). Moreover, LinkedIn offers Veterans a free year of their premium subscription. Lastly, if you’re starting or running a small business, you can apply to become a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), a designation that will allow you compete for federal contracts that are set aside or awarded on a sole-source basis, among other benefits. 

Military spouses can also take advantage of education and certification resources through civilian organizations, such as the Institute for Military and Veteran Families (IVMF) at Syracuse.  

5. VA Home Loans 

One of the best-known benefits for Veterans, VA Home Loans offer housing financing up to 100%. You can get your VA certificate of eligibility from the VA, but you’ll want to make sure to check with national and local lenders to find the best rate from a lender who understands the needs of military-related homebuyers. 

6. Education Benefits  

Take advantage of educational benefits. Review the requirements to determine whether you qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post-9/11 GI Bill, both of which can help you pay for school or cover expenses while you're training for a job. If you’ve already used this benefit but plan to take additional coursework, check with the VA to see if you have any remaining benefits left that you can use. 

If you have a disability, you may be eligible for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, which is designed to help service-disabled Veterans to prepare for and find employment opportunities, as well as to offer resources to help Veterans who are severely disabled to live more independently in their community. 

7. End of Life Arrangements 

All Veterans, as well as their spouses and any dependent children, are eligible to be buried in a VA National Cemetery. For most, you can coordinate these arrangements ahead of time, but keep in mind that both Arlington National Cemetery and specific service cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance.  

If you die of a service-connected condition, your survivors may be eligible to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). In addition, you may want to consider life insurance to cover any final expenses and help make sure your family is protected in the event of your death.  

8. Veteran/Military Discounts  

Apply online to receive a VA card, which acts as proof of service. Once you receive it from the VA, you will be eligible to shop at Military Exchanges, including exchanges online. Many companies also offer discounts to military servicemembers and Veterans.  

9. VA Pension 

The VA pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime Veterans, their surviving spouses, and dependent children who meet certain income and net worth requirements. You may also be eligible to receive Aid and Attendance funding for the loved one taking care of you. 

10. Nursing Home Care 

The VA offers nursing home benefits to eligible Veterans, which can include care in VA Community Living Centers (CLCs), State Veterans Homes, or in Community Nursing Homes. Eligibility for this benefit is based on several factors, including service-connected disability status, level of disability, income, and more.  

We Can Help Protect Your Loved Ones 

Armed Forces Mutual’s life insurance experts can assist you in finding the best term or whole life policy for your military family’s specific needs. Review your options and get a quote now, or call 877-398-2263 to speak with a Membership Coordinator.