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New Benefit for Active Duty Military
Did you know the Pentagon is rolling out a new pilot program that provides travel benefits to active duty service members to cover the cost of flying people out to help with child care in the immediate days after arriving at a new duty station? The new program aims to compensate active duty service members for something that many of them have already been doing during a permanent change of station, or PCS and that is bringing friends or family members to help watch children while they settle in from the move and clear waiting lists. For a move within the continental U.S., reimbursement is capped at $500 and for a move to or from a duty station outside the continental U.S., the reimbursement is limited to $1,500.
New Grant Program
Did you know the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed establishing a first-of-its-kind grant program aimed at increasing access to VA programs and benefits? The proposed program would fund entities that provide legal support to help veterans access VA programs, improve their military discharge status or characterization of service, and seek a review of a military record before a board of correction for military or naval records. The aim of this new program would be to increase access to VA programs and benefits, including compensation and pension, education, health care, loans, national cemetery matters, and VA character of discharge determinations.
Update To Burial Benefits
Did you know under existing law, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may only provide burial markers or headstones for spouses and dependent children who died after November 11, 1998, and before October 1, 2025.? U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) and John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) introduced the Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act to eliminate this restriction and permanently authorize the VA to provide memorial headstones or markers for veterans, their spouses, and dependents.
Veterans No Longer Disqualified
Did you know veterans on disability income are no longer disqualified from federal rental assistance under a new mandate from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Housing program? Previously, a veteran receiving a monthly disability check from the VA would be barred from receiving federal housing subsidies due to income restrictions. But changes to the HUD-VASH program’s processes mean disability payments will no longer count against veterans initially applying for “permanent supportive housing.”
They Are Back
Did you know the freestanding kiosks that veterans used to submit travel expenses for medical care at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics and hospitals have returned? More than 750 kiosks are being reactivated at VA clinics and hospitals, with plans to add dozens more at VA facilities across the country. The VA reports problems associated with the kiosks have been fixed. The VA will again accept mail-in paper forms for remittance of travel costs.
Mileage Reimbursement Update
Did you know as of 2024, the VA will reimburse round-trip mileage at 41.5 cents per mile if the travel is related to approved healthcare facilities? The VA requires a small deductible before reimbursing you for travel-related expenses. The current (2024) deductible is $3 one-way or $6 round-trip, up to $18 per month. If you surpass the $18 deductible, the VA will pay the full cost of your travel for the remainder of the month.
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Uncover Mistaken VA Beliefs
Did you know the Firearm Industry Trade Association, has developed crucial information containing resources for military veterans, including a fact sheet discussing mistaken beliefs that cause some veterans to forego seeking health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) because of concerns about having their firearms taken away?
GI BIll Payments Continue
Did you know for veterans utilizing GI Bill benefits, if your school closes temporarily due to a disaster, the VA may continue to make payments for up to 28 calendar days or through the end of the term, whichever comes first? If your school remains open but you’re unable to attend, GI Bill benefit payments must stop. When you’re no longer pursuing classes, your school must report the termination to VA as soon as possible. For assistance, contact a GI Bill specialist at 888-442-4551.
Two Months of EAA Benefits
Did you know displaced veterans who receive VA employment services may be eligible for two months of Employment Adjustment Allowance? Contact your local VA regional office and ask to speak with a veteran readiness and employment specialist for answers.
Newly Unclassified Documents
Did you know Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to nerve agents and hallucinogenic drugs in a classified military research program more than 50 years ago are now eligible to appeal for retroactive disability benefits? Veterans were sworn to silence and restricted from reporting the debilitating health effects from the program, which included paralysis, cancer, depression and psychosis. They were also restricted from obtaining disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A federal court ruling found their constitutional rights were violated making them eligible to apply for VA benefits.
Veterans Eligible for TRA Grant
Did you know thousands of veterans are eligible for a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant and may not know it? If you are living temporarily in a family member’s home that needs modifications to meet your needs, you can receive up to $47,130 (in FY 2024, if you qualify for SAH), or $8,415 (in FY 2024, if you qualify for SHA). Contact your VSO for answers.