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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Employment Assistance: The VA offers employment assistance programs for military spouses, including job training and placement services.
- 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.
- Legal Assistance: VA spouse benefits may include access to legal assistance services, including help with estate planning, family law matters, and other legal issues.
- 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.
- Counseling and Support Services: The VA offers counseling and support services for VA spouses, including marriage counseling, mental health services, and support groups.
- 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.