Although there are dozens of veterans benefits that a veteran can claim, most veterans only know about the essential benefits provided for through the GI Bill, Tricare, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Although basic health care and education benefits may be substantive, there are at least ten programs that provide a wide range of other benefits to veterans and their families. The little-known veteran benefits are designed to help improve their lives as well as ease their financial burden in their day to day life.

Many veterans today would be surprised at the types and number of benefits at their disposal. If planning to apply for veterans’ benefits, here are a few things you ought to know.

The harsh reality is, no one will make all these benefits to you all at once. It is your responsibility to know which veteran benefits (aside from education and health) you are eligible for, agencies in charge of the same, and know what criteria to use to apply for the same. Outlined below are some of the benefits you probably haven’t heard of, some of which you qualify for.

1. Long-Term Care

Taking care of an aging relative can be a costly affair. Nonetheless, the government, under the Aid and Attendance program provides Long-term Care benefits to veterans as a way to help cover some of these costs. This program covers, assisted living, nursing homes, and other long-term care options you might be eligible for. Couples can receive up to $26,766 annually while surviving spouses of these veterans are eligible to receive up to $14,509 per year in Long-Term Care Benefits.

2. Caregiver Support Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a support program for caregivers looking after a veteran. Although this program doesn’t provide financial support to caregivers, the caregiver gets free caregiver support coordinator, a free support line in case he/she needs help with military benefits, as well as overcome pressures that come with caregiving. Anyone taking care of a veteran at their home is eligible for the caregiver support program.

3. Death Benefits

If a veteran dies, his/her family can request a Presidential Memorial Certificate, a U.S flag to drape over the deceased’s casket, grave markers or headstones from the Department of Veterans Affairs. All these are available free in honor of the deceased one. More information can be found here https://www.usa.gov/veteran-burial-benefits

4. Certification Programs

Veterans receive credits that they can use to enroll for a college degree of their choice. In addition to this, the GI Bill offers a small token of up to $2000, which can be used to cover the cost of vocational training and other certification course programs. If looking to pursue a different career as a veteran, these should come in handy.

How The GI Bill Can Be Put To Use

GI Bill benefits could be used to pay for a college degree or an occupational objective in the form of education. Some of the programs payable through the GI Bill Benefits include:

a. A college/university undergraduate/graduate degree program including:

i. An independent study program from an accredited institution leading to a standard college degree. Distance learning is eligible here.

ii. A cooperative training program in business or industrial establishment.

iii. A diploma or certificate from a technical, business, co-op programs or vocational school.

iv. An independent study course (accredited) leading to a college or university certificate among other degree-granting institutions.

v. On-job training (OJT) or an apprenticeship program offered by a union or company. Most people take these programs instead of going back to college.

vi. A correspondence course

vii. Overseas programs leading to a college degree

viii. Flight training: One should meet the medical requirements as well as have a private pilot certificate before signing up for flight training.

5. Transfer of GI Bill Credits

Any unused credits may be transferred to the veteran’s spouse or dependents. One has to attain a specific service limit to be able to transfer these benefits.

6. Free Tax Preparation

Unknown to many, veterans and their dependents can get free tax preparation services thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offices. All one needs to do is walk into these offices in military bases to get help filing, preparing, and other military-related tax issues.

7. Life Insurance

Most retired servicemen struggle to obtain life insurance from traditional insurance companies/providers. The process becomes even more complicated if one sustained an injury while in service. Nonetheless, veterans can access life insurance through the Servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group life insurance program. Through this program, you will get competitive premium rates with up to $400,000 in life insurance.

8. Mortgage Help Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers assistance for mortgage repayment to all eligible veterans. There are various options to choose from ranging from loan forbearance, special repayment plans, loan modification programs, as well as VA loans. Homeless veterans may take advantage of these benefits to get funding.

9. VA Foreclosures

Veterans can purchase a home or property at a discount through VA foreclosures. The VA keeps a list of all households that went into foreclosure but were serviced by VA loans. All one needs to do to access these properties and homes is search through the extensive list of such homes and find a perfect one. While you don’t necessarily need to be a veteran to explore these properties, they all qualify for VA financing.

10. American Corporate Partners

Veterans can get top jobs with top companies through the help of the American Corporate Partners. In addition to connecting veterans to such companies, they (veterans) get to receive career development services and one-on-one mentoring thanks to American Corporate Partners.

Most of the benefits listed above remain unknown to many veterans and servicemen about to retire. Familiarizing yourself with these benefits and more may, however, help your life much more manageable after service. Whether a veteran yourself or someone willing to lend a helping hand, you can help other veterans get to learn about these benefits.

If you’d like to find out more about the veterans benefits listed above, call us today.