This generation of veterans and servicemembers has access to the best benefits of any era in history. From the VA Home Loan program to the GI Bill, you can save money, enhance your career opportunities, and even change your life. Don’t miss out on any of the military and veteran benefits you have earned.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers disability pay to qualifying vets with service-connected disabilities. Servicemembers typically submit a claim for service-connected disabilities before retiring or separating from military service or after they have left the military. You may be entitled to VA compensation if you have a current illness or injury you incurred due to… Read more »
From November 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, those serving on active duty and their family members, members of the National Guard, and those in the Reserve will pay less for TRICARE Dental Program premiums. The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is a voluntary option administered by United Concordia. The new rates affect overseas and stateside… Read more »
Have you recently been notified of a VA disability rating? If you haven’t explored your options as a disabled veteran, you’ll find numerous federal government resources to help you find a job, adapt a home, start a business, or even get hiring preferences at state and federal agencies. Learn more.
There are many employment resources for disabled veterans. If you are transitioning out of the military, or have already done so but need to expand your resource list, it’s important to take stock of your situation. As part of the transition to civilian employment after a military career, some veterans turn directly to USAJobs, the… Read more »
Every fall, there is a window of eligibility for TRICARE enrollees to start or change plans without a “qualifying life event.” This is called the TRICARE Open Season, which begins on November 11, 2024. It coincides with similar windows of opportunity under FEDVIP for federal benefits and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account open seasons. Fall… Read more »
The Department of Defense has finished what it calls a “proactive review” of service members administratively discharged from the military due to their sexual orientation during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era. This policy, in effect from 1994 to 2011, prohibited gay, lesbian, and bisexuals from openly serving in the U.S. military. Over 13,000 service… Read more »
The U.S. Army announced a change in policy in October 2024 that benefits soldiers on real-world deployments. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth announced a higher compensation rate for soldiers deployed for more than 60 days. Qualifying troops now earn $240 more per month in Operational Deployment Pay. Who Qualifies for Army Operational Deployment Pay? Those deployed… Read more »
Update: The Pentagon has completed a review of military discharges under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. That process resulted in many military discharge upgrades for qualifying servicemembers kicked out of the military under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. According to a Pentagon news release, more than “96% of those administratively separated” under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” who… Read more »
Permanent change-of-station moves require military families to pack up their homes and move to a new base and neighborhood. Once the family gets to the new assignment, the process of finding essential services, including military-friendly childcare, begins. The childcare aspect can be challenging for incoming families, but the Department of Defense launched a pilot program… Read more »
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced a grant program to help legal groups offering help to veterans. Described as a pilot program (with the potential to become a permanent feature later), the VA provides grants to legal clinics, focusing on assisting veterans who did not receive honorable discharges in accessing VA disability payments, college tuition… Read more »