How Well Do You Know Your Military Benefits?
If you’re reading this, you are likely familiar with standard military benefits like healthcare and the GI Bill. But many lesser-known veteran benefits are designed to support service members and families. Take our quiz and test your understanding of these often-overlooked benefits, from financial protections to wellness programs. You may learn about a resource or option available that can help you with your credit, education, and finances.
Financial and Legal Protections for Military and Veterans
Q: What federal law caps interest rates on pre-service debts for active-duty service members at 6% and provides protections against evictions and foreclosures?
A: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Q: What tax exemptions or deductions are offered by many states specifically for military members?
A: Income tax exemptions for active-duty pay and property tax reductions for disabled veterans (and others).
Q: Besides the standard TSP, what enhanced retirement savings option allows for tax-free withdrawals in retirement?
A: The Roth TSP.
Q: What program allows retired service members to provide a portion of their retirement pay to a designated beneficiary upon their death?
A: The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).
Q: Name three military-affiliated organizations that offer emergency financial assistance to service members.
A: Army Emergency Relief (AER), Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), and Air Force Aid Society (AFAS).
Q: What benefit is offered by many banks and credit unions that cater to military members, regarding financial services?
A: Discounted rates on loans, checking accounts, and other financial products.
Military Health and Wellness
Q: What program supports families with special medical or educational needs by providing resources and assistance?
A: The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).
Q: What programs offer temporary relief for caregivers of children with special needs or for those needing a break?
A: Respite Care Programs.
Q: Name some examples of recreational activities offered by Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs beyond the typical gym and pool.
A: Outdoor adventure programs, arts and crafts classes, and discounted travel packages.
Q: What are some examples of mental health resources available beyond standard care in the military?
A: Resilience training, stress management workshops, and specialized counseling for combat-related trauma.
Q: What are some examples of alternative medicine and wellness programs offered at some military installations?
A: Acupuncture, massage therapy, and yoga.
Q: What healthcare benefit is available to family members of active-duty service members for vision and dental care?
A: TRICARE dental and vision plans.
Education and Career Development
Q: What program provides financial assistance to military spouses pursuing education or training in portable career fields?
A: The Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA).
Q: What program helps service members obtain professional certifications and licenses related to their military occupations?
A: Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL).
Q: What program allows transitioning service members to participate in civilian job training, apprenticeships, or internships during their final months of service?
A: The SkillBridge Program.
Q: Besides the GI Bill, what other types of educational benefits are available to service members and their families?
A: Scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance programs from military-affiliated organizations and educational institutions.
Q: What advantage do veterans receive in federal hiring?
A: Federal employment preferences.
Housing and Relocation
Q: What are two examples of VA home loan benefits beyond the standard guarantee?
A: The Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program and the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant.
Q: What reimbursement can service members receive to cover temporary lodging costs during a permanent change of station (PCS)?
A: Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE).
Q: What service is provided by the military to assist with moving household goods during a PCS?
A: Household goods shipment and storage options.
More Military Benefits
Q: What program allows eligible service members and their families to travel on military aircraft on a space-available basis?
A: Space-Available Travel (Space-A).
Q: What on-base facilities provide significant savings on groceries and other goods?
A: Commissaries and exchanges.
Q: What service is typically provided free of charge at on-base notary services?
A: Notarization of official documents.
Q: Name some examples of recreational and entertainment facilities found on military bases.
A: Bowling alleys, movie theaters, and golf courses.
Q: What types of outdoor recreation programs and equipment rentals are often available on military bases?
A: Hiking, camping, fishing, and other activities.
Q: What resources are typically offered at military installation libraries?
A: Books, movies, internet access, and educational programs.
Q: What burial benefits are available to veterans and eligible family members at national cemeteries?
A: Gravesite, perpetual care, and a government-furnished headstone.
How well did you do? Understanding your military benefits is crucial if you want to get the most out of what’s offered to service members and their families. You can get more information about your benefits by contacting your unit orderly room, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or your nearest military base.
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
