Economic Benefits and Assistance for Veterans and their Families

Military Retired Pay

Retired pay is a monthly benefit for military service members based on the years served and their pay at the time of discharge. Normally, this would only be granted after 20 years of active service or equivalent. However, those with medical retirements and those who were offered early retirement during force drawdown may draw this benefit with less than 20 years of service. Here are the retirement plans that have been used over the years:

Retired pay is administered by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). A retired service member may follow this link to access their DFAS account electronically. On this site, you can change your account information, download electronic monthly Retirement Account Statements, and download electronic tax statements.

Disability and Death Compensation

There are several financial benefits that a veteran client may have earned and that their dependents may also be entitled to through the veteran’s service. The list below does not convey every circumstance a veteran may be dealing with. For questions about your eligibility and how to file to claim the benefits you have earned, please contact your nearest Veterans Benefits Office. Department Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) can explain what benefits you’ve earned and can help you claim them. Our service officers are accredited through multiple service organizations, including the American Legion, American Red Cross, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, and more.

For more information, please visit our Benefits Page here.

VA Pension

Veterans of periods of conflict and their surviving spouses may be eligible for a Non-Service-Connected Pension or a survivor pension. These are tax-free benefits for veterans and their survivors who are low-income. For more information, visit our Pension page here.

VA Home Loan Program

The VA Home Loan Program helps service members, Veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. This benefit helps eligible participants buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for personal occupancy.

VA home loans are loans provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, where the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, enabling the lender to provide participants with more favorable terms that generally do not require a down payment. Participating financial institutions should have all of the information you need. If you have questions about the process, contact one of our benefits offices near you.

Federal VA financial hardship assistance

The Federal VA Financial Hardship Assistance program assists veterans who experience a sudden decrease in income or an increase in out-of-pocket health care expenses who can no longer afford their VA Co-pay bills.

Service Organizations and other Non-Profits

American Legion

Temporary Financial Assistance Program

This program has been in existence since 1925 and provides assistance to a veteran family in need. A qualifying veteran is one who was a member of the US Armed Forces who served on federal orders under Title 10 of the United States Code or any veteran possessing an up-to-date membership in the American Legion. A one-time non-repayable temporary financial assistance grant of up to $1.5 K will be permitted for the veteran's minor child(ren).

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Unmet Needs Program

Unmet Needs offers a grant to active duty service members, including Gard and Reserve members, who have unexpected financial difficulties because of deployment or other military-related activity or injury.

Operation Family Fund

Operation Family Fund is a private non-profit charitable organization. It is sponsored totally by private donations and run by volunteers; there are no paid staff. Their goal is to assist families of those who have been injured as part of the Global War on Terrorism with grants for transitioning to their new circumstances and attaining financial self-sufficienc

Semper Fi & America’s Fund

Semper Fi & America's Fund has several programs to help veterans. These include their Service Member and Family Support program, designed to give direct financial assistance to combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured service members and military families during hospitalization and recovery; Transition Program to help wounded and critically ill service members and veterans thrive beyond injury to recovery; Integrative Wellness Program, to provide a holistic approach to long-term health by providing tools to improve body mind and spirit.

Operation First Response

The Military Family Assistance Program

Can offer assistance to veterans and first responders with personal and financial needs. Financial aid varies from case to case but is based on individual needs, which can include help with rent, utilities, vehicle payments, groceries, clothing, and medically necessary travel expenses.

USA Cares

The USA Cares, Veteran and Family Support System can provide possible immediate financial support, and also financial education to veteran families who are facing financial difficulty.

Wounded Warrior Project

The Wounded Warrior Project Financial Education Program and Financial Assistance provides financial education and other assistance to help veterans cope with civilian life, in addition to possible immediate financial assistance.

Dixon Center

Women Veteran Financial Assistance

https://dixoncenter.org/woman-veterans-program/

The Dixon Center Women Veteran Financial Assistance Program is available to assist with the unmet expenses of women veterans, their spouse, their caregiver, and their children. They can provide help with utilities, infant supplies, vehicle repair and upkeep. The veteran must apply for aid herself and must be employed or actively seeking employment.