Qualifications for Veterans Benefits

By Paul Bright

Many people have served as members of the United States military. Yet not all those who have served are necessarily eligible for certain benefits awarded to veterans, nor are all benefits the same for every veteran. Many veterans who have endured certain sacrifices and served in special circumstances actually qualify for enhanced benefits, designed to ease their transitions into civilian life. By understanding the qualifications as related to their service and status of discharge, a veteran can find special benefits that could ease their transition into civilian life.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare division offers up health services related to veterans with service-related disabilities at all levels. The level of service and co-pays will depend on the rating of the veteran's disability. For example, a veteran with at least 50 percent service connected disability will have no co-pays for any related care, whereas veterans receiving between 10 and 40 percent that need medication outside of their related conditions would pay $8 for a 30-day supply.

Again, the amount of money a veteran can receive as compensation for service-connected disabilities is dependent upon the rating of their disability and number of dependents. The amount changes at the end of each calendar year. As of 2008, a veteran with 20 percent disability receives $243 per month. Veterans with 30 percent and one spouse and one child would receive $453 per month.

Each state also has its special set of benefits for veterans. In California, for veterans with at least a zero percent rating, their dependents can attend any state college tuition free. Veterans rated at 50 percent can receive free admission to all state parks. In North Carolina, veterans receive waivers for paying hunting and fishing license fees.

With some veterans who become at least 10 percent disabled due to service, finding employment can be tough, especially if the only training they have is in jobs they can no longer perform due to the disability. The VA has created programs that help veterans get educated in other fields of work and receive help gaining employment in those fields. Qualifying veterans can learn basic job skills, and receive free counseling as to what kinds of jobs they can get and even equipment to help learn these skills.

One of the most popular benefits that veterans can qualify for is receiving educational assistance. The Post 9/11 GI Bill can help qualifying veterans pay for accredited schools such as 4-year colleges, advanced degrees, technical institutes and even pilot training. Benefits are paid directly to the school. The amount will be no more than in-state tuition costs of the highest state-funded school. For veterans who attend at a full-time rate, they can receive Base Allowance for Housing equivalent to what a Staff Sergeant with dependents would receive at the school's location. For veterans attending school in San Francisco, for example, this amount could be more than $2,000 a month.
Veterans who serve at least 2 years with an honorable discharge can qualify for this bill, which provides 36 months of benefits. They must be used within 10 years of discharge, with some exceptions to mobilized reservists. Veterans who were involuntarily separated or received medical discharge can receive benefits at a lower rate.

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