can veterans spouses get benefits

What are the benefits of marrying a veteran?

• VA Form 21-534 for dependency and indemnity compensation, death pension, and/or accrued benefits
• A copy of the veteran’s death certificate
• A copy of the veteran’s DD214 discharge certificate
• A copy of the marriage certificate (or proof of marriage)

Are surviving spouses eligible for a VA home loan?

The answer is yes. This is because the department of veterans affairs allows the extension of the VA home loan benefit to surviving military spouses. The VA home loan benefit program is designed to help surviving spouses of veterans and military service members who died while in service or from a service connected disability.

Are spouses eligible for Veterans Home Care?

Veterans or surviving spouses are eligible if they require the aid of another person to perform an everyday action, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, or going to the bathroom. This includes individuals who are bedridden, blind, or residing in a nursing home.

Do dependents of veterans get benefits?

VA Dependent Benefits provide income, education, and medical support for the spouse and dependent children of some service-connected disabled veterans. Additionally, the parents of a veteran may be eligible for income support.

Can a spouse of a Veteran get health benefits?

If you're the spouse, surviving spouse, dependent child, or family caregiver of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for health care benefits. In certain cases, you may also qualify for health care benefits due to a disability related to your Veteran's service.

Can spouses of veterans go to the VA?

Qualifying spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents of veterans or currently serving military members may be eligible for one or more important VA benefits. These benefit areas will have varying requirements, application time frames, and benefit duration.

How much does the VA pay for a spouse?

The basic monthly rate of DIC is $1,340 for an eligible surviving spouse. The rate is increased for each dependent child, and also if the surviving spouse is housebound or in need of aid and attendance. VA also adds a transitional benefit of $332 to the surviving spouse's monthly DIC if there are children under age 18.

How do I add my wife to my VA benefits?

If you can't, or don't want to file online, you can file a claim for additional disability compensation by mail using these forms: For a spouse or a child under 18 years of age, you'll need to fill out an Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents (VA Form 21-686c).

What benefits do military spouses get?

Many military benefits and resources are available to spouses.Access to commissaries and exchanges.Free gyms, libraries and other recreation opportunities.Free tax services.Free, confidential non-medical counseling services.Help with education and career goals.Military discounts.

How long does it take to add spouse to VA benefits?

If you've already submitted your claim and have received a 30% or higher disability rating, the fastest way to add a dependent is online through eBenefits (www.ebenefits.va.gov). Submitting an electronic dependency claim through eBenefits allows VA to make a decision on your claim in as little as 48 hours.

What is the VA 10 year rule?

The VA disability 10-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot eliminate a disability rating that has been in place for at least 10 years unless there is evidence of fraud. This 10-year period is calculated from the effective date of VA's original grant for service connection.

Is my spouse entitled to my VA disability?

Federal law is very clear that VA disability benefits are not a marital asset. That legal guidance is found in the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA), which exempts VA disability benefits from being considered marital property.

Why do military spouses get VA benefits?

Therefore, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers VA benefits for spouses to express gratitude and help balance the hardships that can be faced.

Who provides monthly benefits to surviving spouses of deceased veterans?

The DIC program by the Department of Veterans Affairs provides monthly benefits to the surviving spouses of deceased Veterans.

What benefits do veterans get?

Moreover, Veterans and military spouses will learn how to qualify for certain benefits such as life insurance, healthcare, assistance with employment opportunities, disability benefits, and education benefits.

What is VA claims insider?

VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. We’re here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. We also connect veteran s with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Independent Medical Opinions & Nexus Statements (Medical Nexus Letters) for a wide range of disability conditions.

What is the military spouse preference program?

The Department of Defense Military Spouse Preference Program or MSP assists military spouses in securing the desired employment. Under this program, as a spouse, you will get preferential treatment for employment in placements positions open for a civilian in the Department of Defense (DOD).

What is myCAA for military spouses?

MyCAA – An education benefit or financing program for military spouses by the Department of Defense. There are numerous non-profit scholarships for spouses eligible for VA benefits such as Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), National Military Family Association (NMFA) etc. Other VA benefits for spouses may include:

How long do you have to pay for a VA test?

Once VA categorizes you under spouses eligible for VA benefits, you have up to ten years for your eligibility date to apply for dependent benefits.

What Benefits Do Spouses of Veterans Receive?

The VA serves more than 360,000 beneficiaries and provides VA benefits for spouses through its healthcare programs and other services for family members and dependents. Veteran spouse benefits depend on certain eligibility requirements. While different programs have unique requirements and purposes, most of them reimburse the costs of covered services. More information on each program is provided below: 3, 4

What is the VA benefits?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of benefits to veterans, ranging from physical and mental healthcare for veterans and their dependents to monthly disability payments. Spouses of veterans may also be able to use VA benefits if they meet certain VA requirements. These added benefits may include substance abuse treatment through the TRICARE program, which provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for people with special needs. 1

How long does a spouse have to be married to get tricare?

Under the 20/20/15 rule, if there are only 15 years of overlap between the marriage and military service, the former spouse may receive up to 1 year of TRICARE coverage (unless they remarry).

What is a survivor spouse?

Surviving spouses are those who were married to a veteran at the time of a veteran’s death. They are eligible for the same VA benefits as spouses of living veterans except for the employment benefit. Additionally, they can apply for the following: 4

Can a spouse get tricare?

If a spouse does not qualify for TRICARE, they may be able to qualify for health insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). CHAMPVA is for current spouses of veterans who have disabilities or for surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty. CHAMPVA will share the cost of certain healthcare services and supplies if the spouse qualifies for the program. 1 One of those services is mental health, which includes substance misuse. For this type of care, spouses need to contact CHAMPVA for preapproval. 2

Can a former spouse be a Survivor Benefit Plan beneficiary?

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): A former spouse can be designated as a Survivor Benefit Plan beneficiary. Veterans benefits for spouses who are divorced are the same as those for current spouses. 12 The SBP will terminate if the divorced spouse remarries before the age of 55 unless the second marriage is dissolved through divorce or death. 13

Can a spouse of a veteran apply for TRICARE?

For substance abuse, the spouse first needs to apply for VA health care. Once enrolled in the VA health care system, they can apply for either TRICARE or CHAMPVA.

What benefits do veterans get if their spouse is a veteran?

1. Aid and Attendance Benefit. The Aid & Attendance Benefit is both one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans and their spouses and one of the most underutilized.

What are the benefits of being a veteran spouse?

5 Benefits for Veterans’ Spouses. Getting by can be hard as you age. You thought you’d set plenty away for retirement, but there are more expenses than you’d expected , and health care seems to eat up more of your budget every year. It can get pretty disheartening. If you’re struggling to cover all the costs of life as you age, ...

How much does a spouse get for assisted living?

A surviving spouse can qualify for up to $1,149 a month to help cover the cost of services like assisted living or in-home care, or up to $2,120 a month if both you and your spouse qualify. Think of how much easier that would make affording those monthly assisted living bills.

Do military spouses get tax breaks?

Military families qualify for a number of tax breaks that can be a big help to you come tax time, if you know to take advantage of them. Military spouses can benefit when moving and selling their home, get retirement perks, and enjoy other benefits exclusive to military families. You can also receive free tax help at your nearest base through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. If you’re a military spouse, it’s worth working with someone familiar with all the benefits military families qualify for when you file your tax returns, so you don’t miss out.

Is it easy to be a veteran's spouse?

Being a veteran’s spouse isn’t easy. The service provided by your spouse was noble, but it came at a cost for you and the rest of your family too. These resources are all available in recognition of how much work and sacrifice military families must make, in the hopes that your later years will be a little easier to manage.

Is the service provided by your spouse noble?

The service provided by your spouse was noble, but it came at a cost for you and the rest of your family too. These resources are all available in recognition of how much work and sacrifice military families must make, in the hopes that your later years will be a little easier to manage.

What is VA Survivors Pension?

A VA Survivors Pension offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress. Find out if you qualify and how to apply.

How long did a veteran serve in the military?

At least one of these must be true. The Veteran: Entered active duty on or before September 7, 1980, and served at least 90 days on active military service, with at least 1 day during a covered wartime period, or. Entered active duty after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which they were called ...

How much does a married veteran get from the VA?

A veteran could receive up to $1,881 per month while a married veteran could receive up to $2,230 per month (as of 12/2018.)

How to contact Veterans Home Care?

Check your eligibility online or call Veterans Home Care® to learn more: 888-314-6075 or email us at [email protected].

What is Aid and Attendance for Veterans?

What’s often referred to as “ Aid and Attendance ” can be used for home care, assisted living facilities, and other long term care expenses.

What is the most common question asked when it comes to veterans home care?

When it comes to veterans’ home care or any other type of veteran’s benefits, the question about eligibility for the spouse is one of the most common questions that arise.

Can a veteran's mother be eligible for VA Aid and Attendance?

If you have an elderly loved one, such as your mother, who is struggling to take care of herself at home and your father was a veteran, she may be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit program. This is also known as the “Survivor’s Pension with Aid and Attendance.”.

Do widows of veterans qualify for aid and attendance?

Many widows of veterans don’t realize that they are eligible for Aid and Attendance.

Does the VA have a spouse?

The VA has some benefits for veteran spouses. When it comes to spouses (wives or husbands of veterans), some programs and benefits that are available to the veteran are also available to the spouse. There are certain conditions that need to be met, of course, in order to qualify.