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Do Not Leave Free Money on the Table: Lesser Known VA Benefits
While many are familiar with flagship VA benefits like the GI Bill and home loans, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a vast array of specialized programs that often go unnoticed.
(DVIDS Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Young)
These lesser-known benefits can provide crucial support for aging Veterans, those with disabilities seeking employment, and their families. Highlighting these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for those who have served, provided they know what options are available.
Geriatric and Extended Care
For many aging Veterans or those with chronic conditions, the thought of long-term care can be daunting. The VA’s Geriatric and Extended Care program offers a robust set of services designed to help Veterans maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible. This is far more than just traditional nursing home care. The core benefit of GEC is its flexibility and focus on home-based support. Services include:
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Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care - A trained caregiver comes to the Veteran’s home to assist with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and preparing meals.
Respite Care - This service provides temporary relief for a Veteran's primary family caregiver. It can be offered at home, at a VA community living center, or at an adult day health care center for up to 30 days a year.
Adult Day Health Care - These centers offer a safe and engaging environment for Veterans during the day, providing social activities, therapy, and medical care while their family members are at work.
These options empower Veterans to remain in the comfort of their own homes and communities, providing vital support not just to them, but to their families as well.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Often misunderstood as just another education benefit, Veteran Readiness and Employment, or Chapter 31, is a comprehensive career counseling and support program. Its primary mission is to assist service-disabled Veterans in finding and maintaining suitable, lasting employment.
VR&E is not simply about going back to school, it’s a personalized program that helps Veterans overcome barriers to employment. A dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor works one on one with each Veteran to create a tailored plan. The benefits can include:
Comprehensive Evaluation - Assessing skills, interests, and abilities to determine viable career paths.
Job Training and Education - Covering tuition, fees, books, and supplies for a degree or vocational certificate.
Resume Development and Coaching - Providing professional assistance with job seeking and interview skills.
Support for Self-Employment - Offering resources and guidance for Veterans who want to start their own business.
For Veterans whose service-connected disabilities make it difficult to work, VR&E is a critical resource for achieving financial stability and a renewed sense of purpose.
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA)
The health and wellbeing of a Veteran's family is a crucial concern, especially when the Veteran is severely disabled or has passed away due to their service. CHAMPVA is a health insurance program that provides coverage for the spouse or widow(er) and the children of an eligible Veteran.
CHAMPVA ensures that a Veteran's family has access to necessary medical care. It is NOT the same as TRICARE. To be eligible, the Veteran sponsor must be rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition or have died as a result of one. The program shares the cost of a wide range of medical services and supplies, including:
Inpatient and Outpatient Services
Prescription Medications
Mental Health Services
Medical Equipment
This benefit provides immense peace of mind, guaranteeing that a Veteran’s ultimate sacrifice or lifelong disability does not leave their family without essential healthcare coverage.
Honorable Mention - Vet Tix
While not an official VA program, Vet Tix is a VA-partnered non-profit that provides a significant morale boost to the military and veteran community. It gives back to those who have served by providing free event tickets to currently serving members, veterans, and their families. By verifying service, users can request tickets to concerts, sporting events, plays, and other community events, helping them reintegrate and create positive memories.
