Veterans are often aware of the assistance they can receive through the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are so many programs, however, that they might not know about certain VA benefits that provide help in various areas of their lives.
Vets may want to take advantage of the opportunities through the VA that provide financial, educational, health, and other means of support. They can get help when seeking employment or new careers, and can dramatically reduce their expenses when starting a new life.
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Here are seven VA benefits you might not know about:
1. Life insurance — When injuries during time of service make it difficult to obtain life insurance, the VA has the Servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance program, explains MilitaryBenefits. Vets can receive up to $400,000 in life insurance with competitive premiums.
2. Mortgage and foreclosures — Veterans might be eligible for VA repayment assistance on their homes if they have difficulty making payments, MilitaryBenefits notes. Vets may also qualify for VA financing when buying homes that have gone into foreclosure when connected to VA loans.
3. No down payments — You don’t need a down payment with a VA loan to help buy a home immediately. Veterans also save by avoiding mortgage insurance fees.
4. Buy a condominium — Many veterans look at buying a family home, but they are entitled to use a VA loan for condos as well, according to the VA, which has a list of approved condos. Condos are usually less expensive than homes.
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5. Long-term care — The VA’s Aid & Attendance program increases monthly pension amounts for veterans who need a caregiver for personal functions, are bedridden because of a disability, are patients in nursing homes, or require assistance for loss of vision.
6. Certification opportunities — Along with college education through the G.I. Bill, veterans can also use the program to find a trade. Some people aren’t interested in a college degree, but vets can benefit from vocational and certification programs, according to the War Veterans Association.
7. State benefits — Benefits from each state may provide educational and employment resources that compliment federal VA benefits, Military.com points out. Its website provides information on every U.S. state and territory. The summary pages include links to the particular state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
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