10 Essential VA Spouse Benefits You Need to Know

Being the spouse of a veteran comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. One of the benefits available to you as a VA spouse is access to certain benefits and services. Here is a checklist of 10 essential VA spouse benefits you need to know:

  1. Healthcare Benefits: As a VA spouse, you may be eligible for healthcare benefits through the VA. This can include coverage for medical services, prescriptions, and mental health care.
  2. Education Benefits: VA spouse benefits may include education assistance such as the GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement program, which allows service members to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouse or children.
  3. Home Loan Guaranty: VA spouse benefits may include eligibility for the VA Home Loan Guaranty program, which can help you secure a mortgage with favorable terms.
  4. Survivor Benefits: In the unfortunate event of your veteran spouse's death, you may be eligible for survivor benefits such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program.
  5. Employment Assistance: The VA offers employment assistance programs for military spouses, including job training and placement services.
  6. Disability Compensation: If your veteran spouse is disabled due to a service-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation as their caregiver.
  7. Legal Assistance: VA spouse benefits may include access to legal assistance services, including help with estate planning, family law matters, and other legal issues.
  8. Commissary and Exchange Privileges: As a VA spouse, you may have access to military commissaries and exchanges, which offer discounted prices on groceries, household goods, and other items.
  9. Counseling and Support Services: The VA offers counseling and support services for VA spouses, including marriage counseling, mental health services, and support groups.
  10. Burial Benefits: In the event of your veteran spouse's death, you may be eligible for burial benefits such as a burial plot, headstone, and reimbursement for burial expenses.

These are just a few of the many benefits available to VA spouses. Be sure to explore all of the resources and services available to you as the spouse of a veteran.