Veteran Benefits That Most Families Never Access

While many veterans are familiar with basic VA healthcare and GI Bill education benefits, the full range of veteran benefits spans dozens of federal, state, and private programs that most eligible veterans never tap into. These overlooked benefits could provide financial support, healthcare improvements, education opportunities, and quality of life enhancements worth thousands of dollars annually for veterans and their families.

Healthcare Benefits Beyond Basic VA Coverage

Many veterans don't realize they qualify for specialized healthcare benefits beyond standard VA medical care. These programs can provide substantial savings and improved access to care.

Tax Advantages Most Veterans Miss

Veterans are entitled to numerous tax benefits at federal and state levels that can significantly reduce tax burdens. However, many of these advantages remain largely unknown and unclaimed by eligible veterans.

Key Tax Benefits:

• Property Tax Exemptions: Most states offer veterans property tax reductions or complete exemptions depending on service-connected disability ratings
• Combat Pay Exclusions: Tax-free income for months served in combat zones
• Disabled Veteran State Income Tax Exemptions: Many states exempt part or all of military retirement pay from state income tax
• VA Benefits Tax Exemptions: Most VA benefits including disability compensation are tax-free
• Business Tax Credits: Special tax incentives for veteran-owned businesses

Education Benefits for Family Members

While many veterans are familiar with their own education benefits, fewer take advantage of the substantial educational assistance available to their spouses and children.

Family Education Opportunities:

• Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA): Up to 36 months of education benefits for dependents of disabled or deceased veterans
• Transferability of Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits: Veterans can transfer unused educational benefits to spouses and children
• Fry Scholarship: Educational assistance for children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty
• Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA): Up to $4,000 in financial assistance for spouse education in portable career fields
• State Veterans Education Programs: Many states offer tuition discounts or waivers for veterans' dependents at state schools

Housing and Home Loan Benefits

Beyond the well-known VA Home Loan program, veterans have access to numerous housing assistance programs that can provide significant financial advantages for homeowners and renters alike.

Lesser-Known Housing Benefits:

• Adapted Housing Grants: Up to $101,754 for veterans with certain service-connected disabilities to build or modify homes
• Native American Direct Loan Program: Direct VA loans for eligible Native American veterans to buy, build, or improve homes on Federal Trust Land
• Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH): Combines HUD housing vouchers with VA services to help homeless veterans
• VA Refinance Options: Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL) and Cash-Out Refinance Loans with streamlined processes for veterans
• State Veterans Homes: Nursing homes, assisted living, and domiciliary care in every state for eligible veterans and sometimes their spouses

Financial Assistance Programs

Various programs provide direct financial support to veterans facing economic hardships, many of which are underutilized despite their significant potential benefits.

Employment and Business Ownership Advantages

Veterans receive significant preferences in federal hiring and special assistance for entrepreneurship that can dramatically improve career outcomes and business success.

Career and Business Benefits:

• Veterans' Preference: Priority hiring for federal government positions
• Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Services: Career counseling, training, and job placement assistance
• VA Small and Veteran Business Programs: Set-asides and sole-source contracts for veteran-owned businesses
• Veteran Entrepreneurship Training: Free training programs specifically for veteran business owners
• Veteran Business Outreach Centers: Provide business development assistance to veterans

Burial and Memorial Benefits

Veterans and their families are entitled to comprehensive burial benefits that can significantly reduce end-of-life expenses, yet many families never claim these important benefits.