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Everything You Need to Know About the Veterans Pension Program

Everything You Need to Know About the Veterans Pension Program

by | Dec 23, 2021 | Veterans

Everything you need to know about the Veterans Pension Program

If you are a Veteran who meets certain age or disability requirements, you might be eligible for The Veterans Pension Program. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this program and whether or not you qualify. 

Are you eligible?

To determine if you are eligible for The Veterans Pension Program, you must meet the following criteria. Both of these must be true:

  • You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and
  • Your yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress. Your net worth includes all personal property you own (except your house, your car, and most home furnishings), minus any debt you owe. Your net worth considers the net worth of your spouse. 

This rate is currently set at $130,733

And at least one of these must be true about your service:

  • You started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least one day during wartime, or
  • You started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the entire period for which you were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions) with at least one day during wartime, or
  • You were an officer and started on active duty after October 16, 1981, and you hadn’t previously served on active duty for at least 24 months

And at least one of these must be true:

  • You’re at least 65 years old, or
  • You have a permanent and total disability, or
  • You’re a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability, or
  • You’re getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income

The eligible war-time periods are: 

  • Mexican Border period (May 9, 1916, to April 5, 1917, for Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or in adjacent waters)
  • World War I (April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918)
  • World War II (December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946)
  • Korean conflict (June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955)
  • Vietnam War era (November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam.)
  • Gulf War (August 2, 1990, through a future date to be set by law or presidential proclamation)

How are benefits calculated?

Once it is determined that you qualify for pension benefits, the VA will look at your countable income, which is how much you earn, including your Social Security benefits, investment and retirement payments, and any income your dependents receive. Some expenses, like non-reimbursable medical expenses (medical expenses not covered by your insurance provider), may reduce your countable income.This amount will then be subtracted from your Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR). The MAPR is the maximum amount of pension payable. Your MAPR is based on how many dependents you have, if you’re married to another Veteran who qualifies for a pension, and if your disabilities qualify you for Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits. MAPRs are adjusted each year for cost-of-living increases. There are tables available on the VA.gov website to help you determine what your MAPR could be.

How to apply

There are a few ways you can apply for The VA Pension Program. The easiest is online through the VA.gov website. You’ll need to have some information available to be prepared to file, including Social Security number or VA file number (required), Military history (required), your financial information and the financial information of your dependents (required), work history, bank account direct deposit information, and medical information. Once you have all this information available, you can apply online, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. To learn more about The VA Pension Program, visit va.gov. 

Contact Us

Have a question about your Veteran benefits? You can email us today! If you are within one-year pre to post-military separation, you can enroll in our FREE program by setting up a call with one of our transition coaches.

VA education benefits for dependents

by | Nov 18, 2021 | Veterans

VA education benefits for dependents

If you are the dependent spouse or child of a Veteran then you might qualify for VA education benefits or job training through the GI Bill program. This is also known as Chapter 35. Keep reading to learn more about Chapter 35 and what you need to do to apply for benefits.

Who is eligible for Chapter 35?

You might be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits if you’re the child or spouse of a service member and one of the following is true.
The service member:

  • Died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, or
  • Is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty by a hostile force, or
  • Was detained (held) by force while in the line of duty by a foreign government or power, or
  • Is in the hospital or getting outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability, and is likely to be discharged for that disability. A service-connected permanent and total disability is a disability resulting from your service that doesn’t go away.

You might also be eligible for VA education benefits if you’re the child or spouse of a Veteran and one of the descriptions below is true of the Veteran.

  • Is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, or
  • Died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability

If you don’t meet these criteria, don’t worry you may still qualify for VA education benefits. If the Veteran or service member transferred some or all of their Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement to you while they were on active duty, then you are still able to use these benefits.

What benefits can you receive?

The benefits for dependents is very similar to what Veterans and Servicemembers receive from their GI Bills. Benefits include:

  • Education and job training
  • Money for tuition
  • Money for housing
  • Money for books and supplies

How do you apply?

There are 2 main GI Bill programs that offer educational assistance to survivors and dependents of Veterans. These are:

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) which is for children and spouses of:

  • Active-duty service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, or
  • Members of the Selected Reserve who died from a service-connected disability on or after September 11, 2001

The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program which offers education and training to qualified dependents of Veterans who:

  • Are permanently and totally disabled because of a service-related condition, or
  • Died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition

You may qualify for both of these programs, but you can use only one of them. You’ll have to pick one when you apply for and once you’ve made this decision, you can’t switch to the other program.

What is the difference between these two programs?

DEA

  • Monthly payments are made directly to the student.
  • Spouses have 20 years from the service member’s date of death if they died on active duty or 10 years from the Veteran’s date of death to utilize these benefits.
  • Children may use the benefits from age 18 to 26.
  • Benefits are eligible for 36 months.
  • Programs covered include:
    • College, business, technical, or vocational programs
    • Certification tests
    • Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
    • Tutorial assistance
    • Work study

Fry Scholorship

  • Payments are made to the school to cover the full cost of in-state tuition up to $25,162.14.
  • Money for books, supplies, and housing costs are paid directly to the student.
  • There is no time limit for a spouse to use this benefit, but they lose access if they remarry.
  • A child who became eligible for the benefit before January 1, 2013 can begin using the benefit when they turn 18 until they are 33. A child who became eligible after January 1, 2013 has no time limit.
  • Maximum of 36 months to use benefits.
  • Programs covered include:
    • College, business, technical, or vocational programs
    • Certification tests
    • Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
    • Vocational flight training
    • Tutorial assistance
    • Work study

To learn more about these benefits visit VA.gov.

Contact Us

Have a question about your Veteran benefits? You can email us today! If you are within one-year pre to post-military separation, you can enroll in our FREE program by setting up a call with one of our transition coaches.

What support does the VA give to Veteran-Owned small businesses

by | Nov 11, 2021 | Veterans

What support does the VA give to Veteran-Owned small businesses
If you are a Veteran and a small business owner, you might qualify for benefits through the Vets First Verification Program. There is a program run by the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). When you register through OSDBU and the VA you’ll have access to various resources and support.
Who is eligible?

You might be eligible if you or another Veteran at your company meet all of the following requirements.

    • One of you owns 51% or more of the company you want to register, and
    • One of you has complete control over the day-to-day management, decision-making, and strategic policy of the business, and
    • One of you has the managerial experience needed to manage the business, and
    • One of you is the highest-paid person in the company (or can provide a written statement explaining why you’re taking lower pay helps the business), and
    • One of you works full time for the business, and
    • One of you holds the highest officer position in the company

You might also be eligible to register your business as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) if you meet all of the above criteria and you or another Veteran owner of the company have either a disability rating letter from the VA confirming a service-connected disability rating between 0% and 100% or a disability determination from the Department of Defense.

What are the benefits of registering your Veteran-Owned Small Business?

        • The ability to do business with the VA
        • Priority when you bid on contracts for other federal or state government agencies
        • Tax relief
        • Better access to capital
        • Extra support if your startup or small business is poised for high growth and innovation
        • Support in finding VA procurements, contract awards, and acquisition resources
        • Resources, education, and training to help you learn how to do business with the VA
        • Help building business partnerships and connecting with the people who make decisions about procurement in government and large private-sector firms
        • Resources to guide you through every step of becoming an entrepreneur

Additional resources

You can also reach out to the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) for additional resources to help you start or grow your small business. Several universities and non-profit organizations offer free or low-cost entrepreneur and business-focused courses for Veterans or their family members.

Contact Us

Have a question about your Veteran benefits? You can email us today! If you are within one-year pre to post-military separation, you can enroll in our FREE program by setting up a call with one of our transition coaches.

What is included in the specially adapted housing grant

by | Oct 28, 2021 | Veterans

When you think about Military benefits, who do you think is covered? Most people think about the benefits available for active duty Service Members and Veterans, but Military benefits are so much more than that. Did you know there are also benefits available for military spouses? These benefits can be valuable in helping Military spouses navigate Military life, especially when their significant other is away on deployment. So, what benefits are available for military spouses? There are tons of benefits available, far too many to list here, but here is a list of our Top Seven benefits available for Military Spouses. Some of these are available automatically, and some you will require you to apply. Regardless, they are all benefits that are worth checking out. #1 Transferred GI Bill Benefits Service members and Veterans can transfer their education benefits to their spouses or their children. There are some limitations around this, but this is an excellent benefit that Military spouses can take advantage of if their husband or wife isn't planning on using all of their education benefits on themselves. Military spouses can even use these benefits up to 15 years after their spouse leaves the service. #2 Free On-Base Classes Several free classes and resources are offered for Military spouses on-base. These can include everything from classes on processing the challenges of military life to resources for families and even resources for finding a job. Check on your base to see what classes and resources are available for you to utilize. #3 Family Service Members' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) Service members can enroll their family members in this program for life insurance coverage that spans from $10,000 up to $100,000. There are a few restrictions to this program, such as dependent coverage can't exceed the scope held by the Service member. FSGLI is a great resource to ensure that everyone is adequately covered and can be cared for in a time of need. #4 Free Healthcare All active duty Military personnel and their dependents receive free medical care. It can include everything from doctor's appointments to medical treatments and even medicine that can be purchased on base. #5 Employment Opportunities There are several programs and events available to help military spouses find employment. One of these resources is the Military Spouse Employment Partnership hosted by the Department of Defense (DoD). This program helps to pair Military spouses with partner employers that have committed to hiring military spouses. It is an excellent way for military spouses to find valuable employment with an employer who understands a military spouse's needs. #6 Childcare Most military bases have daycare centers available for service members to use. This childcare service isn't free; however, it is typically much more affordable than other civilian childcare options. If you don't live near a base or there isn't availability at the on-base daycare, you can also apply to receive a subsidized allowance to pay for civilian daycare centers as long as they are approved. #7 Recreation Benefits Military Welfare and Recreation (MWR) manages most recreation facilities on every base, and these activities are part of your benefits as a MilSpouse. Some of the things that can be included are gyms, pools, bowling, golf, and even classes like a dance. Each base has different services, so you will want to contact your local MWR office to see what is available in your area. These are just a few of the fantastic benefits that are available for Military spouses. There are so many more, up to and including perks offered through The National Park Service and several different hotels and travel destinations. Being a Military spouse can be challenging, so these benefits are available to help make your life a little easier. Utilize as many of these benefits and resources as you need to ensure that your experience as a Military spouse is just as successful as your partner's Military career

If you are a Servicemember or Veteran with certain permanent or total service-connected disabilities you could be eligible to receive a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant from the VA. A SAH grant helps with the purchase or construction of an adapted home or with modifications to an existing home to help accommodate a disability.

ELIGIBILITY

The SAH grant is available to Veterans or Servicemembers who have a service-connected disability due to military service, entitling them to compensation for permanent and total disability due to:

  • The loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair; OR
  • Blindness in both eyes having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity; OR
  • The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity together with:
    (1) Residuals of organic disease or injury, or
    (2) The loss or loss of use of one upper extremity.
    Item (1) and Item (2) above must so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair; OR
  • The loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities, so as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows; OR
  • Severe burn injuries; OR
  • The loss or loss of use of one or more lower limbs due to service on or after September 11, 2001. This must affect your balance or movement, and hinder walking without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. This disability type is limited to 30 participants per Fiscal Year.

MODIFICATIONS

The SAH grant typically covers the following modifications:

  • Bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms
  • Covered porches, ramps, and walkways
  • Garages, carports, and passageways
  • Doors, windows, and flooring
  • Security items
  • Concrete or asphalt walkways
  • Sliding doors, handrails, and grab bars
  • Additional elements as per the VA

Grants of up to $100,896 are awarded to eligible disabled veterans to help build or modify homes to best suit their needs.

TEMPORARY HOME

You do not have to own the house you occupy and may be eligible for a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant based on the following requirements:

  • Qualify for a SAH or SHA grant 
  • You live temporarily in a family member’s home that needs changes to meet your needs.

APPLICATION

You can learn more about SAH grants and start the application process with a VA Form 26-4555.

Contact Us

Have a question about your Veteran benefits? You can email us today! If you are within one-year pre to post-military separation, you can enroll in our FREE program by setting up a call with one of our transition coaches.

VA Adaptive Sports Programs for Veterans

by | Oct 21, 2021 | Veterans

When you think about Military benefits, who do you think is covered? Most people think about the benefits available for active duty Service Members and Veterans, but Military benefits are so much more than that. Did you know there are also benefits available for military spouses? These benefits can be valuable in helping Military spouses navigate Military life, especially when their significant other is away on deployment. So, what benefits are available for military spouses? There are tons of benefits available, far too many to list here, but here is a list of our Top Seven benefits available for Military Spouses. Some of these are available automatically, and some you will require you to apply. Regardless, they are all benefits that are worth checking out. #1 Transferred GI Bill Benefits Service members and Veterans can transfer their education benefits to their spouses or their children. There are some limitations around this, but this is an excellent benefit that Military spouses can take advantage of if their husband or wife isn't planning on using all of their education benefits on themselves. Military spouses can even use these benefits up to 15 years after their spouse leaves the service. #2 Free On-Base Classes Several free classes and resources are offered for Military spouses on-base. These can include everything from classes on processing the challenges of military life to resources for families and even resources for finding a job. Check on your base to see what classes and resources are available for you to utilize. #3 Family Service Members' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) Service members can enroll their family members in this program for life insurance coverage that spans from $10,000 up to $100,000. There are a few restrictions to this program, such as dependent coverage can't exceed the scope held by the Service member. FSGLI is a great resource to ensure that everyone is adequately covered and can be cared for in a time of need. #4 Free Healthcare All active duty Military personnel and their dependents receive free medical care. It can include everything from doctor's appointments to medical treatments and even medicine that can be purchased on base. #5 Employment Opportunities There are several programs and events available to help military spouses find employment. One of these resources is the Military Spouse Employment Partnership hosted by the Department of Defense (DoD). This program helps to pair Military spouses with partner employers that have committed to hiring military spouses. It is an excellent way for military spouses to find valuable employment with an employer who understands a military spouse's needs. #6 Childcare Most military bases have daycare centers available for service members to use. This childcare service isn't free; however, it is typically much more affordable than other civilian childcare options. If you don't live near a base or there isn't availability at the on-base daycare, you can also apply to receive a subsidized allowance to pay for civilian daycare centers as long as they are approved. #7 Recreation Benefits Military Welfare and Recreation (MWR) manages most recreation facilities on every base, and these activities are part of your benefits as a MilSpouse. Some of the things that can be included are gyms, pools, bowling, golf, and even classes like a dance. Each base has different services, so you will want to contact your local MWR office to see what is available in your area. These are just a few of the fantastic benefits that are available for Military spouses. There are so many more, up to and including perks offered through The National Park Service and several different hotels and travel destinations. Being a Military spouse can be challenging, so these benefits are available to help make your life a little easier. Utilize as many of these benefits and resources as you need to ensure that your experience as a Military spouse is just as successful as your partner's Military career

The VA Office of National Sport Programs and Special Events provides Veterans with opportunities for health through adaptive sports and therapeutic arts programs. The events focused on specialized rehabilitation activities that allow Veteran independence, community engagement, well-being, and improved quality of life.

ACTIVITIES

There are a wide range of interests and activities, such as the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, the National Veterans Golden Age Games, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and much more offered at the events.

ADAPTIVE SPORTS GRANT

An Adaptive Sports Grant Program is offered through the VA to ensure that all Veterans can participate in these events. These grants are awarded to qualifying organizations to plan, develop, manage, and implement programs that provide opportunities to participate in adaptive sports for disabled Veterans.

ELIGIBILITY

Organizations might be eligible for a grant if they are a non-federal entity with significant experience managing a large-scale adaptive sports program. Criteria for inclusion is defined as programs that are (1) affiliated with a National Paralympic Committee or a National Governing Body authorized to provide Paralympic sports, (2) an adaptive sports program of a National Governing Body that meets additional requirements, or (3) an adaptive sports program in which at least 50 persons with disabilities participate or the eligible participants reside in at least five different congressional districts.

LEARN MORE

You can learn more about participating in these Adaptive Sports Programs or applying to host an event here.

Contact Us

Have a question about your Veteran benefits? You can email us today! If you are within one-year pre to post-military separation, you can enroll in our FREE program by setting up a call with one of our transition coaches.