Grants for Retired Soldiers

Veterans are eligible for a variety of grant programs.

In general terms, a grant is a sum of money given to an individual for a specific purpose. Unlike a loan, a grant does not need to be repaid. A variety of grant programs are available to retired soldiers in the United States. Organizations give grants to veterans for several purposes, including the pursuit of education, medical attention, housing and to help offset the cost of disability.

Educational Grants

A wide variety of educational grants and scholarships are available to retired soldiers. Federal governmental education benefits include the G.I. Bill, which helps soldiers attend college once they return to civilian life. Many state governments also extend educational benefits to soldiers. In addition, a variety of private organizations offer scholarships to veterans and their families. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, ThanksUSA, the Pat Tillman Foundation, the American Legion, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Military Order of the Purple Heart are just a few such organizations offering tuition grants to retired soldiers.

Medical Grants

The Veterans Health Administration offers grants and special discounts for medical services. Honorably discharged veterans who enlisted in the service prior to September 7, 1980, or who enlisted after this date and performed 24 months of continuous service before being discharged, may be eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in the VA health-care system to be eligible, or they must have been disabled in connection with military service. Dental care may also be available. Applications for specialized care and discounts must be made to the nearest VA health-care center.

Housing Grants

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers grants of up to $14,000 to disabled veterans through the Specially Adapted Housing Program. These grants are designed to help veterans construct a home or adapt an existing home to their needs. Low-income veterans may be eligible for rental assistance through Section 8 Rental Assistance programs. The Military Housing Assistance Fund organization offers grants to help retired soldiers and their families purchase a home.

Disability Grants

A variety of governmental programs offer grants and monetary assistance to veterans who are disabled in connection with previous military service. For example, the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program offers free training and assistance to disabled veterans trying to secure employment. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers grant assistance to disabled veterans for the purchase of needed adaptive equipment, including specially adapted automobiles. In addition, the Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans Program is available to help disabled veterans undergo rehabilitation and return to the workforce.

References

• MyMilitaryEducation.org: Comprehensive List of Military Scholarships for Service Members, Spouses and Dependents
• EducationMoney.com: 47 Federal Assistance Grants and Services for Veterans
• Department of Veterans Affairs: Specially Adapted Housing Program
• Housing and Urban Development: HUD Veteran Resource Center
• Military Housing Assistance Fund: Military Home Buyer Grants