Financial Support and Benefits Guide for Women Veterans

NP
By Nathan Paulus
Edited by Victoria Copans

Updated: October 22, 2024

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Women are the fastest-growing group within the veteran community, currently numbering over two million and expected to grow to 18% of the veteran population by 2043. However, many women veterans are unaware of all the various benefits and support from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and elsewhere for which they qualify.

According to a 2021 survey from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the VA Center for Women Veterans (CWV) found that the largest number of women veterans (1,139) who did not have compensation benefits were retired military aged 50 and over. Among them, 854 had never used any benefits, 499 did not know they were eligible, 201 were not found eligible and 190 had not had the time to look into benefits. Only 32 stated they did not wish to apply.

Tapping into these resources can help you get support. This guide will help you explore your options and understand how to access the veteran benefits you deserve.

Benefits and Financial Support for Women Veterans

Women veterans may be eligible for various benefits from the VA. VA benefits include pension, health care, disability compensation, education and training and housing assistance. Below are some of the available benefits women veterans can claim:

  1. Veterans Pension
  2. Health Care Benefits
  3. Compensation
  4. Housing Assistance
  5. Education and Career Support
  6. Legal and Advocacy Resources
  7. Veterans Crisis Line
  8. VA Programs for Women Veterans

Veterans Pension

The Veterans Pension program provides monthly payments to wartime veterans who meet specific age or disability requirements and have income and net worth within limits set by Congress. This benefit supports veterans, including women veterans, by providing financial assistance to those 65 or older, permanently disabled, in long-term care or receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. These payments help cover daily living expenses and improve overall financial stability, ensuring veterans can maintain a decent quality of life.

Health Care Benefits

Women veterans have access to comprehensive health care services through the VA, which include primary care, specialty care, mental health services and reproductive health care. The VA also offers programs specifically designed to address issues like military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. Preventive care and wellness services are also available to promote overall health and well-being. Below are key health care benefits for women veterans:

1
Comprehensive Primary Care

This care includes preventive care, treatment of acute and chronic illnesses and management of overall health. Women's health primary care providers coordinate all aspects of medical care and can refer veterans to specialized services.

2
Reproductive Health Care

This service includes contraception, maternity care, infertility treatments and menopause management. The VA also offers prenatal and postpartum care support, including lactation support and care for newborns immediately after birth.

3
Mental Health Services

The VA offers tailored mental health care addressing conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD and the effects of military sexual trauma. Counseling and therapy options are available to support mental well-being.

4
Cancer Screenings

This includes regular screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer.

5
General Health Screenings

Besides cancer screenings, women veterans are also eligible for health screening benefits, which include routine checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, anemia, osteoporosis, hepatitis C, HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

6
Immunizations

This includes vaccines for flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, shingles, HPV and tetanus, among others. Keeping up-to-date with immunizations is an essential part of preventive health care.

7
Specialized Programs

The VA also offers services for military-related health issues, such as exposure to environmental hazards and traumatic injuries. The VA provides prosthetic and sensory aids, spinal cord injury support and telehealth services.

Compensation

All veterans are eligible for various types of compensation, such as disability compensation, through the VA, designed to recognize the sacrifices and service-related disabilities or conditions they may face.

1
Disability Compensation

Disability compensation is a monthly tax-free payment provided to veterans who have sustained at least a 10% disability from injuries or illnesses that occurred or worsened during active duty, active duty training or inactive duty training. This benefit addresses both physical and mental health issues.

2
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

DIC is a tax-exempt benefit for surviving spouses, children and sometimes parents of military members who died during active service or from service-related conditions. This financial support helps families manage expenses after their loss.

3
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

SMC provides extra financial support, free from tax, to veterans and their families, including spouses and parents. This benefit is designed for extraordinary situations, such as when a veteran needs personal assistance with daily living tasks or has significant disabilities, like the inability to use a hand or leg. SMC offers different compensation levels based on the severity of the condition.

4
Pre-Discharge Claims

Pre-discharge claims are separated or retired from active duty within 180 days and can file claims for disability compensation. This allows for a smoother transition to veteran status and ensures timely receipt of benefits.

Housing Assistance

The VA provides a range of housing assistance programs to help veterans, including women veterans, find, secure and maintain stable housing. Key programs include:

1
VA Home Loan Program

VA Home Loans offer direct and VA-backed loans to help veterans, service members and their surviving spouses buy, build, improve or refinance a home. VA-backed veterans home loans often feature more favorable terms than traditional loans, including no down payment for most loans. Types of loans available include purchase loans, Native American Direct Loans, interest rate reduction refinance loans and cash-out refinance loans.

2
Disability Housing Grants

These disability housing grants assist veterans with service-connected disabilities in buying or modifying homes to meet their needs.

  • Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: For FY 2024, this grant provides up to $117,014 to veterans with qualifying disabilities to build, buy or modify a home for independent living.
  • Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant: This grant helps veterans with specific service-connected disabilities adapt or purchase a home to accommodate their disabilities. It can provide up to $23,444 for FY 2024.
  • Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant: This grant is for veterans eligible for an SAH or SHA grant but temporarily residing in a family member's home. In FY 2024, it offers up to $47,130 for SAH and $8,415 for SHA.
3
HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program

The HUD-VASH program integrates HUD housing vouchers with VA support services to assist homeless veterans and their families secure and maintain permanent housing. It offers rental assistance and case management services to help veterans stabilize their housing situation.

Education and Career Support

The VA provides extensive education and career support programs, including for women veterans. These programs facilitate their transition from military service to civilian careers with financial aid, training and personalized guidance.

Education Benefits

1
Post-9/11 GI Bill®

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers educational benefits to veterans who have completed at least 90 days of cumulative active duty service after September 10, 2001, or those discharged due to a service-connected disability after 30 days. It covers tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance and includes a stipend for books and supplies. Additionally, the Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover out-of-state, private school or graduate school tuition expenses not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

2
Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for college, business, technical or vocational courses and more. To qualify, veterans must have a high school diploma or GED and have completed certain periods of active duty service.

3
Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC)

VET TEC connects veterans with top training providers to develop skills in high-tech fields such as software development, information technology and data science.

Career Support

1
Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG)

PCPG provides free educational and career guidance, planning and resources to veterans and their dependents eligible for VA education benefits. Services include career counseling, educational counseling, academic adjustment counseling, resume support and goal planning.

2
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E):

VR&E supports veterans with service-connected disabilities by providing job training, employment accommodations, resume development and job-seeking skills coaching.

3
VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC)

VSOC places VA career counselors on college campuses to provide benefits assistance and counseling, helping veterans complete their education and transition to the labor market.

Legal and Advocacy Resources

Veterans can access a wealth of legal and advocacy resources to help them manage issues related to benefits, employment, housing and more. Here are some key resources:

1
VA Accredited Representatives

These include accredited attorneys, claims agents and representatives from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) who offer skilled assistance with filing claims and seeking decision reviews. Their help with VA benefit claims is provided at no cost.

2
Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Program

VJO aims to prevent homelessness and avoid unnecessary criminalization of veterans by ensuring that they have timely access to VA services. The VJO Program connects veterans involved with the criminal justice system to needed services such as mental health and substance use treatment.

3
Free Legal Clinics

Various legal service providers offer free legal clinics at VA facilities. These clinics provide advice and assistance on a wide range of issues, including family law and landlord/tenant disputes.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line is a confidential, toll-free hotline available 24/7 to veterans in crisis and their families. It provides immediate support and connects callers with mental health professionals who can offer assistance and resources. This service can help women veterans when experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide or other mental health crises. All calls, texts and chats are confidential and free of charge.

Women veterans can reach out by calling 988, pressing 1, texting 838255 or chatting online at the Veterans Crisis Line website. Family members and friends of veterans can also use the service to get support and advice on how to help their loved ones, ensuring a comprehensive support network for those in crisis.

VA Programs for Women Veterans

The VA has two dedicated programs for women veterans: the Center for Women Veterans (CWF) and Women Veteran Coordinators (WVCs). VA's CWF monitors and coordinates the administration of benefit services and programs for women veterans. It advocates for a cultural transformation that recognizes the service and contributions of women veterans and women in the military. Additionally, it raises awareness of the responsibility to treat women veterans with dignity and respect.

WVCs are located in every regional office, and these coordinators serve as the primary contacts for women veterans, providing specific information and comprehensive assistance regarding VA and related non-VA benefits. Furthermore, they assist with the claims intake, development and processing of military sexual trauma and personal trauma claims. Contact your regional WVCs to receive personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs.

How to Access VA Benefits

Accessing VA benefits can significantly improve the quality of life for women veterans. Following these tips can help you navigate VA benefits and find the assistance you need:

1
Determine Eligibility

The first step is determining your eligibility for various VA benefits. Eligibility is generally based on discharge status, service history and specific circumstances, such as service-connected disabilities or financial need.

2
Gather Necessary Documentation

Collect important documents such as your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), medical records and other relevant paperwork supporting your claim.

3
Leverage the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC)

The WFCC is a specialized resource designed to assist women veterans in navigating the VA system and accessing the benefits and services they have earned. This call center provides free, confidential assistance through phone, text and online chat channels. Women veterans or their representatives can contact the WVCC by calling or texting 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) or using the online chat feature.

4
Register and Apply Online

Create an account on the VA's eBenefits portal to apply for benefits, track your claims and access various VA resources. The eBenefits portal simplifies the application process and allows you to manage your benefits online.

5
Visit a VA Regional Office

For personalized assistance, visit a VA regional office where staff can help you understand your eligibility, complete applications and answer any questions. You can find the nearest VA regional office on the VA's website.

Other Ways for Women Veterans to Financially Thrive

Women veterans can leverage various strategies and resources to enhance their financial well-being and achieve long-term stability. Here are several actionable steps to help women veterans thrive financially:

    woman icon

    Consider Entrepreneurship

    Many women veterans find success in starting their own businesses. The VA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) offers resources and support for veteran entrepreneurs. The Small Business Administration (SBA) also provides training programs, funding opportunities and mentorship through initiatives like the Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC).

    payingOffALoan icon

    Leverage Women Business Grants

    Various grants are available specifically for women and veteran entrepreneurs. These business grants for women entrepreneurs can provide the capital to start or expand a business without the repayment burden. Resources such as Grants.gov and the SBA's grant programs are excellent starting points for finding financial support.

    rothIras icon

    Maximize Retirement Benefits

    Women veterans should take full advantage of retirement benefits, including those offered through the VA and employer-sponsored plans. Contributions to retirement accounts like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can grow significantly over time, providing financial security in retirement.

    studentWithALoan icon

    Invest in Continuous Learning and Skills Development:

    Keeping skills up-to-date and learning new ones can enhance job prospects and potential earnings. Many online platforms, such as Coursera, edX and Udemy, offer free or low-cost courses in various fields, which can be a great way to stay competitive in the job market.

    veteran icon

    Participate in Veteran-Specific Financial Workshops and Webinars:

    Organizations like the VA, nonprofits and veteran service organizations frequently offer financial literacy workshops and webinars tailored to veterans. These sessions can provide valuable insights into managing finances, investing and planning for the future.

    coupleL icon

    Network With Other Veterans

    Joining veteran-specific networking groups and attending veteran-focused events can open up opportunities for mentorship, job leads and business partnerships. Organizations like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) offer platforms for veterans to connect and support each other.

Additional Resources for Women Veterans

We've curated a list of additional resources to help women veterans manage their finances and transition to post-military life.

  • American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC): Offers financial education, budget counseling and debt management programs to help veterans and their families manage their finances effectively.
  • Coast Guard Exchange: Provides discounts and shopping benefits to Coast Guard veterans and their families, offering savings on a wide range of products and services.
  • Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Provides free help to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service.
  • National Veterans Foundation (NVF): Offers a Lifeline for Vets service, which provides crisis management, information and referral needs for veterans and their families. NVF also provides outreach services and helps veterans with benefits counseling.
  • Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE): Provides training, networking and mentorship to women veterans interested in entrepreneurship.
  • Women Marines Association: Provides camaraderie, support and resources to women who have served or are serving in the Marine Corps. It offers scholarships, networking opportunities and advocacy for women Marines.
  • Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER): Provides financial education and resources to help women achieve long-term financial security. WISER offers information on retirement planning, Social Security and managing savings.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus headshot

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

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