Having made the sacrifices that you have to serve the country, it is society’s responsibility to thank you for your service. Although transitioning back to civilian life is not always easy and is often more difficult than your military service, there are some perks that the government provides to make things a little easier.
Being aware of the benefits you can enjoy as a veteran is critical so that you can make the most of life as a civilian after your service. Here are some benefits that you need to know about and should consider taking advantage of.
More Affordable Homes
Veterans have access to a type of mortgage loan that only active-duty service members and surviving spouses can also access. This product is known as a VA loan. Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans make homeownership more accessible for those who have made sacrifices in service of the country within the armed forces. Some of the benefits of this mortgage program include no down payment requirements, lower interest rates, and no mortgage insurance premiums. This means you have far more buying power to afford the home you want, and the total cost of ownership is much lower. The amount you can borrow with these amounts depends on your entitlement, and it is possible to obtain a VA loan for more than just one home purchase.
Job Assistance
Finding a job or even an industry that interests you when returning to civilian life can be challenging. Often, it is hard to determine how your previous experience can qualify you for the next career path. Fortunately, there are tons of resources to help veterans find jobs that suit their talents and experience. Many non-profits are designed around this very concept. They can help you find some of the best jobs for military veterans, such as healthcare positions, government jobs, or security personnel. The network of resources may not make it easier to adjust to civilian life on an emotional level, but it can certainly help you find opportunities with employers that actively seek out veteran employees.
VA Benefits
Healthcare is a crucial perk of being a veteran. You are guaranteed some healthcare coverage because of your service to this country, but the level of coverage depends a lot on what priority group you belong to. You can always apply for greater coverage through the VA if you feel like your current plan is insufficient for you or your family. There is also the VA disability benefit program that provides coverage for veterans who acquired a service-related injury or illness. For this perk, you will need to know how to file a VA claim so that you can receive the benefits you are owed due to your sacrifice and the suffering that has resulted.
Tuition Assistance
If you return from military service and wish to further your education, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a program to help with that endeavor. This program is called the GI Bill. Essentially, it helps veterans pay for education by offering assistance with tuition, books, housing, and other fees. This perk can be extremely beneficial when you have a desired career path that is outside of your military experience, so an education will be necessary. The GI Bill makes that education far more affordable, rewarding veterans for their service with assistance for their educational pursuits.
Readjustment Counseling
As mentioned previously, adjusting to civilian life can be incredibly challenging for veterans, especially those who served in combat theaters and medical care services or experienced military sexual trauma (MST). Often, readjusting to life as a civilian is incredibly emotional because of what you experienced and since few others in your personal circles can relate. The VA offers free readjustment counseling to all eligible veterans, as well as their families in some cases, to help with the transition to civilian life.
Take Advantage of These Perks as a Military Service Veteran
Since you have given up so much in service of your country, including time and perhaps your health, you have the right to receive what you are owed. Though there is no way to adequately thank you for your service, society, and the government are able to make things a little easier for you with these perks. Whether you need to buy a home, file a VA claim to receive disability benefits, or further your education at a reduced cost, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the perks of being a military veteran.