If you have protected the United States by serving in its military, the country owes you a serious debt. Although this debt may never truly be repaid, you should consider the advantages of VA benefits. This is one of the main ways in which the country shows its appreciation for veterans, and it can help with various aspects of your life. It may also benefit your family in various ways. Even if you’re not too enthusiastic about claiming these benefits, it makes sense to consider how they may help your loved ones. An elderly care lawyer can help you review these benefits and take full advantage of them.
VA Benefits May Vary Based on Your Home State
The first thing to understand about VA benefits is that they tend to vary based on your home state. While some VA benefits apply to all veterans, others may only apply to certain states. For example, Texas is considered one of the best states for veterans because of its property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Texas also offers veterans exemptions from income tax and free college tuition. You can also pursue free college tuition for your children and spouse as a Texas veteran. Some of the more obscure benefits include free fishing/hunting licenses, free vehicle registration fees, and much more. Speak with a lawyer to learn more about the VA benefits in your home state.
Mortgage Assistance
VA can help veterans struggling to pay their mortgages. They can also help those who are trying to obtain a mortgage. The VA home loan program may help you purchase a home with no down payment. There is also no need to pay mortgage insurance premiums in some cases. The loans are generally “favorable,” meaning that you may pay a lower interest rate compared to other Americans. The VA guarantees certain loans, allowing you to purchase houses, apartments, trailers, and other residences with few barriers.
If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, the VA can also help. One option is to refinance your loan with VA’s assistance. You could qualify for a specialized repayment plan, and you might receive free counseling to create an action plan. In addition, the VA could help with loan forbearance or loan modification. Foreclosure assistance is possible, and you could receive a special grant to cover the cost of home ownership if you are severely disabled.
Disability Benefits
If you have suffered a disability while serving with the armed forces, the VA should cover the cost of your medical treatment. As long as your disability is related to your service in some way, you can receive compensation. However, this process is relatively complex. You might want to speak with a lawyer to gain a more concrete understanding of the “disability rating” system. Note that you might also qualify for disability benefits if you have suffered a mental health issue.
Even if you did not suffer a service-related disability, you may still qualify for VA health care. This is one of the most important benefits for veterans in the United States, and it can also cover your family. Various health costs are covered under VA health care, including:
- Hospital care
- Dental care
- Pharmaceutical services
- Nursing homes
- Counseling
- Addiction treatment
- Women’s health
College Tuition
Many people specifically join the American military to access free education. The VA covers approved education programs, including tuition, books, and supplies. You might also receive a monthly housing allowance to cover your shelter costs while you study. One of the most important things to understand about this benefit is that it also applies to your dependents. This might include your spouse or children.
College tuition is covered by “The GI Bill,” one of the oldest VA benefits. First established in 1944, it covers up to 26 months of your educational costs. This might not be enough time to earn a degree or certification, but it can certainly make the cost of education much cheaper. Note that this benefit also covers non-college training, such as trades school.
Housing
Although VA may help with mortgages, it can also provide shelter if you’re struggling with homelessness. If you become homeless and you have served in the military, you may be eligible for specialized healthcare services. You might also get access to the VA’s housing assistance program, which is specifically geared toward homeless veterans. This type of assistance comes in the form of rental assistance vouchers. In other words, you will receive financial assistance to help cover your rental costs. If you’re homeless, you can use these vouchers to pay for a new home.
Burials
Finally, the VA helps cover the cost of a veteran’s burial. This benefit can be helpful for families of veterans, as the cost of a funeral can easily surpass $8,000 in the modern era. The VA provides each family with an inscribed headstone at any cemetery. If you purchase your own headstone, the VA will provide a special medallion that you can attach to the headstone.
The VA also provides a “burial allowance” that covers the cost of funeral costs. Unfortunately, this allowance is relatively low, and it is unlikely to cover the full cost of a funeral in the United States. That said, it still makes sense to take full advantage of this financial assistance. That said, the VA allows all veterans to be buried in a VA national cemetery for no additional cost. Finally, the VA will provide each family with an American flag to drape over the casket.
Contact The Elderly Care Law Firm Today
If you have been searching for a VA benefits lawyer, look no further than The Elderly Care Law Firm. With our help, you can review the various VA benefits – and how they might help your family. From education and shelter to mental health and loans, VA benefits can be surprisingly generous. These benefits may be especially critical for seniors facing medical costs, less mobility, and other issues associated with old age. Contact us today to learn more about your options during a consultation.
