Are you missing out on veterans’ benefits?

#Middlebury #VeteransPost

I love it when crooks get caught. A Department of Veterans Affairs employee (former Air Force) in Maryland sent himself a pile of the cash he was in charge of, specifically $21,000 of special payments disability money that he wired to his own account. Then he sent a former Air Force friend (who was in a financial bind) $46,000 in hardship-benefits cash that she hadn’t applied for. She then kicked back $13,000 to him using Walmart money transfers.

Of course they got caught. Those were illegal “benefits.”

Here are some of the many legitimate benefits for veterans in need:

• Medical care at VA facilities. This can be either free or low cost.
• Education. Go to college, get a vocational or technical degree, sign up for an apprenticeship, do work-study, take the SAT tests, be reimbursed for licenses and certifications, and much more.
• Counseling. Whether it’s group, individual or for the family, the Vet Centers can help you. For PTSD, sexual assault, transitioning to civilian life or any other stressor, there’s help.
• Aid and Attendance, also called Long-Term Care. These benefits cover assisted living, nursing homes and even money for a spouse (or family member) who acts as a caregiver. This benefit is for wartime veterans who qualify for a pension.
• Loan help to buy a home. Get a mortgage with no money down if you qualify, and help if you’re turned down. The VA guarantees a portion of the loan, and protection under the Service Members Civil Relief Act.
• Small business loans. With your veteran-owned business you’ll have the opportunity to bid on VA contracts.

There are other lesser-known benefits for veterans: Free tax preparation, GI Bill transfer of credits to a spouse or dependent, money for certification for vocational training programs and life insurance. Find the whole list at www.va.gov/opa/persona/index.asp.

(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.