Resources for Involuntarily Separated Military Members
Explore essential resources for involuntarily separated military members to navigate their transition and access earned benefits.
Veteran Benefits
VA Dental Insurance (VADIP)
The VA Dental Insurance Program, or VADIP, is a program where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilitates the purchase of private dental insurance for eligible applicants at a reduced cost. It is not a form of direct dental care provided by VA dentists in VA facilities. Instead, the VA has negotiated discounted group rates… Read more »
Veteran Education Benefits: Earn While You Learn
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers veteran education benefits that can help qualifying applicants earn money while attending college. The three primary programs that facilitate this are the VA Work-Study Program, which provides part-time jobs related to veteran services; the VA Cooperative Training Program, which integrates full-time employment into a college degree plan; and the… Read more »
VA Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant for Disabled Veterans
The Temporary Residence Adaptation grant is a special benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is designed for veterans who have severe service-connected disabilities and are living temporarily in a home owned by a family member. The grant provides funds to make necessary accessibility modifications to that family member’s home, ensuring the veteran… Read more »
GI Bill Housing Allowance vs. BAH
There are two types of housing allowances that military members considering a return to college should be aware of. Do you know the differences between the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for those currently serving and the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for veterans using their GI Bill education benefits? While both help with housing costs,… Read more »
VA Expands Support for Family Caregivers of Disabled Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs aims to expand options for family caregivers who support veterans with disabilities. The agency issued a weekend press release in July announcing a proposed rule “to extend Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) eligibility for certain Veterans and their family caregivers through Sept. 30, 2028.” This is part… Read more »
Returning to College as a Veteran: Five Things to Know
Returning to college as a veteran presents challenges, especially if you are a member of the Guard or Reserve. Some start school only to be called up for active duty, some begin training or a certificate program only to have to withdraw due to illness or injury. Still others experience personal difficulty and must stop… Read more »
VA Mental Health Services: Questions and Answers
The Department of Veterans Affairs is working to expand mental health resources for veterans and their families within the VA healthcare system. According to the VA official site, over three years, there’s been an aggressive effort with the VA hiring “more than 9,000 mental health positions including psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, licensed professional mental health… Read more »
Frequently Asked Questions: VA Programs for Homeless Veterans
If you or someone you know is at risk of becoming a homeless veteran, there are resources available. The first point of contact is the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, which can be reached 24/7 at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838). This service is free and confidential for veterans, their families, and anyone concerned about a veteran…. Read more »
Department of Veterans Affairs Abandons Plan to Lay Off 80 Thousand
The Department of Veterans Affairs has abandoned its plan to conduct a major staff reduction. It announced a press release, stating that the agency has been “considering a department-wide RIF to reduce staff levels by up to 15%” of what the VA terms “employee reductions” via a federal hiring freeze and “normal attrition.” The VA… Read more »