Military spouses determining their military benefits after divorce face a complex process of understanding both civil code and military regulations. It is best for spouses to familiarize themselves with these matters before getting divorced, if possible, and to seek legal counsel for assistance. Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) A former spouse can be designated as a…
What are the best military benefits? The answer to that question likely depends on your focus. Those who are interested in education will have a higher priority in that area, but those who are more interested travel, living overseas, or buying a new home have different needs. In general, there are benefits that can help…
In case you haven’t heard, the Department of Veterans Affairs is offering veterans a free ID card which can be used to prove your veteran status when needed at businesses and other locations. The free ID card, which originally rolled-out in late November, was ordered by Congress in 2015 as a way to give veterans proof of service…
If you’re a National Guard or Reserve member moving into an activated status for more than 30 days, you qualify for Tricare under the same programs as all active-duty troops. That coverage lasts the length of your activated service. How do activated Guard and Reserve members enroll in Tricare or shift their Tricare coverage from the Tricare Reserve Select plan to…
When one military member marries another, the couple becomes a “dual military” couple, also known as mil-to-mil marriages. Different branches of service may use other terms. Dual military couples are common, and the number of same-service couples may be larger than those who marry someone from a different branch of service. Army spouses, Air Force…
Preparing for military family deployment can seem like an uphill battle. For one, your Family Readiness team (be it an officer, group or other) has probably handed you a to-do list that is several pages long. Add in the fact that there’s the inevitable family you’re going to have to find time to see , preparations made…
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a partnership with the Departments of Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs (VA), Transportation and the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). It was established to meet the needs of separating service members during their period of transition into civilian life by offering job-search assistance and related services….
Surviving military spouses can sometimes receive veterans disability compensation. This benefit is called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and it is paid on a monthly basis. DIC is available to a surviving military spouse (a widow or widower) and his or her dependent children. In some cases, a dependent parent may also be eligible for…
As a military spouse, furthering your education can benefit your family in many ways. Financially, it can certainly boost your earning power and help widen your career opportunities. On a personal level, acquiring a higher education can translate to a feeling of accomplishment that allows you to feel confident about investing in yourself, your career,…
The Department Of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have long affirmed their commitment to military education for active duty, Guard, Reserve, and military dependents whether spouses or children. But the DoD and VA efforts are not without support from other government agencies such as the Department of Education (DoE). Did you know the U.S….
