As a veteran, you’re probably familiar with the major benefits available to you, like VA disability compensation, healthcare, and the GI Bill. These are vital resources that provide significant support, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Many veterans are unaware of the additional benefits that are relatively unknown but can offer equally valuable assistance.
The following lesser-known benefits are designed to help you and your dependents in various aspects of life, from financial support to educational opportunities and beyond.
1. Space-A Travel (Space Available Travel)
One of the most underrated benefits for veterans is Space-Available Travel, often referred to as Space-A. This program allows veterans to fly on military aircraft at little to no cost. Space-A travel is available to retirees, disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 100%, and their dependents, enabling them to travel to various destinations worldwide. While there are some restrictions, this benefit is an excellent way for veterans to explore new places on a budget.
How to Use It: To utilize Space-A travel, veterans need to register with the nearest military passenger terminal and be flexible with their travel plans since availability can vary.
2. Free or Discounted Tax Preparation Services
Many veterans and their families are eligible for free or discounted tax preparation services through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and other similar initiatives. These services help ensure that veterans maximize their tax refunds and take advantage of all eligible tax credits.
How to Use It: Check with your local VA office or military base for information on free tax preparation services during tax season.
3. VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)
Dental care is often overlooked, but the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) offers low-cost dental insurance to eligible veterans and their dependents. VADIP is available to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare and allows them to purchase affordable dental insurance through Delta Dental and MetLife.
How to Use It: Enroll during the annual open season or if you qualify for a special enrollment period. The program provides comprehensive coverage, including preventive services, basic procedures, and major procedures.
4. Long-Term Care Services
Long-term care can be expensive, but the VA offers several options that many veterans aren’t aware of, including the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit provides additional financial assistance to help cover the costs of long-term care for veterans and their surviving spouses.
How to Use It: To qualify, veterans must need assistance with daily living activities and meet specific income and asset limits. The application process can be complex, so seeking help from a VA-accredited agent is recommended.
5. Educational Benefits for Veterans’ Dependents
Veterans’ dependents often miss out on benefits they’re entitled to, such as the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. This program provides financial assistance for education and training to eligible dependents of veterans who have died, are permanently disabled due to a service-connected condition, or are MIA/POW.
How to Use It: Eligible dependents can use these benefits for various educational programs, including degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Apply through the VA’s website or by visiting a local VA office.
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join for free6. VA Home Loans for Native American Veterans
The Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program is a unique VA benefit that provides eligible Native American veterans and their families with the opportunity to purchase, build, or improve a home on Federal Trust Land. This program offers competitive interest rates and requires no down payment or private mortgage insurance.
How to Use It: To apply, veterans must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA and meet specific requirements related to income, credit, and occupancy.
7. State-Specific Veteran Benefits
Each state offers its own set of benefits that complement federal VA benefits. These can include property tax exemptions, free access to state parks, tuition waivers for dependents, and more. However, these benefits vary significantly from state to state and are often unkn by veterans.
How to Use It: Visit your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs website to explore the benefits available in your state. Many states offer extensive support, especially for those pursuing higher education or needing financial assistance.
8. Veterans Preference in Federal and State Jobs
Veterans may already know about the Veterans Preference program for federal jobs, but many don’t realize how powerful this benefit can be. This preference gives veterans a significant advantage when applying for federal jobs by adding points to their overall score during the hiring process.
How to Use It: When applying for federal jobs, make sure to indicate your veteran status on your application. For state jobs, check your state’s employment services or VA office for specific preferences and resources available.
9. Vet Centers for Counseling and Readjustment
Vet Centers provide a range of confidential counseling services to veterans, including individual, group, and family therapy. These centers offer support for a wide range of issues, from PTSD and anxiety to military sexual trauma, often without the bureaucratic hurdles that can accompany other VA services.
How to Use It: Vet Centers are available to all veterans who have served in any combat zone, regardless of service connection status, and their families. Contact your nearest Vet Center directly to schedule an appointment.
10. Burial Benefits
Many veterans are unaware of the full range of burial benefits available to them and their families. The VA offers benefits including a burial plot in a national cemetery, a government-issued headstone or marker, and a burial allowance to help cover funeral expenses.
How to Use It: Families should contact the VA or their funeral director to arrange burial in a national cemetery and to apply for any additional benefits. It’s also wise to pre-plan and ensure that all necessary documents are to ease the process for loved ones.
11. Life Insurance Programs
The VA offers several life insurance programs that many veterans don’t know about. For instance, the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) allows veterans to convert their Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to a renewable term life insurance policy after leaving the military. Additionally, the VA’s Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) provides life insurance to veterans with a service-connected disability.
How to Use It: Enroll in these programs as soon as possible after leaving the military, as there are time limits and health requirements that must be met.
These lesser-known VA benefits can provide substantial support to veterans and their families. By taking advantage of these programs, you can access valuable resources that enhance your quality of life. Whether you’re looking to travel, further your education, or secure your family’s future, these benefits are worth exploring.
12. Free Entrance to National Parks
Veterans can enjoy free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. This benefit is available to all veterans with a valid military ID or proof of service, allowing them to explore the beauty of America’s public lands without having to pay entrance fees.
How to Use It: Veterans can obtain a free “America the Beautiful” pass by visiting a federal recreation site and showing a valid military ID or proof of veteran status.
13. Commissary, Exchange, and MWR Privileges
Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and primary caregivers enrolled in the VA’s caregiver program are eligible to shop at military commissaries and exchanges. Additionally, veterans can access Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities on military bases, which offer recreational activities such as fitness centers, golf courses, and libraries.
How to Use It: Veterans can use their VA Health Identification Card (VHIC) to gain access to commissaries, exchanges, and MWR facilities. Be sure to check with the local base or facility for specific eligibility requirements.
14. Free Legal Assistance
Many veterans are unaware that they can access free or low-cost legal assistance for various issues, including VA claims, family law, and housing disputes. Organizations such as Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) and state-based legal aid offices offer support to veterans who need help navigating legal challenges.
How to Use It: Veterans can contact local legal aid offices, nonprofit organizations, or their state’s bar association to inquire about free legal assistance programs specifically for veterans.
15. Business Grants
Veterans looking to start or expand their businesses can benefit from several grant opportunities and resources. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers programs tailored to veterans, including the Veterans Advantage Program and the Boots to Business entrepreneurial training program. Additionally, various grants are available to help veteran entrepreneurs launch their business ventures.
How to Use It: To access veteran-specific business grants, veterans can visit the SBA’s website or check with local organizations that offer entrepreneurial support to veterans. It’s also beneficial to attend workshops or seminars on veteran entrepreneurship to learn more about available resources.
Content Reviewed by
Cassandra, an Accredited Agent and claims advocate for Matthew Hill & Shelly Mark’s teams, reviewed the information provided in this post.
