SERVING
Those That
SERVED
Top Gun Released
Did you know the long-awaited “Top Gun: Maverick” will fly into theaters later this month? While most of the movie features very real U.S. Navy aircraft, there’s one exotic platform aviation buffs might not recognize: the hypersonic Darkstar. Darkstar may not be a real airplane, but it certainly looks the part—so much so that the Navy apparently told “Top Gun’s” producer, legendary filmmaker Jerry Bruckheimer, that China re-oriented spy satellites to get a glimpse of the full-size mock-up built for filming.
Insurance Discount
Did you know many popular insurance companies offer special discounts and lower prices of insurance if you have a defensive driving license? Since not all companies offer this kind of discount, it is better to talk to your insurance company and then take a defensive driving course. Defensive driving courses not only help you in saving money on insurance but also makes you a better driver which helps you protect your car and in many cases, save your life.
Caregiver Support Program
Did you know every VA facility has a Caregiver Support Program (CSP) team that provides support and referrals to services for caregivers? The mission of CSP is to promote the health and well-being of caregivers who care for those who served, focusing on improving the quality of life for caregivers.
Familes File Claims
Did you know more than 100 military families have filed claims against the government for illnesses and out-of-pocket expenses they say are related to drinking fuel-tainted water in their homes at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii?
Disabled Veterans Tax Breaks
Did you know to thank you for your service, the United States government offers multiple tax breaks for disabled veterans? One example is disability benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits should not be included in your gross income, so they shouldn't be taxed. Also, non-taxed disability benefits include: Disability compensation which are paid to either veterans or their families, grants for vehicles for veterans who lost the use of their limbs or their sight, or homes designed for wheelchair living, and benefits under dependent-care assistance programs.
Tax Breaks Most Veterans Never Use
Did you know some veterans may be eligible for a few non-veteran based disability tax breaks, such as: Tax Credit for the Elderly and Disabled, Child and Dependent Care Credit (if you're married and you and your spouse paid someone to help take care of you to meet your daily functioning needs).
Appointment Check-In
Did you know at some VA health care facilities, you can now check in for appointments with your smartphone? More facilities will offer this option in the future. You can still always check in for an appointment with a staff member at all facilities.
Social Security Benefit
Did you know there are monthly benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that may be able to help the families of deceased military service members. For example, widows, widowers, and dependent children may be eligible for Social Security Survivors benefits. If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of those taxes you pay are for survivors benefits. Your spouse, children, and parents could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings.
Did You Know?
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Educational Changes
Did you know H.R. 6604 would make two changes to educational assistance programs, under which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays monthly benefits to or on behalf of students who pursue approved education or training programs, up to a maximum number of months?
Special Loan
Did you know a recent change in the American Rescue Plan allows veterans organizations and other 501(c)(19) organizations to receive up to $10,000 each in special pandemic loan and grant assistance from the federal government?
No State Income Tax
Did you know the following states have no income tax, resulting in military retirement pay being exempt from taxes: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming?
Free Ticket
Did you know the Cook County clerk's office has partnered with the Chicago White Sox to offer county veterans and active service members a free ticket to a regular season White Sox game? Veterans in the clerk’s Veterans Discount Card program simply have to show their Military and Veterans Discount Program Card prior to game time to receive a ticket.
Fiduciary Update
Did you know the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amended its regulations that govern fiduciary activities? More specifically, the amendments revise specific procedures to exempt a VA-appointed fiduciary who is also serving as a court-appointed fiduciary from posting multiple bonds and to also exempt a VA-appointed fiduciary that is also a State agency with existing, State-mandated liability insurance or a blanket bond from having to obtain an additional bond payable to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary).
Kidney Cancer
Did you know kidney cancer is sometimes called by its medical name, renal cell carcinoma? Renal is from the latin word renalis for kidneys. Kidney cancer includes various forms, including clear cell, papillary, sarcomatoid, transitional cell, and others.
Credit Card Use May Be Denied
Did you know credit card Visa and Mastercard raised their interchange rates? Or, what’s commonly called swipe fees? Last month both companies raised their swipe fees. Merchants must pay the swipe fees to banks and credit card companies for transactions made with credit or debit cards. The fees are not a flat rate, but vary on several factors including the retailer, type of card and transaction amount. Some retailers say the increased fees will force them to raise prices on consumer goods or stop accepting credit cards altogether.
Appointment Reminders
Did you know many veterans are receiving interactive VEText appointment reminders? Every enrolled veteran with a cell phone number listed in their health record is automatically enrolled in the program. For you to participate, make sure that your local medical center has your current phone numbers. You may update your phone numbers during check-in at your next appointment, use the self-service kiosks located throughout VA facilities.