While TRICARE and the GI Bill® are cornerstones of veteran support and military benefits, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wealth of underutilized benefits that can dramatically improve quality of life, ease financial strain, and unlock new opportunities.

10 Little-Known U.S. Veteran Benefits You Should Claim

While TRICARE and the GI Bill® are cornerstones of veteran support and military benefits, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wealth of underutilized benefits that can dramatically improve quality of life, ease financial strain, and unlock new opportunities.

These often-overlooked programs provide targeted support where veterans need it most. Discover 10 lesser-known benefits you might be missing:

Long-Term Care Financial Relief: Aid & Attendance (A&A)

• The Lifeline: Addresses the crushing costs of assisted living, nursing homes, or in-home skilled care.

• Key Perk: Eligible veterans and surviving spouses receive monthly cash payments on top of their pension. This significantly offsets long-term care expenses.

The Homefront Support System: VA Caregiver Support Program

• The Lifeline: Empowers family members caring for seriously ill or disabled veterans at home.

• Key Perk: Offers a free, 24/7 support hotline, dedicated Caregiver Support Coordinators, skills training, respite care options, and online resources. It's essential support for navigating complex care and managing stress.

Honoring Service: VA National Cemetery & Burial Benefits

• The Lifeline: Provides dignified interment and eases the burden on families during loss.

• Key Perk: Eligibility includes burial in a VA national cemetery (space available), a government headstone/marker, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, perpetual grave maintenance, and opening/closing of the grave – all at no cost.

Skills on the Fast Track: Non-Degree Career Training (VET TEC & More)

• The Lifeline: Quickly gain in-demand skills for better jobs or supplemental income.

• Key Perk: The GI Bill isn't just for degrees! It funds certifications and vocational programs (EMT, CDL trucking, HVAC, cosmetology, IT certs). The VET TEC program specifically offers high-tech training (coding bootcamps, IT, cybersecurity) with no GI Bill entitlement charge for approved programs. Many free IT certification paths exist for qualifying vets.

Tax Complexity Solved: Free Military Tax Services (VITA)

• The Lifeline: Expert, free help navigating unique military tax situations.

• Key Perk: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs, often located on military bases or in communities, provide free tax prep by IRS-certified volunteers specializing in military pay, combat zone tax exclusion, state residency issues, and moving expenses.

Legacy of Learning: GI Bill Benefit Transfer

• The Lifeline: Pass unused education benefits to your family.

• Key Perk: If you meet specific service commitment requirements (usually an additional 4 years), you can transfer all or part of your unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your spouse or dependent children.

Accessible Security: Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

• The Lifeline: Guaranteed life insurance coverage, especially important for those with service-connected conditions.

• Key Perk: Convert your Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to VGLI upon separation without a medical exam. Offers competitive group rates often unavailable commercially.

Keeping the Roof Overhead: VA Mortgage Assistance

• The Lifeline: Prevent foreclosure and keep veterans in their homes during financial hardship.

• Key Perk: VA offers solutions like loan modification (lower payments), repayment plans, special forbearance (temporary pause/reduction), and even refinancing options. Programs exist for VA loan holders and veterans facing homelessness.

Homeownership Opportunities: VA Acquired Properties

• The Lifeline: Access potentially discounted homes.

• Key Perk: Purchase homes acquired by the VA due to foreclosure on VA-guaranteed loans. Search the VA Acquired Property inventory. While anyone can browse, veterans often get priority and can use VA financing for purchase, potentially securing a deal.

Bridging to Corporate Careers: American Corporate Partners (ACP)

• The Lifeline: Translate military skills into rewarding civilian careers.

• Key Perk: This non-profit connects veterans with mentors at top U.S. companies. Get personalized career guidance, resume refinement, interview coaching, and networking opportunities to launch or advance your post-service career.

Claim What You've Earned:

These benefits represent a lasting "Thank You" for your service, but accessing them requires proactive steps. Don't let complexity deter you:

• Start at the Source:> Visit the official VA.gov website – your central hub for benefit information and applications.

• Seek Expert Help:> Contact your local VA Regional Office or connect with an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) (like VFW, DAV, American Legion). They provide free assistance navigating eligibility and claims.

• Dig Deeper:> Research specific programs mentioned here directly on their dedicated VA pages (e.g., Aid & Attendance, VET TEC, ACP) for the latest details and application processes.

Your service opened doors; these benefits help keep them open for you and your family. Explore them today.

(Note: GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).)