Benefits for American Veterans
Congress recognizes that the United States owes a debt of gratitude to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Consequently, it has authorized a broad array of benefits for veterans not typically available to those who haven't served. Millions of veterans have taken advantage of GI Bill home loans and academic assistance, while many more have benefited from programs that are less well known.
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Educational Benefits
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Honorably discharged veterans and current members of the military receive extensive educational benefits under the New Montgomery GI Bill or the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Qualifying veterans can receive up to $17,500 per year in educational assistance. Students can apply these benefits to any accredited institution of higher learning, including universities, trade schools and online colleges. Students also receive an annual stipend of $1,000 to offset the costs of books and fees. Some veterans can now transfer their educational benefits to family members as well.
GI Bill Home Loans
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Qualifying veterans can qualify for a federally guaranteed home loan through the Montgomery GI Bill. Because the federal government guarantees these loans, servicemembers can generally purchase homes with no down payment and zero primary mortgage insurance. This can make homeownership significantly more affordable for veterans than it would be otherrwise.
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Civil Service Veterans Preference
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The Federal Civil Service System maintains a system of preferential hiring for veterans interested in government employment -- a preference that is frequently mirrored at state and local levels of government. Veterans may qualify for a 10-point advantage on civil service exams. File a Standard Form (SF) 15 with the appropriate hiring department to claim the benefit. Certain field grade officers on active duty may not qualify, except for disabled veterans.
VA Health Care
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Veterans may be able to qualify for health services at Veterans Health Administration hospitals. Not all veterans qualify for every service provided by Veterans Health Administration hospitals and clinics. There is a system of categories for eligibility. Veterans with service-related disabilities receive the highest priority, and low-income veterans come next. Veterans with higher incomes who have their own private health insurance may not be able to access care through the Veterans Health Administration.
Burial Benefits
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Veterans and their dependents may qualify for burial at designated veterans cemeteries on a space-available basis. The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a flag and a grave marker free of charge.
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