Veterans with low incomes who are permanently and totally disabled, or are 65 and older, may be eligible for monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war. (Veterans who entered active duty on or after September 8th, 1980, or officers who entered active duty on or after October 16th, 1981, may have to meet a longer minimum period of active duty). The veteran's discharge must be for reasons other than the veteran's own willful misconduct.
Payments are made to bring the veteran's total income, including other retirement or Social Security income, to a level set by Congress. Un-reimbursed medical may reduce countable income for VA purposes.
Congress establishes the maximum annual improved disability pension rates. Payments are reduced by the amount of countable income of the veteran, spouse or dependent children. When a veteran without a spouse or a child is furnished nursing home or domiciliary care by VA, the pension is reduced to an amount not to exceed $90 per month after three calendar months of care. The reduction may be delayed if nursing-home care is being continued to provide the veteran with rehabilitation services.
For more information, please visit the VA website.
(Copy of Authentic Work)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Holiday Meals for Deployed Service Members
During this holiday season, it is important for everyone to remember all those who serve and are deployed around the world in defense of our nation. This is one of the toughest times of the year to be away from home.
I was recently asked what service members eat during the holiday time. I can tell you after having spent two years in a combat war zone that the food is pretty good. (All things considered to include the fact that I was not in a remote mountain area of Afghanistan) For the most part, we had all the comforts of home. However, I do recall at one point fresh eggs we not available due to a "bird flu" scare. Overall, we could count on having a well balanced diet.
There were special days of the week that everyone looked forward to. Every Wednesday was considered "surf and turf" day. On Wednesdays steak, crab-legs and shrimp were served. Now please do not get it twisted, the steaks were not what you would eat at Outback but you could tell the military "muckitee-mucks" hearts were in the right place.
Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas were the biggest meals by far. You could count on the best food and layout that would make even the most discriminating restaurant critic blush. So for those of you preparing to deploy or for those family members of deployed service members around the world, please know that you or your loved ones will be well fed during this holiday time.
Seasons Greetings and Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Veteran's Administration (VA) Disability Compensation
Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. Disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of veteran's dependents, and is paid monthly. Veterans with certain severe disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation. The benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax.
It is important to note that injuries as well as illness that are diagnosed within 1 year of separation from active duty will be presumed to be service connected. It is very important to file your for benefits if you feel you were injured as a result of service or your preexisting injury was aggravated as soon possible. Waiting to file could complicate as well as prolong the possible awarding of benefits.
Please be aware that if your application is received within the year you are separated from the military, your benefits will start the day after you are separated. For example, if you file for VA Disability Compensation 11 months after separation, if awarded benefits, you will receive "back pay" for the entire 11 months. However, if you wait to file after the year you are released, not only will you have to prove service connection, your benefit amount will start when you filed your claim. Since it can take 18 months or more to receive any benefit, I would encourage you to file as soon as possible.
To be eligible for Disability Compensation, the service of the veteran must have been terminated through separation or discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. For more details visit the VA Web site.
It is important to note that injuries as well as illness that are diagnosed within 1 year of separation from active duty will be presumed to be service connected. It is very important to file your for benefits if you feel you were injured as a result of service or your preexisting injury was aggravated as soon possible. Waiting to file could complicate as well as prolong the possible awarding of benefits.
Please be aware that if your application is received within the year you are separated from the military, your benefits will start the day after you are separated. For example, if you file for VA Disability Compensation 11 months after separation, if awarded benefits, you will receive "back pay" for the entire 11 months. However, if you wait to file after the year you are released, not only will you have to prove service connection, your benefit amount will start when you filed your claim. Since it can take 18 months or more to receive any benefit, I would encourage you to file as soon as possible.
To be eligible for Disability Compensation, the service of the veteran must have been terminated through separation or discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. For more details visit the VA Web site.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Selecting a "deployment friendly" bank
One of the most important decision a service member can make prior to deployment is the selection of a financial institution. Selecting a good financial institution is very important as there are many things to consider relating to financial transaction during your deployment. Some things to consider include, ease of use, the ability to make wire transfer and accessing your bank account online just to name a few things.
It is important that you shop around for a financial institution that knows how the military functions and if possible provides benefits for servicemembers at reduced cost. There are quite a few such financial institutions out there. In my book I give examples of what to look for in selecting a financial institution to handle not only your financial matters and transactions but other money matters as well. These may include personal and property insurance as well as investing and setting up a brokerage account.
You will be certain to find ways to save money after reading the section of my book titled Selecting a Financial Institution. I will also give you my top pick!
It is important that you shop around for a financial institution that knows how the military functions and if possible provides benefits for servicemembers at reduced cost. There are quite a few such financial institutions out there. In my book I give examples of what to look for in selecting a financial institution to handle not only your financial matters and transactions but other money matters as well. These may include personal and property insurance as well as investing and setting up a brokerage account.
You will be certain to find ways to save money after reading the section of my book titled Selecting a Financial Institution. I will also give you my top pick!
Selecting a "Deployment Friendly" bank
One of the most important decision a service member can make prior to deployment is the selection of a financial institution. Selecting a good financial institution is very important as there are many things to consider relating to financial transaction during your deployment. Some things to consider include, ease of use, the ability to make wire transfer and accessing your bank account online just to name a few things.
It is important that you shop around for a financial institution that knows how the military functions and if possible provides benefits for servicemembers at reduced cost. There are quite a few such financial institutions out there. In my book I give examples of what to look for in selecting a financial institution to handle not only your financial matters and transactions but other money matters as well. These may include personal and property insurance as well as investing and setting up a brokerage account.
You will be certain to find ways to save money after reading the section of my book titled Selecting a Financial Institution. I will also give you my top pick!
It is important that you shop around for a financial institution that knows how the military functions and if possible provides benefits for servicemembers at reduced cost. There are quite a few such financial institutions out there. In my book I give examples of what to look for in selecting a financial institution to handle not only your financial matters and transactions but other money matters as well. These may include personal and property insurance as well as investing and setting up a brokerage account.
You will be certain to find ways to save money after reading the section of my book titled Selecting a Financial Institution. I will also give you my top pick!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Service Member Support Toll-Free Numbers
Crisis and other toll-free numbers are often listed in the front cover or first few pages of the phone book. You may also want to check under “Social Services” in the blue or yellow pages for additional hotlines and local numbers.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
Medical Centers: 1-800-827-1000
Persian Gulf War Helpline: 1-800-749-8387
Focus on Recovery Helpline
A 24-hour national alcohol and drug abuse addition and treatment hotline: 1-800-374-2800 or 1-800-234-1253
National AIDS Hotline
Talk to someone who knows about HIV/AIDS and can tell you about AIDS services in your city or state: 1-800-CDC-INFO
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
1-800-838-4357 (1-800-VET-HELP)
National Crisis Hotline
1-800-784-2433
National Suicide Support Number
1-888-784 2433 (1-888-SUICIDE)
Department of Veterans Affairs
Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
Medical Centers: 1-800-827-1000
Persian Gulf War Helpline: 1-800-749-8387
Focus on Recovery Helpline
A 24-hour national alcohol and drug abuse addition and treatment hotline: 1-800-374-2800 or 1-800-234-1253
National AIDS Hotline
Talk to someone who knows about HIV/AIDS and can tell you about AIDS services in your city or state: 1-800-CDC-INFO
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
1-800-838-4357 (1-800-VET-HELP)
National Crisis Hotline
1-800-784-2433
National Suicide Support Number
1-888-784 2433 (1-888-SUICIDE)
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