SERVING
Those That
SERVED
Rental Assistance
Did You Know HUD-VASH is a collaborative program that pairs HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance with VA case management and supportive services? These services are designed to help homeless veterans and their families obtain permanent housing and access the health care, mental health treatment, and other supports necessary to help them improve their quality of life and maintain housing over time.
Pay Raise
Did you know junior enlisted troops will see a 14.5% pay raise in 2025 under a deal negotiated by House and Senate leaders in this year’s defense authorization bill, a move that adds between $3,000 and $6,000 to younger service members’ basic pay next year?
Earnings Decline Significantly
Did you know a 2012 study by the Rand Corporation think tank found the earnings of spouses decline significantly the first four years after a service member’s death? Grief and increased time demands at home can often keep the spouse from participating fully in the work force, according to the study.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Did you know U.S. military bases across the country and around the world are hosting Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and festive activities for service members and their families to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season? Military communities are gathering to witness the illumination of largely decorated Christmas trees and to enjoy holiday parades, markets, games and special appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
New Outreach Campaign
Did you know the VA is launching a new outreach campaign to encourage all eligible veterans to enroll in VA health care? This campaign will include text messages and emails directly to veterans, public service announcements, paid advertising, and events. VA is launching this campaign after reports of concerns from veterans about health issues. Veterans are concerned about mental health challenges and thoughts of suicide potentially related to repeated blasts and head trauma (low-level artillery blasts, IEDs, missile launches, heavy fire, and more). Since the first reporting about these concerns, VA researchers have been urgently studying this matter to learn more about the potential health impacts of blast exposure on veterans.
Benefit for Spouses
Did you know the Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a crucial benefit for the spouses, children, and sometimes parents of veterans who have passed away? This benefit aims to provide financial support to families who face significant challenges after losing their loved one. DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit that can greatly ease the burden of financial instability during a difficult period.
Against The Law To Charge Feeds Veterans
Did you know it is illegal under federal law for companies that aren’t accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to charge veterans fees for helping file their disability claims? And, there’s no criminal penalty for breaking the law for companies that do charge veterans fees. In Louisiana a new law hailed by the for-profit industry as a win; indicates that it allows companies to charge up to $12,500 in fees for a task that veterans service organizations (VSO) such as the American Legion will do for free.
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Family Caregiver Progms
Did you know the VA recently announced an overhaul of its family caregiver program that expands eligibility for some veterans but also institutes new eligibility requirements that will affect the thousands of veterans already enrolled? VA will expand access to include as many as 3,000 veterans who currently don’t meet the eligibility criteria but the VA considers unemployable. Caregivers will benefit from increased financial support, allowing them to dedicate more time and resources to caring for veterans. Additionally, the expansion of eligibility criteria means that more families can access the support they need, ensuring that no veteran is left behind.
Air Force Confirms Drone Sightings
Did you know Air Force officials have confirmed that small drones were spotted flying near and over Air Force bases in Utah, Ohio, and Germany? At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, drones were first spotted December 13-14, then again December 16-17, a spokesperson for the 88th Air Base Wing said in multiple statements. At Hill Air Force Base in Utah, a spokesperson for the 75th Air Base Wing confirmed in a statement that “unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of Hill AFB. And at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, drones were sighted around and over the base in early December as confirmed by a spokesperson from the 86th Airlift Wing.
Insurance Discount
Did you know the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced premium discounts for over 3 million veterans, service members, and their families enrolled in its life insurance programs? The reduced rates, set to take effect in Spring 2025, aim to provide financial relief while ensuring greater security for beneficiaries. The changes apply to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), covering a wide range of policyholders. For veterans under VGLI, approximately 450,000 policyholders will see premium reductions between 2% and 17%, depending on age, with an average discount of 11%.
Soldiers Eligible for Up To $4000
Did you know the Army Emergency Relief may provide soldiers and their families who travel for emergency purposes up to $2,000 for domestic travel and $4,000 for international travel assistance? The funds are to be used for emergency situations like the death of a loved one, important surgeries and disaster assistance. Remaining costs exceeding those caps will be offered as zero-interest loans.
Complete The Mission Act
Did you know the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking steps to improve transparency and access to health care for veterans through the newly proposed Complete the Mission Act? This new legislation requires the VA to disclose appointment delays, explain cancellations, and provide veterans with options for care, whether within the VA system or through private-sector providers.
No More Copayments
Did you know eligible veterans may not have to pay an outpatient care copay for their first 3 visits in a calendar year with a qualified mental health care provider at a VA facility or in our VA community care network? The visits must be between June 27, 2023, and December 29, 2027. VA will review copays they receive on or after June 27, 2023. VA will reimburse you for any eligible copays you already paid.
