Types Of Virginia State Veterans Benefits
The US government offers many types of programs for men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces; Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard or Marines. These programs can help them after retirement or separation from the services of military. The veteran benefits range from pension to medical care to housing assistance. The veterans residing in Virginia can apply for these benefits and lead a comfortable and secure life.
The state of Virginia provides several veteran benefits:
Veteran Education Benefits: The Military Survivors and Dependents Program (MSDEP) provides this benefit. Veterans' spouses and children can also be benefited from this program. MSDEP can provide benefits for up to four years. This program will pay tuition fees at any state college in Virginia.
Veteran Employment Benefits: VA (Veterans Affairs) helps veterans to find and keep
appropriate employment. Veterans Employment Representatives (LERs) staff can help veterans with employment services. The services offered by these representatives are: job search, vocational evaluation, educational training, etc.
Veteran Medical Benefits: VA provides free medical care services through veteran's clinics and hospitals in Virginia and all across the United States. To receive this type of benefit, ex-servicemen should enroll themselves in the VA's health care system. This service can provide monthly disability compensation to them.
Housing Assistance Benefits: If any veteran defaults on home loans then VA will help them by paying the total mortgage balance. This program can also help ex-servicemen to build, repair and modify their homes.
Veteran Long Term Care Benefits: The Virginia Veterans Care Center (VVCC) provides long term health care to veterans. This health center provides affordable, high quality nursing and medical care to discharged servicemen of the United States Armed Forces.
Veteran Pension Benefits: This is an income-based benefit. 65 years or more old veterans with little or no income are eligible for this program. The VA will pay a pension to those who are permanently or fully disabled. If an ex-serviceman is unable to take care of himself and needs a caretaker, then this program can also pay for it.
Who is Eligible for Virginia State Veteran Benefits?
Active duty members with a general discharge
A spouse who is married to a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
A divorced spouse who was married to a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
Reservist and National Guard
Dependents that are related to the veterans
Allied military members who have served in World War I or World War II
How to apply for Veteran benefits?
To apply for compensation or pension benefits, submit VA Form 21-526
To apply for educational benefits, submit VA Form 22-5490
Veteran can apply with the 10-10EZ application form for health benefits
Ex-servicemen can download application form from the VA website and submit it to the nearest VA regional office. Online applications can be made through the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) at VAs website. Service treatment records need to be submitted along with the forms. Veterans may also call VA regional office to inquire and clear all their doubts related to Virginia state veterans benefits.