Veteran Resources - Legal, Health, Housing, Benefits & More (2024)

Housing and Homelessness

VASH Program - The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics.

SSVF- Under the SSVF program, VA awards grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives who can provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees provide eligible Veteran families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits, which may include:ŸHealth care services Ÿ- Daily living services -Ÿ Personal financial planning services Ÿ-Transportation services Ÿ-Fiduciary and payee services Ÿ-Legal services -Ÿ Child care services -Ÿ Housing counseling services.In addition, grantees may also provide time-limited payments to third parties (e.g., landlords, utility companies, moving companies, and licensed child care providers) if these payments help Veteran families stay in or acquire permanent housing on a sustainable basis. List of SSVF Providers by State (Excel Doc)

Homeless Veteran Stand Downs - Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events providing supplies and services such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings and VA Social Security benefits counseling to homeless Veterans. Veterans can also receive referrals to other assistance such as health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment and mental health counseling. Stand Downsare collaborative events, coordinated between local VA Medical Centers, other government agencies and community-based homeless service providers.

PATH (California) – PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) provides the support homeless Veterans need to successfully transition from living on the street to thriving in homes of their own. High quality supportive services are critical to ensuring the people we serve are able to not only move into permanent homes, but stay in those homes long-term.

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans - The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless Veterans each year.

Employment

VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Home - Veteransmay receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.

VA Employment Programs for Homeless Veterans - VA’s Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program is a national vocational program comprised of three unique programs which assist homeless Veterans in returning to competitive employment: Sheltered Workshop, Transitional Work, and Supported Employment. Veterans in CWT are paid at least the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher.

American Job Centers - America’s Service Locator connects individuals to employment and training opportunities available at local American Job Centers. The website provides contact information for a range of local work-related services, including unemployment benefits, career development, and educational opportunities.

National Veterans Foundation Job Board – A listing of jobs across the country at companies interesting in hiring Veterans

Work for Warriors (Guard and Reserve) - Job Postings & Unit Vacancies. The California Military Department is a diverse, community-based organization comprised of four pillars: the California Army National Guard, the California Air National Guard, the California State Military Reserve and the California Youth and Community Programs.

Small Business (SBA Veteran & Disabled Veterans) - If you are a Veteran or service-disabled Veteran, SBA has resources to help you start and grow your small business.

Health

Find A VA Hospital or Clinic

Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health – Valor Program - The program provides specialty services to our Veterans through the Veterans and Loved Ones Recovery (VALOR) program.

VA Care Providers Program – For Caregivers of Veterans. “VA values your commitment as a partner in our pledge to care for those who have "borne the battle," and we have several support and service options designed with you in mind. The programs are available both in and out of your home to help you care for the Veteran you love and for yourself.”

Addiction

SAMHSA- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. SAMHSA leads efforts to ensure that American servicemen and women and their families can access behavioral health treatment and services. For Addiction Support 24/7 Call SAMHSA: 800-662-4357 (HELP).

AddictionResource-Veterans and Substance Abuse: The Many Sides of the Problem -Addiction Resource was founded in 2014 to provide a community for those recovering from addiction and to help patients find the highest quality care for a successful recovery. Their goal is to provide resources to help patients and their loved ones so that they may stay on the road to recovery, and can successfully overcome addiction for life.

Social Support

Veteran Resources - Legal, Health, Housing, Benefits & More (1)

QL+ Quality of Life+ -- Greater independence for injured and ill veterans and first responders to overcome daily challenges and get back to the activities they love. Program Overview and Flyer

The Mission Continues“The Mission Continues empowers Veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions. We redeploy Veterans in their communities, so that their shared legacy will be one of action and service. Through the Mission Continues, Veterans serve their country in new ways by engaging in our innovative and action-oriented programs. The first, The Mission Continues’ Fellowship, harnesses Veterans’ strengths, skills, and their compassion and empowers them to volunteer with non-profit organizations in their community on a daily basis. The second, The Mission Continues’ Service Platoons, brings teams of Veterans who are working together with partners at the local level to build stronger communities and tackle pressing issues.”

Team Red, White, and Blue“Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s Veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.”

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)“Founded in 2004 by an Iraq Veteran at a time when there were little to no resources available for post-9/11 vets, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has quickly become the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing new Veterans and their families. Now, with nearly 300,000 Veterans and civilian supporters nationwide, IAVA is the only 21st Century Veterans’ service organization (VSO) dedicated to standing with the 2.8 million Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan from their first day home through the rest of their lives.”

Make the Connection –an online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives.

Team Rubicon“Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military Veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.”

Student Veterans of America – Mission: “To provide military Veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.”

American Legions“Focusing on service to Veterans, servicemembers and communities, The American Legion currently has about 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide.”

VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars USA – Mission: “To foster camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our Veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all Veterans.”

Feed Our Vets - Since 2008, Feed Our Vets has provided free food assistance to more than 20,000 Veterans and their family members, distributing 445,000 lbs. of food. Feed Our Vets mission is to help Veterans in the United States, their spouses and children, whose circ*mstances have left them on the battlefield of hunger,

Next Step Service Dogs- Mission: "to empower positive change for Veterans with invisible disabilities such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) through the use of expertly-trained service dogs."

Veterans Moving Forward - They provide service dogs to Veterans with physical and behavioral health concerns.

Veterans Legal Institute - “Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) seeks to provide pro bono legal assistance to homeless and low income current and former service members so as to eradicate barriers to housing, education, employment and healthcare and foster self-sufficiency.”

National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) - “The NVLSP is a nonprofit organization that has worked since 1980 to ensure that the government delivers to our nation's 25 million Veterans and active duty personnel the benefits to which they are entitled because of disabilities resulting from their military service to our country.”

Transportation

Recycled Rides™ - a military/Veteran support program designed to help ease the transportation burden for current military and veterans. They provide refurbished vehicles to deserving recipients. Their technicians restore these vehicles to proper driving condition.

If you have a specific question or situation not addressed by the above resources please call the Lifeline for Vets at888-777-4443.

Veteran Resources - Legal, Health, Housing, Benefits & More (2024)

FAQs

Do veterans get priority housing? ›

Veterans with mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder would receive priority for social housing under new government proposals announced today.

What resources are available to veterans? ›

Resource Network
  • Community and Family.
  • Education & Training.
  • Emergency Assistance.
  • Health, Medical & Wellness.
  • Homes and Housing Repairs.
  • Legal Assistance.
  • Miscellaneous.
  • Peer & Caregiver Support.

What are veterans entitled to? ›

VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, Veteran Readiness and Employment, and burial. See our Veterans page for an overview of the benefits available to all Veterans.

Can SSAFA help with housing? ›

SSAFA can offer impartial support around housing issues for those who have left the Armed Forces. Our advisors cannot give you legal advice but they will look into your situation and can signpost you to organisations for help.

What is forces help to buy? ›

Overview of scheme

If you're a regular serviceman or servicewoman in the armed forces, the Forces Help to Buy scheme could let you borrow up to 50% of your salary to a maximum of £25,000, interest free. This loan is for buying your first home or moving to another property on assignment or as your family's needs change.

How can a veteran get money? ›

The Veterans Pension program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements, and who have income and net worth within certain limits. Find out if you're eligible for this benefit.

What is a VA hardship? ›

What is VA financial hardship? “Financial hardship” for purposes of requesting expediting of your VA disability claim means that you, the veteran, are unable to earn enough income to pay essential expenses such as housing payments or medical expenses relating to your disability.

Do I get extra Social Security for military service? ›

Since 1957, if you had military service earnings for active duty (including active duty for training), you may have extra Social Security wage credits added to your earnings record. Since 1988, inactive duty service in the Armed Forces reserves (such as weekend drills) is covered by Social Security.

What are the 4 types of veterans? ›

What is the difference between a combat, war, or peacetime veteran?
  • Combat Veteran. Every service member who meets the active duty requirement is a veteran, but combat veterans and war veterans are entitled to additional VA benefits other veterans do not receive. ...
  • War Veteran. ...
  • Peacetime Veteran.
5 Jul 2022

Do veterans get free healthcare for life? ›

If you are a 50% or greater disabled veteran or a former POW, all your medical care from the VA is free. There are other groups that may get some, or all VA medical care for free, see our VA Copay page for details.

What disqualifies you from VA benefits? ›

If you've received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge, you may not be eligible for VA benefits.

Does VA have rent assistance? ›

VA Homeless Programs

If you or a Veteran you know needs immediate assistance to avoid eviction or loss of their housing, please call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID VET or (877) 424-3838.

What is a military grant? ›

Military grants are often need based grants that require applicants to meet specific military benefit qualifications and financial need requirements. The amount of funding available can vary from one year to the next depending on the amount of grant money available. However, some grants can cover tuition and fees.

Can I cash out my VA disability? ›

You can apply for a VA cash out surrender or loan by completing and mailing the Application for Cash Surrender Value or Policy Loan (Form 29-1526) to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Can SSAFA help with debt? ›

SSAFA can give you the support you need. Our caseworkers will let you know about qualified debt advisors working in your area, although they cannot give advice themselves.

What does the RAF Benevolent Fund do? ›

For more than 100 years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been supporting members of our RAF Family through thick and thin providing practical, emotional, and financial support whenever they need us.

What does SSAFA stand for? ›

SSAFA is the Armed Forces charity, formerly known as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, and is a UK-wide charity that provides lifelong support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents.

Do you get a free house in the military? ›

Single or unaccompanied military installation housing such as “the barracks,” or “bachelor quarters,” are rent-free, but you may share a room or bathroom. Privatized military installation housing is owned by a private-sector company.

How does the military help you buy a house? ›

Generally, active duty service members, veterans, Reservists and National Guard members in good standing and meeting other eligibility requirements qualify for a VA loan as do certain surviving spouses. VA loans can be used to build, purchase or refinance a primary residence.

Will forces help to buy be extended past 2022? ›

The Forces Help to Buy scheme, designed to help military personnel get on the housing ladder, has been extended until the end of 2022. The scheme has lent £280m to more than 18,000 armed forces applicants since its introduction in 2014.

What is the VA 5 year rule? ›

The VA disability 5 year rule allows the VA to ex-examine your VA disability rating within 5 years of your initial examination if your condition is expected to improve over time. However, the VA may still change your disability rating past the 5-year deadline if your condition has significantly improved.

How much will the VA pay my wife to be my caregiver? ›

Effective 12/1/21 through 11/30/22, a single veteran with no dependents may be entitled to as much as $2,050 / month, a married veteran or a veteran with a dependent may be entitled to as much as $2,431 / month, and a surviving spouse with no dependents may be entitled to as much as $1,317 / month.

When a veteran dies who gets his benefits? ›

Eligible vets include those who received a VA pension or disability compensation when they were alive. The burial allowance can help pay for burial, funeral, and transportation costs. Veterans buried in private cemeteries can receive military funeral honors and memorial items.

How much do you get for a hardship payment? ›

Universal Credit hardship payments are paid at 60% of your usual UC payment. If your reason for applying for a hardship payment is particularly severe, you could get up to 80% of your normal payments. Circ*mstances in which you might a higher payment could be because you or your partner is pregnant or seriously ill.

Will the VA forgive debt? ›

A waiver means that we agree to forgive (or “waive”) a VA debt. You can request a waiver if you can't afford to repay your full debt balance—even with smaller monthly payments over time. We may grant a waiver for part or all of a VA debt.

What is a hardship loan? ›

Hardship loans are a type of personal loan that, in many cases, have more favorable terms: These include faster funding, lower interest rates and deferred payments. They're especially useful for borrowers during trying times, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

How to get the $16,728 bonus in retirement?
  1. Work as long as you can: the later you retire the higher your benefit will be. Remember that 70 is the maximum age. ...
  2. Years worked: If you work less than 35 years you will have a reduction in your SSA check. ...
  3. High salary: with a high salary you will have a high retirement.
14 Sept 2022

Is erectile dysfunction a VA disability? ›

Yes, Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a VA disability and is assigned a 0% rating under Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Category K. Normally, the VA will grant a 0% service connected VA rating for Erectile Dysfunction unless you are eligible under the other Diagnostic Codes (DCs) listed above.

At what age does VA disability stop? ›

When veterans reach age 67, all VA disability payments would revert to the amount associated with the rated disability level; veterans age 67 or older who are already receiving IU payments would no longer receive them after the effective date of the option.

What is not protected veteran? ›

Not a Protected Veteran: A veteran who meets federal and/or state definition to qualify as a veteran but is not in the protected class of veteran for employment, reemployment or benefits.

How long do you have to be in the military to be considered a veteran? ›

"As long as you were deployed on active duty for at least 180 days and you didn't get a dishonorable discharge or a bad conduct discharge coming off those orders, then you could be considered a veteran," said Army Sgt.

Who qualifies for protected veteran status? ›

Protected veteran benefits are available for: Protected Veterans. Veterans who earned an Armed Forces Service Medal “pursuant to Executive Order 12985.” Those who served on active duty in the US Military during an expedition, campaign, or war on the ground, naval, or air service.

What is in the PACT Act of 2022? ›

The PACT Act is a historic new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This new law empowers VA to provide generations of Veterans – and their survivors – with the care and benefits they have earned.

How Much Does VA health care cost per month? ›

The charge ranges from $5 to $11 for each 30 day or less supply of medications provided on an outpatient basis for nonservice-connected conditions. Outpatient – The copayments will be based on primary care visits ($15) and specialty care visits ($50).

How long do VA health benefits last? ›

You can receive free VA health care for up to 5 years after discharge or release for any condition related to your service in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation New Dawn (OND) in Iraq.

Is there a minimum credit score for a VA loan? ›

There is no minimum credit score requirement. Instead, VA requires a lender to review the entire loan profile.

What are the 5 types of veterans? ›

Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a ''disabled veteran,'' ''recently separated veteran,'' ''active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran,'' or ''Armed Forces service medal veteran. ''

Do felons lose VA benefits? ›

VA Disability Pension Benefits

VA pension payments are discontinued, if a beneficiary is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor effective the 61st day of imprisonment in a Federal, State, or Page 2 2 local penal institution.

Do UK veterans get priority housing? ›

New measures announced to provide improved access for members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families to social housing.

What qualifies you as a veteran UK? ›

Who is a “veteran” in the UK ? Veterans are defined as anyone who has served for at least one day in Her Majesty's Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations. “veteran” will be used to represent all former Armed Forces personnel.

Do veterans get free dental care UK? ›

Most NHS treatment is free, including hospital care, seeing a GP and using many of the services. There are some areas that you will need to pay towards, including: dental care. prescriptions.

How many veterans are homeless UK 2021? ›

In terms of the number of veterans, this is a reduction from an estimate of between 3,000 and 4,000 down to approximately 1,100. This has been attributed to a combination of reduced output from the Armed Forces, improved Ministry of Defence (MoD) resettlement provision and better intervention from ex-Service charities.

Who qualifies for social housing UK? ›

Be 18 years old or over (55 or over for sheltered housing applicants) Not have refused any offer or nomination of suitable accommodation within the last two years. Have a housing need (e.g. are overcrowded or the accommodation is not suitable for medical reasons)

Does the Army pay for your house? ›

Generally, military housing is provided for all service members, whether they're living on or off base. There may be exceptions to this rule, which you can discuss with a recruiter. Otherwise, with the abundance of housing options, most service members will be able to find housing that fits their needs.

Do you have to be married to get an army house? ›

The Ministry of Defence said, 'From today you no longer have to be married to live in Army Service Families Accommodation. If you are in a long term relationship, you are now eligible to apply for surplus housing. '

Do you get extra money from Social Security for being a veteran? ›

Under certain circ*mstances, special earnings can be credited to your military pay record for Social Security purposes. The extra earnings are for periods of active duty or active duty for training. These extra earnings may help you qualify for Social Security or increase the amount of your Social Security benefit.

Do veterans get free healthcare for life? ›

If you are a 50% or greater disabled veteran or a former POW, all your medical care from the VA is free. There are other groups that may get some, or all VA medical care for free, see our VA Copay page for details.

How long must you serve to be considered a veteran? ›

To be considered a veteran, any military personnel must be on active-duty service for at least 180 days. The only exception is if the member sustained a service-related injury and was discharged under honorable conditions.

Do Veterans get tax breaks? ›

California, for instance, allows qualified disabled Veterans to receive a property tax exemption on the first $196,262 of their primary residence if their total household income does not exceed $40,000 and the Veteran is 100 percent disabled as a result of service.

Do Veterans get any benefits? ›

As a veteran you may be eligible for: VA Disability Compensation. VA Medical Benefits. VA Home Loan.

What is a HC2 certificate? ›

What is a HC2 certificate? A HC2 form is a certificate delivered by the NHS allowing you to get full help with your healthcare expenses. In the UK, the National Health System (NHS) pays for almost any healthcare and for any UK resident.

What city has the most homeless veterans? ›

Based on this data, we found that Los Angeles, a city known for opulent homes and wealthy movie stars, is home to the highest count of homeless veterans by a huge margin. Nearly 8,000 veterans live on Los Angeles streets.

Does the government help veterans? ›

Health Care - The Military Health System provides care for members, retirees, and dependents. Housing - As a member or veteran, you can apply for home loans and grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Education - You may qualify for education benefits through military and veterans programs.

How many veterans are sleeping rough? ›

Pre-coronavirus estimates indicate that between 100 and 400 veterans sleep rough every year and a further 3,000 to 4,000 face homelessness. Veterans often leave the Armed Forces with no adult experience of finding housing.

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