Military benefits that are offered for veteran spouses and families
Being a military spouse can be rewarding and challenging — from marrying that special someone who’s dedicated to their country to challenges including deployments and frequent relocations. Fortunately, spouses of service members and veterans may qualify for certain benefits, including health care, education, life insurance and more, to help alleviate the challenges.
Here’s a primer on some of the benefits and resources that exist for military spouses and families, particularly for those of veterans:
HEALTH CARE
“(The) VA has a deep and abiding commitment to support veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors along their life journeys by providing them with the highest quality health care, benefits and memorial services,” says Lynda C. Davis, chief veterans experience officer for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
There are various congressionally mandated programs that provide health care and pharmacy benefits to veteran spouses and beneficiaries. One example is the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). CHAMPVA provides health insurance and health care services for spouses, surviving spouses and dependent children of veterans who meet certain service-connected disability requirements.
EDUCATION/ CAREER BENEFITS
According to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, spouses and dependent children of veterans or service members may qualify education benefits. Also, qualified service members can transfer up to 36 months or a portion of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child.
If you’re the spouse or child of a veteran who has passed away or has a permanent service-connected disability, you may be able to get help paying for school or job training through the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance program.
Additionally, the Personalized Career Planning and Guidance program offers free educational and career guidance, planning and resources to service members, veterans and eligible dependents. It’s encouraged to apply for this program if you’re leaving active service soon or have been discharged within the past year.
LIFE INSURANCE
If you’re the spouse, dependent child or surviving spouse or child of a veteran, you’ll want to find out if you’re eligible for the Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance. Also, if you’re the beneficiary of a veteran or service member’s policy, you can get free financial advice and will preparation services.
“Thousands of dedicated employees listen and respond with respect as VA delivers on its promise to serve those who have served us all. We do this with honor alongside countless partners in communities across America,” Davis says.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
You may be eligible for VA housing assistance if you’re a surviving spouse of a veteran. To get a VA-backed loan to help you buy or refinance a home, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility to show your lender. Additionally, you can get help to avoid foreclosure on your home if you’re having trouble making mortgage payments.
Additionally, the Fisher House Program provides no-cost, temporary accommodations to families and caregivers of veterans receiving treatment at a VA medical facility. The VA offers 57 Fisher Houses at 47 VA medical facilities to provide lodging for veteran families during a period of hospitalization.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
As a military spouse herself, Verenice Castillo decided to found the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) in 2015 “to become an advocate for (her) fellow military spouses.” Her nonprofit organization provides 24/7 peer-to-peer support for military spouses from professionally trained mental health allies. MSAN also offers a military spouse mentorship hub. “It is a virtual platform (where) all these military spouses join to find local communities, to find a mentor and get educated to the programs available to them,” Castillo says. “These programs are open to active-duty spouses and post-9/11 veteran spouses, retiree spouses, caregivers, All Star spouses and surviving spouses.”
Blue Star Families is another great nonprofit that supports military and veteran families. Blue Star Families provides “food insecurity support, caregiver support, reading programs for military youth as well as the largest digital community for military and solely supporting military families,” says Adriene Engstrom, chief of staff at Blue Star Families and an active-duty Army spouse.
If you have questions or need support, Engstrom suggests leaning on your peers and fellow veteran spouses. “Peers are a great asset when it comes to information,” Engstrom says.
BURIAL AND MEMORIAL BENEFITS
When a veteran or their spouse dies, the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) provides various benefits including opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone and forever care and maintenance of the grave for free.
Bereavement counseling is also available to immediate family members of veterans who were participating in counseling or other family support services through the VA prior to the veteran’s death, if the death was unexpected or if the veteran was participating in hospice or similar services.
SURVIVOR COMPENSATION
Surviving spouses of a veteran may be eligible for a VA Survivors Pension, which offers monthly payments to surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children (under age 18) of wartime veterans. Children may also receive benefits if they are between the ages of 18 and 23 and attend an accredited educational institution.
Additionally, a surviving spouse, child or parent of a veteran may qualify for the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
“If you or a family member served in the military, please visit VA.gov or call 1-800-MyVA411 and learn more about how VA may serve you,” Davis says.