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For the Veteran, a number of benefits exist after discharge from active service. Some of these benefits have changed over the course of time because of economic conditions as well as changes in the world condition at the time. In other words, some benefits were initiated to encourage enlistments in the military during a time of war or conflict and were scaled down when the need for larger recruitment ended.
Education
Educational benefits have been one of the biggest recruiting tools that the U.S, military has used throughout the 20th & 21st centuries. After the end of the Vietnam conflict, the benefits were scaled down, with the explanation being the G.I. Education Bill as it existed then was intended for wartime, and that revisions to the bill were necessary in order to reflect that.
The original G.I. Educational Bill based benefits on the number of credit hours and the size of the veteran’s family. In the mid-70’s and early 80’s, a married veteran carrying full-time credits with one dependant child was entitled to just over $300 per month. This amount was adjusted in accordance with the number of credit hours you carried, but the minimum to qualify was half-time. These benefits were paid for in full by the U.S. government under the terms of the G.I. Educational Bill.
The first revision to the bill was in the mid-80’s and required the veteran to contribute to the educational fund with the government then contributing 200% of the veteran’s contributions. Many revisions have been made to the bill since that time, especially since September 11, 2001 and the ensuing conflict and activation of military personnel, active and reservists, who were activated to Afghanistan, Iraq, and surrounding countries. To find out more information about any educational benefits to which you may be entitled, visit the VA benefits website at http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
Mortgages
Under the G.I. Bill, a veteran is entitled to home financing at an interest rate that is usually lower than a conventional loan. In addition, no down payment is required, and some costs associated with the loan may be financed if the inclusion of these items into the loan does not cause the amount of the mortgage to exceed the appraised value of the property.
VA Home Loans are guaranteed by the Veteran’s Administration under the Home Loan Guaranty Division, and as such, there is no requirement for private mortgage insurance (PMI) as there is with conventional mortgage loans with less than the required amount of down payment (usually 10-20% of the appraised value). For the budget-minded homebuyer, this can amount to a reduction of as much as $100 in the monthly payment compared to a conventional loan requiring private mortgage insurance. This does not mean that the Veteran’s Administration approves the loans. In fact, they approve very few loans, leaving it to the individual lenders to decide what loans they will approve.
More information on how the VA Home Loan Guaranty program works can be found at http://www.homeloans.va.gov/veteran.htm. The site also includes links to some videos that give more information on the program and answers some questions that you may have.
Burial Benefits
The Veteran’s Administration allows veterans who are discharged honorably, die in the line of duty or meet other qualifications to be buried in a Veteran’s Administration cemetery. In addition, spouses and unmarried children may be eligible for interment under certain conditions as well. To find out more about this benefit, go to http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/bbene/eligible.asp.
Health Care Benefits
Veterans are entitled to several different types of health care benefits because of their military service. Depending on the circumstances, different types of programs exist. All veterans are entitled to treatment at a Veterans Health Care facility provided they have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Treatment at a VA Health Center depends on income and other health coverage. Another program is CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs). CHAMPVA is a comprehensive health care program that coordinates a cost sharing of covered services between the Veterans Administration and eligible beneficiaries. This program is for those veterans who do not qualify for Tri-Care. A more detailed explanation of these programs along with eligibility requirements and an enrollment form are located on the website: http://www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/champva/champva.asp.
Pension
For those veterans who have retired from active service after the required number of years, the Veterans Administration provides pension benefits. This period is customarily twenty years, but it may be reduced because of a service-related injury and ensuing disability. For reservists who retire without a service-related disability, they are eligible to collect a pension at the age of sixty years. If they retire before sixty, they will not begin collecting their pension until that time. In addition, their eligibility for Tri-Care will not begin until they begin collecting their pension. More detailed information on pensions and compensation is located on http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/index.htm. In addition, you will be able to request a copy of your DD-214 from the website.
Summary
The Veterans Administration administers a great many benefits for our military personnel who defend our country and preserve our freedom. The benefits included in this article are only a few of those available.
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