VA education benefits for dependents include options under the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon program, and scholarship funds. If you are a military dependent wondering what your options from the VA might be, much depends on the nature of the military member’s service, time spent in uniform, and what GI Bill program the member signed up for at…
Using your GI Bill benefits involves starting a process that begins with your school choices first. Not all colleges, Universities, training schools, or other institutions accept the GI Bill, though a great many do. Getting Started The first step toward using your GI Bill benefits is to apply for them through the VA online, in person at…
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…
What are the best ways to hire veterans? Much depends on the nature of your business, whether you are seeking a certain type of status associated by veteran-operated businesses, and how many new hires you wish to bring on. Hiring a veteran brings with it associated benefits in some cases. The IRS official site has…
The death gratuity program provides for a special tax free payment of $100,000 to eligible survivors of members of the Armed Forces, who die while on active duty or while serving in certain reserve statuses. The death gratuity is the same regardless of the cause of death. The longstanding purpose of the death gratuity has…
Home ownership has long been part of the American dream. For veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs-guaranteed home loan provides a means to make that dream a reality. Periodically, something will trigger me to revisit this valuable benefit of service. About three years ago, it was my own family weighing whether to use a VA loan for our…
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a government resource for military members, veterans, dependents, and health care professionals. This website offers a collection of resources to help wounded warriors and those who care for them in a variety of areas. Started in 2008, this effort is a partnership between several federal agencies, including the VA, the Department…
For many borrowers, applying for any kind of mortgage may seem daunting. But, when broken down, this rundown of 6 steps to getting a VA loan is easy to understand. 1. Select a VA-approved Lender On the surface, it might appear that any lender will do. However, if you dig a little deeper, you may discover…
Most veterans say that some of the more confusing aspects of qualifying for a VA home loan are the occupancy requirements. This usually stems from when a service member gets their PCS orders and has to move. Will they be able to rent the house? Will they be able to get a second VA loan…
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…
