LOADING
Most veterans are familiar with the major VA benefits: disability compensation, health care, and the GI Bill. But the full landscape of veteran benefits extends far beyond these core programs. Federal, state, and local governments offer dozens of additional benefits, and many private organizations provide veteran-specific services and discounts. This article covers some of the most valuable but least well-known benefits available to veterans. Many of these require nothing more than proof of veteran status to access.
Federal hiring preference is one of the most valuable career benefits available to veterans. Under the Veterans Preference Act, eligible veterans receive either a 5-point preference (for most veterans with honorable or general discharge) or a 10-point preference (for disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and certain family members of deceased or disabled veterans) on competitive service federal job applications. This preference applies after the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. For certain positions, veterans may be eligible for Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), which allows federal agencies to hire eligible veterans without competition up to GS-11 level. These preferences make federal employment significantly more accessible for veterans.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several programs specifically for veteran entrepreneurs. The Veterans Advantage program waives the SBA guarantee fee on SBA Express loans up to $500,000 for veteran-owned businesses. The SBA 7(a) loan program, the most common SBA loan, is available to all eligible businesses including veteran-owned ones. The Boots to Business program provides entrepreneurship training to transitioning service members and their spouses. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) may qualify for sole-source and set-aside federal contracts, which is a significant advantage in government contracting.
VA life insurance programs provide coverage at various stages. Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides up to $500,000 in coverage during active duty at very low premiums. When you separate, you can convert SGLI to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) within 240 days of discharge, with coverage up to $500,000 regardless of health status. After the 240-day window, you may need to provide evidence of good health. Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) provides up to $10,000 in coverage to veterans with a new service-connected disability who apply within two years of the VA notifying them of the disability. Veterans who are totally disabled may be eligible for an additional $30,000 in supplemental S-DVI coverage at no premium cost.
State veteran benefits vary widely but can be substantial. Texas waives tuition at public universities for veterans with at least 100% disability or for children of veterans who died from service-connected conditions. California, New York, Illinois, and many other states offer their own tuition assistance programs for veterans and dependents. Many states provide cash bonuses to combat veterans or wartime veterans. Property tax exemptions (covered in a separate article) can save thousands of dollars annually. Hunting and fishing license discounts or waivers are available in most states for disabled veterans and sometimes for all veterans.
The National Park Service offers a free lifetime America the Beautiful Access Pass to veterans with a permanent service-connected disability. This pass provides free entry to all national parks, wildlife refuges, and other federal recreation areas. It also provides a 50% discount on some amenity fees such as camping. Beginning in 2020, the Annual Military Pass (free for one year) was extended to all veterans and Gold Star families, not just active duty. These passes can be obtained online through the USGS or in person at federal recreation fee areas.
Commissary and exchange privileges have been expanded beyond active duty and retirees. All veterans with a service-connected disability rating from the VA, all Purple Heart recipients, all former prisoners of war, and all veterans with a Medal of Honor are eligible for unlimited commissary and exchange shopping privileges. In 2020, all honorably discharged veterans gained access to online shopping at military exchanges (ShopMyExchange.com). Commissary shopping can result in significant savings on groceries, typically 25% to 30% below commercial retail prices.
Space-Available (Space-A) military flights are available to military retirees, their dependents, and some other categories of beneficiaries. Space-A allows eligible travelers to fly on military aircraft when seats are available at no cost (or very low cost for some destinations). While this benefit is primarily for retirees rather than all veterans, it is worth mentioning for those who qualify. Destinations include bases worldwide, and while you cannot guarantee a seat or a specific travel date, Space-A can be an excellent way to travel affordably for those with flexible schedules.
Additional resources worth knowing about include: veteran license plates (available in every state, some at reduced cost, and may provide parking benefits or toll exemptions); the Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1) for mental health support; the National Resource Directory (nrd.gov) which aggregates thousands of resources for veterans and families; the VA Community Resource and Referral Centers that connect veterans to local services; and numerous private organizations that provide financial assistance, housing support, employment help, and other services specifically to veterans. The breadth of available resources is vast, and many veterans only discover these benefits years after their service.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, medical, or VA claims advice. VA regulations, fee structures, and enforcement actions are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at VA.gov or consult with an accredited VSO, attorney, or claims agent before making decisions about your benefits.
Written by ClaimRecon Editorial