Has your loved one served in the military? Are you the child or spouse of one? Veterans Benefits can be a reliable source of financial aid for your veteran loved one. Here are the things you need to know about it.
Who Can Receive Veterans Benefits?
Eligibility for most VA benefits depends on discharge from active duty due to reasons other than dishonorable conditions. Any persons who have served full-time in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Cost Guard, or have been commissioned officers of the Environmental Services Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the Public Health Service qualify as veterans.
Veterans in prison or parole may still receive certain benefits under the recommendation of a VA regional office.
What Do VA Benefits Cover?
The US Department of Veterans Affairs offer various programs to aid veterans. These programs are needs-based, which means that they vary according to the specific situation faced by the veteran and their surviving family.
The four major programs are:
- Disability compensation
- Veteran’s pension
- Education programs
- Free or low-cost medical care
There are also benefit programs for:
- Job training
- Counseling
- Burials and memorial services
- Small businesses and business loans
- Housing and home loan guarantees
How Does One Apply for VA Benefits?
The process is fairly simple. You must secure these forms:
- A copy of your discharge paperwork
- VA Form 10-10EZ
You can obtain VA Form 10-10EZ by:
- Applying online on their official website
- Calling toll-free number at 877-222-VETS (8387)
- Visiting your local VA office and filling out the “Application for Health Benefits” form
Once you are enrolled, you won’t have to reapply every year to continue receiving benefits. But some veterans will have to update their financial information annually to maintain their enrollment priority. In this case, VA will get in touch with you.
If you would like to learn more about VA benefits, you can visit their official website at https://www.va.gov/.
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