Federal Benefits

Now it's our turn to give back to you
There are so many different benefits afforded you that if you stacked up all their brochures they would reach the ceiling. Health benefits? Yes. Home loan? Yes. Life insurance? Education. Employment assistance. Just ask. If you were to add up the dollar value the benefits awarded to a separating service member it would add up to over twenty thousand dollars.

I highly suggest

Call the Veterans Administration before applying for benefits. Be patient and courteous when dealing with the VA. They are one of the most over worked and under funded government agencies. It's a thankless job and they really want to help. Getting angry and showing your frustration makes everything work more slowly and unevenly. Even though many benefits can be applied for online and through the mail it's always a good idea calling and speaking with a services officer. This way you can find out exactly how long it will take to process the necessary paperwork as well as if there is a backlog (frequently there is). They'll also be able to tell you if there is a way to speed up the process as well as any last minute changes to the program that may affect your paperwork.

Always, always, always

Write down the name of the person you talk to. If you expect some information back from them, ask when you should expect to hear something. Also, ask how long you should wait to check back if you don't hear anything.

Here's the scoop

Health Benefits

Every veteran is eligible for a wide range of free medical care offered by the Veterans Administration for life. You register at any VA medical facility or call 1-877-222-8387.
The catch is only you're covered, not your immediate family. Also if you have other medical insurance you're not eligible.

Dental Plan

Good for up to ninety days of separation. You have full coverage but after ninety days it expires so if you need something done, take care of it quickly. In most cases you will have to have the work done on a military base. Call 1-877-222-8387 or visit any VA medical facility.

Employment Assistance

The VA has job leads for state, federal, and even local governments. They'll even help you fill out the applications and write a resume. And this doesn't just apply to just government jobs. The VA will help you find jobs in the private sector as well.

Home Loan

The VA provides loan guarantees for all eligible service members. These are made by private lenders and are guaranteed by the VA. This means that generally you can buy a house or condominium with no money down. Apply at any VA office or
Call 1-800-827-1000. The current ceiling for loan amounts is $269,000 dollars.

Tip

Most veterans think they can only use this is a one time benefit. But that's not the case. After the loan is paid off and the property is sold you can reapply for your next house. Some veterans have done this multiple times. You can't however sell your house and let the buyer 'assume' your VA loan. The original loan must be paid in full to re apply again

Note

Be aware that most banks require at least a one-year work history. So if you plan on buying right after you are discharged you need to either hold another job for a year after you get or buy when you have more than a year left on your contract.

Hint

One way to build a credit rating with a bank is to borrow $1,000 for one year. When you borrow the money immediately deposit it in a savings account. Don't touch the money except to make monthly payments of about $88 dollars. At the end of the year, you will have established a credit rating. The trick is getting the first bank to make a loan. If you can get a co signer, it will be much easier.

Unemployment Compensation

All service members are eligible for weekly unemployment compensation. State laws govern amounts and the duration of payments but a general rule of thumb is three months.
I strongly advise
On your first day of separation register at your state employment office. Make sure you bring a copy of your DD-214 form and a military ID/Drivers license/passport. One veteran recommended wearing your uniform to the office when you register. Upon entering the office, he got in the back of what looked like a two-hour line. A clerk noticed him and asked if he just got out. He said yes and was escorted to the front of the line.

Educational Benefits

If you elected to participate in the Montgomery GI BILL you are currently eligible for:
Monthly rate
Full time $985.00
¾ time $738.75
½ time $492.50
Less than ½ time more than ¼ time $492.50
¼ time or less $246.25

Apprenticeship and On-Job Training
Training Period Monthly rate
First six months of training $738.75
Second six months of training $541.75
Remaining pursuit of training $344.75
Correspondence and Flight - Entitlement charged at the rate of one month for each $985.00 paid.
Cooperative - $985.00

The following rates apply to those completing an enlistment of less than three year.

Training Time Monthly rate
Full time $800.00
¾ time $600.00
½ time $400.00
less than ½ time more than ¼ time $400.00
¼ time or less $200.00
Apprenticeship and On-Job Training
Training Period Monthly rate
First six months of training $600.00
Second six months of training $440.00
Remaining pursuit of training $280.00

Correspondence and Flight - Entitlement charged at the rate of one month for each $800.00 paid.
Cooperative - $800.00

Rates for persons with remaining entitlemen tunder Chapter 34 of Title 38, U.S.C.Chapter 30 Category II rates effective 10-01-2003.
Monthly rate	No Dependents	One Dependent	Two Dependents	Each additional dependent
Full time	$1173.00	$1209.00	$1240.00	$16.00
¾ time	$ 880.25	$ 906.75	$ 930.25	$12.00
½ time	$ 586.50	$ 604.50	$ 620.00	$ 8.50
Less than ½ time but more than ¼ time	$586.50
¼ time or less	$293.25

Apprenticeship and On-Job Training
Monthly rate	No Dependents	One Dependent	Two Dependents	Each additional dependent
1st six months of pursuit of program	$841.50	$853.88	$864.75	$5.25
2nd six months	$598.13	$607.48	$615.18	$3.85
3rd six months	$368.55	$374.68	$379.40	$2.45
Remaining pursuit of program	$356.65	$362.43	$367.68	$2.45

Cooperative Course
Oct. 1, 2003 Sept. 30, 2004	No Dependents	One Dependent	Two Dependents	Each additional dependent
Oct. 1, 2003 Sept. 30, 2004	$1173.00	$1209.00	$1240.00	$16.00

Correspondence - 55% of the approved charges
Flight - 60% of the approved charges

Generally the school you will be attending will handle the paperwork for you. When you speak with their personnel also ask about information about grants that you might be eligible for.
For more information go to any VA office or call 1-888-442-4551 or www.gibill.va.gov

Note

More than likely you will be eligible for state grants while attending school. This is money that does not have to be repaid. Most often the people handling the GI Bill paperwork for you will be well versed and up to date on school grants. Make sure you ask them about grants. If they don't know ask them who you should talk to.
In most cases, you can collect your monthly stipend from the GI BILL and use the grants to pay for school tuition. Even if your state offers free tuition you are still eligible to collect the GI BILL.

Funeral/Burial Plot

The VA provides a funeral service or anyone separated with anything but a dishonorable discharge. At no cost you will receive a flag folding, flag presentation, and the playing of taps. You may even be eligible for a burial plot in a National cemetery. Check with your local VA office or online at http://www.cem.va.gov/burial.htm

Life Insurance

The Servicemember's Group Life Insurance Policy that you are currently covered under can be converted to Veteran's Group Life Insurance, renewable for life. In addition, the Veteran's Group Life Insurance may be converted over to any participating private insurance company at any given time. You have 120 after separation convert it. Visit any VA office or call 1-800-669-8477.

Chapter Six