VA Benefits for the Wife of a Veteran

The Veteran's Administration provides benefits for the spouses of fallen soldiers.

Our men and women in the military provide a great service in their protection of and dedication to the American way of life. Some of these soldiers put their lives on the line every day, while other military personnel provide the back up and means necessary for these soldiers to accomplish their duties. These brave Americans give their all for the betterment of the U.S. as well as helping others on foreign soil who may be under siege from their own governments. In appreciation of the sacrifices these noble military men make on a regular basis, the Veteran's Administration provides benefits for the spouses of the fallen who have served and died in active duty.

Death Pension

The spouse of a deceased veteran may receive a death pension benefit.

A death pension is money paid to a soldier's un-remarried surviving spouse or an unmarried child under 18 (under 23 if still in school), based on the required needs of that individual. The deceased veteran must not have been dishonorably discharged, must have served at least 90 days in active military service with at least one day in a period of wartime. There is also a limit on the amount of actual yearly income the spouse makes or receives in order to claim this benefit. For more detail on this subject, go to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Home Loan Guaranty

Surviving spouses may be eligible for a home loan guaranty.

A home loan guaranty may be obtained by an un-remarried spouse of a veteran who died while on active duty. Additionally, if the spouse and veteran purchased a home through a VA loan before the veteran's death, the surviving spouse may request a refinance loan at a lower interest rate, with the guarantee of that lower rate for the life of the loan. For more details, contact the VA Eligibility Center through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Educational Assistance

Surviving spouses may be eligible for education assistance from the VA.

Spouses and dependents of a veteran who died or who was completely disabled while on active duty may be eligible for educational assistance. The assistance can be obtained for up to 45 months and includes certification or degree programs, on-the-job training and apprenticeships. The benefit period for educational assistance ends after 20 years from the VA's decision that a surviving spouse is eligible. The VA must approve the educational program you request. For more details, view the Survivor's and Dependent's Educational Assistance Program on the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs website.

References

• VBA: VA Benefits for Surviving Spouses
• VA: Death Pension Benefits
• VA: Home Loan Guaranty
• VA: Survivor's and Dependent's Educational Assistance