Updated December 15, 2023

Benefits of Dual-Military Couples

When two military members marry, they become a dual-military couple, also known as a mil-to-mil couple. Different branches of service may use other terms. Dual-military couples are relatively common. According […]

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    When two military members marry, they become a dual-military couple, also known as a mil-to-mil couple. Different branches of service may use other terms.

    Dual-military couples are relatively common. According to Human Performance Resources by CHAMP, nearly 7% of active-duty service members and nearly 3% of reserve and Guard members are in mil-to-mil marriages.

    Dual-military couples can benefit from higher allowances and other benefits.

    Here are some benefits that dual-military couples can access.

    Dual-Military BAH Benefits for Married Troops

    Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a military housing allowance paid to service members who cannot live in government-provided housing. The amount depends on location, pay grade and dependency status.

    According to the Department of Defense, “A service member’s lawful spouse is a dependent for housing allowance purposes.” The “with-dependent rate” is higher than the individual BAH rate.

    However, in a mil-to-mil couple, a spouse on active duty who also qualifies for basic pay and BAH “can not be considered a dependent for housing allowance purposes,” according to the DOD.

    Instead, both service members receive the individual BAH rate. If they have a dependent between them, the service members can choose which spouse will receive the with-dependent rate and which will receive the individual rate.

    The Joint Travel Regulation (JTR), chapters 8-10, details the federal regulations governing BAH, including guidance on how a dual-military BAH is paid to dual-military couples.

    Better Housing for Married Troops

    According to Military OneSource, enlisted single service members often live in the barracks. They may share a bedroom and will usually share a bathroom. They have to pick up their mail and packages in the mail room and are subject to weekly room checks. As they climb the ranks, they may qualify for other housing options. Depending on their branch of service, this may occur with pay grades above E-4 or E-5.

    Married troops (dual-military or not) have more choices – regardless of rank – including privatized, on-base housing; government-owned military installation housing and housing in the local community, according to Military OneSource.

    A “Hidden” Mil-to-Mil Couples Benefit

    Assuming both spouses in a dual-military marriage have met time-in-service requirements to qualify for a VA home loan, a dual-military couple has some unique options that single service members don’t have the same access to.

    The Department of Veterans Affairs no longer limits how much you can borrow on a house if you have your full VA loan entitlement remaining. You will, however, still need to qualify for the mortgage based on income and other factors.

    If you have never used your VA loan benefits before, you have 100% of your entitlement.

    Dual-military couples have options when they apply for VA mortgages. If they apply together, they can each contribute half of their loan entitlement.

    Or if one spouse qualifies for the mortgage on their own, they can also use only that spouse’s VA loan entitlement. This means the other spouse can apply for another VA mortgage later, as long as they are financially qualified.

    Finally, if both spouses have only a partial entitlement remaining, they can pool their entitlements to qualify for a bigger loan.

    Food Allowances: Basic Allowance for Subsistence

    Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) helps offset the cost of groceries for service members. However, it does not “offset the costs of meals for family members,” according to the DOD.

    Single and married service members receive the same BAS rate, but dual-military couples can stretch the benefit further. In a mil-to-mil couple, both spouses can draw this allowance, effectively doubling it.

    Join-Spouse or Joint-Spouse Assignments

    Military members can get reassigned to new military installations or be deployed without the option to bring families along. For example, as of June 2020, military assignments in the Arabian Peninsula are unaccompanied.

    When a dual-military couple faces the next round of permanent change of station orders, they can apply for a joint-spouse or “join-spouse” (an Air Force colloquialism) assignment. These assignments allow the couple to relocate to the new gaining base together. Each branch of service has a program that helps military spouses relocate together or to different bases within 100 miles of each other, according to Military OneSource.

    While military spouses in different branches of the military may not be eligible for these programs, they may still be able to request reassignment to join their spouses.

    Check with your human resources or personnel department for more information about applying for a joint-spouse assignment.

    When You Can Not Be Assigned Together as a Mil-To-Mil Couple

    In the military, the mission comes first, and the needs of the military may not always include reassigning a mil-to-mil couple to the same base.

    In such cases, you may qualify for a family separation allowance (FSA) even if you are not a dual-military couple. FSA helps offset some of the extra costs of a forced separation. The current monthly rate is $400 per month, prorated at $13.33 per day for periods under a month.

    According to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the specific rules for claiming this allowance as a dual-military couple include:

    • Your military orders must keep you away from your family for more than 30 days.
    • You must be living together as a couple before the duty begins.
    • As of Oct. 1, 2008, both spouses in a dual-military couple may be eligible for FSA if both serve in qualifying duty assignments.

    Child Care Issues for Mil-to-Mil Couples

    Service members have several childcare options, according to Military OneSource.

    These include on-base childcare options, including child development centers, certified family child care providers who offer care in their homes, school-age care programs and others.

    Childcare expenses are huge challenges for families. The DOD bases child care development center (CDC) costs on total family income, according to Military OneSource. So, lower-paid enlisted service members don’t bear the same financial burden as their superiors with higher family incomes.

    In this area, dual-military couples have a distinct advantage, according to MilitaryChildCare.com, a DOD website military families can use to find and request military child care services. Military child care prioritizes dual-military family enrollment and can supplant lower-priority families.

    DOD might offer other resources as well, including fee assistance. Check with your Family Readiness Group or Work Life Program for information.

    Double Retirement Pay for Dual-Military Couples

    There is no special retirement program for mil-to-mil couples.

    However, if both military spouses remain in uniform until they are retirement-eligible, they effectively double their military pension, assuming that time-in-service, time-in-grade and other variables match up.

    Of course, mil-to-mil couples who retire at different ranks and time-in-service may not draw the same amount of retirement pay, but they’ll both receive pensions.

    Double the Education Benefits for Dual-Military Couples

    As with retirement pay, dual-military couples can reap double the education benefits. Both spouses may qualify for the military tuition assistance program, which pays up to $4,000 per fiscal year for tuition for vocational and technical programs, undergraduate and graduate programs and even distance learning.

    Both spouses in a dual-military couple may also qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits, which can cover up to 36 months of tuition. They may also be able to transfer up to 36 months of unused benefits to their dependent children.

    Other Factors You Should Know About Dual-Military Married Couples

    While there are many benefits for dual-military couples, there are also downsides, including the potential for more frequent separations.

    Military OneSource recommends anticipating these challenges, being proactive in achieving your goals and focusing on communication and flexibility. Several resources can help, including marriage counseling through Military OneSource or the Military and Family Life Counseling Program.

    • Joe Wallace

      Written by Joe Wallace

      Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News.

    • Andrew Stamp

      Reviewed by Andrew Stamp

      Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

    Updated March 28, 2023

    Veterans May Be Eligible for Free or Discounted Internet

    Veterans, survivors, and active duty members may be eligible for free or discounted internet, plus up to a $100 discount on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.  A new federal […]

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      Veterans, survivors, and active duty members may be eligible for free or discounted internet, plus up to a $100 discount on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.  A new federal program, The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, offers discounted internet service and modest discounts on computers to qualifying applicants including active duty military, veterans, and surviving family members.

      Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

      This $3.2 billion federal program is offered via the Federal Communications Commission and is intended to help low-income American citizens better afford high-speed internet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

      Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Details

      Eligible households (see below) can receive the following COVID-19 relief for broadband internet:

      • Up to a $50 per month discount on household broadband service and broadband equipment rental
      • Up to $75 per month discount if the household is located on qualifying Tribal lands
      • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a required small co-pay)
      • One monthly service discount and one device discount per household

      The Federal Communications Commission announced this program would begin taking applications for these benefits on May 12, 2021. The government stops taking them at such time as the Department of Health and Human Services announces an end to the coronavirus health emergency, or when the program runs out of funding–whichever occurs first.

      Who Qualifies For Emergency Broadband Benefit Assistance

      Veterans are eligible for this program if they, or someone in their household, qualify for Lifeline benefits through SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or receive Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits. They may also qualify if they meet any of the other requirements listed below.

      In general, this program is open to households with qualifying income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines established for other federal benefits. But it is ALSO open in cases where “any member of the household” meets any of the following requirements:

      • Applicant qualifies for Lifeline benefits through SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
      • Applicant participates in Tribal specific programs via the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families AKA Tribal TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
      • Applicant has had a substantial loss of income since Feb. 29, 2020 with a total household income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers
      • Applicant has received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year
      • Applicant has been approved to receive benefits under certain free and reduced-price school lunch programs, or the school breakfast program, (including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision) in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year
      • Applicant meets requirements for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program, and that provider received FCC approval for its eligibility verification process

      Any member of your household may make the home eligible for this program. One monthly service discount and one device discount per household only even if there are multiple eligible users in the same household.

      Those who already draw “Lifeline benefits” such as SNAP, Medicaid, etc. are automatically qualified. Households that already benefit from a private company’s COVID-19 relief options may still qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.

      Applicants with a “substantial loss of income since Feb. 29, 2020” because of a job loss or furlough may qualify for the program if the total household income in 2020 was at or below $99,000 (for single tax filers) and $198,000 (for joint tax filers).

      Where To Apply For Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Benefits

      There are three ways to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program:

      When applying by U.S. mail, you will be required to fill out the application form. Complete the application and send with proof of eligibility to:

      Emergency Broadband Support Center
      P.O. Box 7081
      London, KY 40742

      Applying Via Your Broadband Internet Provider

      Not all broadband companies participate in this program–you will need to contact your provider to see if they are currently offering this form of internet relief. You can use the Companies Near Me search tool to see if the Emergency Broadband Benefit program is offered in your area.

      Documentation Required To Apply

      There are several documents that you will be required to duplicate and submit copies of (do NOT send originals) to apply for this assistance. Among the required types of documentation you will need to provide an approved ID to help verify your identity. You are allowed to select one from the following list:

      • Social Security Number
      • Tribal Identification Number
      • U.S. Driver’s License
      • Government-issued ID, such as a state ID
      • U.S. Military ID
      • Passport
      • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

      Documentation is also required to show household income, which must include:

      • Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
      • Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
      • Social Security statement of benefits
      • VA statement of benefits
      • Unemployment statement of benefits
      • Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
      • Divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document
      • A retirement or pension statement of benefits

      All “identity documents” must have your first and last name plus your date of birth. Use of your Social Security Number is NOT required to use this benefit program but program guidelines indicate that those who do submit their Social Security Number will have their applications processed faster than others who do not.

      • Joe Wallace

        Written by Joe Wallace

        Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News.

      Updated December 23, 2022

      Medal of Honor: Benefits, History and Facts

      The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the highest military medal a service member can earn. Created in the wake of the Civil War, the Medal of Honor is awarded to […]

      Table of Contents

        The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the highest military medal a service member can earn. Created in the wake of the Civil War, the Medal of Honor is awarded to service members “who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty,” according to the Department of Defense.

        Military tradition dictates that all uniformed service members salute Medal of Honor recipients, regardless of rank. Even the most senior military officer will participate in this tradition out of respect for the sacrifices the recipients made.

        Medal of Honor Recipients Lifetime Benefits

        The DOD’s Code of Federal Regulations lists the following lifetime benefits for Medal of Honor recipients:

        • Their names are added to the Medal of Honor Roll, and they will receive DD Form 1370A, Certificate of Enrollment on the Medal of Honor Roll.
        • They receive a special Medal of Honor pension of $1,618.95 (effective date: Dec. 1, 2022) per month above and beyond any other benefits, including retirement or disability pensions.
        • Enlisted recipients receive a special supplemental uniform allowance.
        • Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for free travel on DOD military aircraft as Category-III priority “Space-A” travelers. This benefit is subject to whether seats are available, hence the “Space-A” designation.
        • Qualified children of recipients are automatically appointed to any military service academy without nomination or quota regulations. Normally, applicants need a nomination to enter military academies and must go through a rigorous screening process.
        • Recipients and their eligible family members receive special military ID cards, as well as access to on-base commissary and base and post exchange privileges.
        • Recipients may receive a burial with full military honors. This includes a team of at least nine members, made up of six pallbearers and/or firing party, a chaplain (if requested), an officer in charge or non-commissioned officer in charge and a bugler.

        The official Army site lists additional lifelong benefits for Medal of Honor recipients, including:

        • They receive a 10% increase in their retired pay.
        • Medal of Honor recipients and their eligible family members can access Moral, Welfare and Recreation activities and facilities on bases. Some base facilities may also offer special parking spaces.
        • They receive preferential accommodations at on-base billeting facilities.
        • They receive invitations to presidential inauguration events and special recognition ceremonies at the state and local levels.
        • Unlike other service members or retirees, they have uniform privileges. MOH recipients can wear their uniforms any time or anywhere they choose.
        • They are eligible for interment at Arlington National Cemetery.
        • The VA will provide a special engraved headstone.

        Medical Benefits

        Medal of Honor recipients and their eligible family members may qualify for medical care coverage through Tricare whether they are active-duty or retired.

        In addition, the VA assigns veterans who are Medal of Honor recipients to priority group one (of eight). This can affect how quickly they are signed up for health benefits and also exempts them from medical care co-payments.

        Non-Military Benefits

        Some states and private companies may offer other benefits to Medal of Honor recipients. These include:

        • Some states offer special license plates and driver’s license designations. They may receive other benefits such as free motor vehicle registration. Application requirements and availability vary by state.
        • Some private companies offer special gifts, incentive programs or access for Medal of Honor recipients and others who received high military honors such as The Purple Heart. Individual programs and requirements may vary.
        • Surviving spouses and dependent children of Medal of Honor recipients may be eligible for state education benefits in some states.

        Medal of Honor Day Origins

        The U.S. observes Medal of Honor Day on March 25. According to the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center website, it commemorates the day that the first Medal of Honor recipient, Army Private Jacob Parrott, received his award in 1863, for his part in the “Great Locomotive Chase.” A group of volunteers, including Parrott, commandeered a train in Georgia and conducted raids on Confederate railroad facilities and bridges as it traveled north toward Chattanooga, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

        Medal of Honor Requirements

        According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, in 1963 Congress established the following criteria under which the Medal of Honor could be awarded to any service member who “distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty”:

        • While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States
        • While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force
        • While serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

        Medal of Honor Facts

        • You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must be in the U.S. military to qualify for the Medal of Honor. However, special legislation passed after World War I allowed the Medal of Honor to be bestowed on the Unknown Soldiers of some U.S. allies, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
        • Title 18 U.S. Code § 704 (Public Law 113-296) makes it illegal to buy, sell, barter or manufacture any decorations or medals authorized by Congress for the United States Armed Forces.
        • There are three distinct versions, one for the Army; one for the Air Force; and one for the Navy, Marine Corps. and Coast Guard.
        • Those who have received it prefer to be called “recipients” and not “winners.” According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, “They view the Medal as something that was bestowed upon them to carry as a symbol of the sacrifices of all who have served.”
        • The award is not the “Congressional Medal of Honor.” It is simply “Medal of Honor.” The “congressional” in the Congressional Medal of Honor Society simply indicates that it was chartered by Congress.
        • The Congressional Medal of Honor Society represents Medal of Honor recipients, maintains their records and organizes reunion events, among other responsibilities.

        Medal of Honor Recipients

        More than 3,500 service members have received the Medal of Honor, but only 64 are still living, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

        • The Army has received more Medals of Honor than other branches of service, with soldiers being awarded more than 2,400.
        • The Coast Guard’s first, and as of 2022 sole, Medal of Honor belongs to Signalman 1st Class Douglas Munro, who led the rescue of an entire battalion of Marines attacked by an overwhelming Japanese force during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
        • There has only been one female Medal of Honor recipient as of 2022: Dr. Mary Walker, who volunteered for the Union Army during the Civil War because she wasn’t allowed to join as a surgeon. She received the Medal of Honor in 1865, but it was rescinded in 1917, two years before she died, because she was a civilian. President Jimmy Carter restored the honor in 1977.
        • William Carney was the first African-American recipient, Joseph Decastro was the first Hispanic or Latino recipient and Benjamin Bennett Levy was the first Jewish recipient. All three received the Medal of Honor for their actions during the Civil War. James Smith was the first Asian-Pacific recipient for his actions serving on board the U.S.S. Kansas on April 12, 1872. The first Native recipient, Co-Rux-Te-Chod-Ish (Mad Bear), received the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 8, 1869.
        • As of 2022, 19 service members have been awarded the Medal of Honor twice. Of these, five received Medals of Honor for two separate incidents on the same day, and 14 received them for events on separate days.
        • Teddy Roosevelt is the only president to be awarded the Medal of Honor. He served in the 1898 Spanish-American War as the lieutenant colonel of the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, more famously known as the “Rough Riders,” who helped turn the tide of the war against Cuba to America’s favor. President Bill Clinton awarded Roosevelt the Medal of Honor posthumously on Jan. 16, 2001.
        • Roosevelt’s son Theodore Roosevelt Jr. also received the Medal of Honor for his actions on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He was part of the first wave of American soldiers to storm the beaches of Normandy and repeatedly led troops inland through heavy fire.
        • Arthur MacArthur (Civil War) and General Douglas MacArthur (WWII) were the first father and son recipients of the Medal of Honor.
        • As of 2022, Douglas MacArthur was the oldest recipient. He was 61 when he earned the Medal of Honor, and 62 when he received it.
        • Seven pairs of brothers have earned the Medal of Honor, including five during the Civil War.
        • The youngest Medal of Honor recipient was William “Willie” Johnston, who earned it on his 12th birthday during the Civil War. He received it at age 13.
        • According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the Civil War is the conflict with the most Medal of Honor recipients, with 1,523. As of 2022, this accounts for more than 40% of all recipients.
        • In 1917, Congress rescinded 911 Medals of Honor following an Army review. Of these, 864 were soldiers of the 27th Maine Infantry Regiment.
        • At the time, Congress also rescinded the Medal of Honor from six civilians who earned it for their actions during the Civil War. These were later restored: Dr. Mary Walker’s in 1977, and the others in 1989.

        Recent Medal-of-Honor Recipients

        • Specialist Five Dwight W. Birdwell, U.S. Army (2022)
          Major John J. Duffy, U.S. Army (2022)
        • Spc. 5 Dennis M. Fujii, U.S. Army (2022)
        • Sergeant First Class Christopher Celiz, U.S. Army (2021)
        • Master Sergeant Earl Plumlee, U.S. Army (2021)
        • Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, U.S. Army (2021)
        • Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., U.S. Army (2021)
        • Sergeant Major Thomas P. Payne, U.S. Army (2020)
        • Master Sergeant Mathew O. Williams, U.S. Army (2019)
        • Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, U.S. Army (2019)
        • Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins, U.S. Army (2019)
        • Sergeant Major John L. Canley, U.S. Marine Corps (2018)
        • Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Shurer II, U.S. Army (2018)
        • Technical Sergeant John A. Chapman, U.S. Air Force (2018)
        • First Lieutenant Garlin Murl Conner, U.S. Army (2018)
        • Senior Chief Britt K. Slabinksi, U.S. Navy (2018)
        • Captain Gary M. Rose, U.S. Army (2017)
        • Specialist Five James C. McCloughan, U.S. Army (2017)
        • Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles, U.S. Army (2016)
        • Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward C. Byers, Jr., U.S. Navy (2016)
        • Captain Florent A. Groberg, U.S. Army (2015)
        • Sergeant Henry Johnson, U.S. Army (2015)
        • Sergeant William Shemin, U.S. Army (2015)
        • First Lieutenant Alonzo H. Cushing, U.S. Army (2014)
        • Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins, U.S. Army (2015)
        • Specialist Four Donald P. Sloat, U.S. Army (2015)
        • Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts, U.S. Army (2014)
        • Sergeant Kyle J. White, U.S. Army (2014)

        Conflicts and Interim Periods with Medal of Honor Recipients

        • U.S. Civil War 1861-1865
        • Interim Period 1866-1871
        • Indian Campaigns
        • Korean Campaign 1871
        • Interim Period 1871-1898
        • Spanish-American War 1898
        • Samoa Campaign 1898-1900
        • Philippine Insurrection 1899-1906
        • China Relief Expedition (Boxer Rebellion) 1900
        • Interim Period 1901-1911
        • Action Against Outlaws, Philippines 1911
        • Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz) 1914
        • Haitian Campaign 1915
        • Interim Period 1915-1916
        • World War I 1917-1918
        • Second Haitian Campaign 1919
        • Interim Period 1920-1940
        • Second Nicaraguan Campaign 1926-1933
        • World War II 1941-1945
        • Korean Conflict 1950-1953
        • Somalia (Operation Restore Hope) 1992-1993
        • Vietnam War 1964-1975
        • Dominican Campaign 1965-1966
        • War on Terrorism (Afghanistan) 2001-2021
        • War on Terrorism (Iraq) 2003-2019

        Medal of Honor Docuseries

        To learn more about Medal of Honor recipients, watch the “Medal of Honor,” available on Netflix, which partnered with the Department of Defense to create this eight-part docuseries, released in 2018. The series celebrates the lives of eight post-World War II Medal of Honor recipients and includes current and former service members’ expertise behind the scenes and on camera.

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        • Veteran.com Team

          Written by Veteran.com Team

          The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

        • Andrew Stamp

          Reviewed by Andrew Stamp

          Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

        Updated November 10, 2022

        What Is the 20/20/20 Rule For Military Spouses?

        Former spouses of service members who divorce may continue to receive some military benefits, including Tricare coverage. The 20/20/20 rule refers to the requirements a divorced military spouse must meet […]

        Table of Contents

          Former spouses of service members who divorce may continue to receive some military benefits, including Tricare coverage. The 20/20/20 rule refers to the requirements a divorced military spouse must meet to retain these benefits.

          20/20/20 Benefit Requirements

          The Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act protects some benefits of eligible former military spouses. According to Military OneSource, an unremarried former spouse must meet each of the following requirements to continue receiving benefits:

          1. The former spouse and service member were married for at least 20 years.
          2. The service member must have served for at least 20 years of retirement-creditable service.
          3. At least 20 years of the marriage must have overlapped with the military member’s time in service.

          What Are the 20/20/20 Rule Benefits?

          Eligible former spouses retain their official Department of Defense military ID cards, which grants them access to base commissaries and military exchanges, including Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Navy Exchange and Marine Corps Exchange stores. Ex-spouses who are eligible for 20/20/20 benefits can also continue to receive Tricare coverage.

          Using Tricare Under the 20/20/20 Rule

          Continuation of Tricare benefits for ex-spouses who qualify under the 20/20/20 rule is not automatic.

          Tricare requires unremarried former military spouses to register under their own names and Social Security numbers.

          Applicants must provide documentation to Tricare including their original marriage certificates, divorce decrees and applicable proof of their ex-spouse’s military service or retirement.

          Eligible former spouses have the same Tricare coverage options as retired family members until they remarry or enroll in an employer-sponsored health plan, according to the Tricare website.

          The Tricare 20/20/15 Rule

          Some former military spouses may be eligible for limited Tricare coverage without meeting the 20/20/20 rule requirements.

          If the military member served for 20 years and the marriage lasted 20 years, with at least 15 years of overlap, former spouses can receive temporary medical coverage, according to the Tricare website.

          Under this 20/20/15 rule, qualified former spouses retain Tricare coverage for one year after the marriage ends. Former spouses eligible for 20/20/15 benefits aren’t eligible for other military benefits such as installation programs and shopping.

          Former spouses who lost their Tricare benefits may qualify for temporary health coverage through the Continued Health Care Benefit Program. According to the Tricare website, they may be able to purchase up to 36 months of coverage that is comparable to Tricare Select.

          Remarriage and 20/20/20 Benefits

          If former spouse who is eligible for 20/20/20 benefits remarries, they will stop receiving any benefits available under the provision. Tricare coverage ends permanently, however other benefits – such as on-base shopping – may be reinstated if the subsequent marriage ends.

          Former spouses who do not remarry can receive lifetime benefits under the 20/20/20 rule.

          • Veteran.com Team

            Written by Veteran.com Team

            The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

          • Kate Horrell

            Reviewed by Kate Horrell

            Kate Horrell is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)® and personal financial educator who helps the military community make the most of their pay and benefits.

          Updated January 29, 2025

          2025 DIC Benefits and Rates

          Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) rates increased 2.5% in 2025 based on the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase. The 2025 rates went into effect on December 2, […]

          Table of Contents

            Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) rates increased 2.5% in 2025 based on the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase.

            The 2025 rates went into effect on December 2, 2024.

            2025 DIC Rates

            The 2.5% increase in DIC rates made payments go from $1,612.75 to $1,653 in 2025.

            DIC rates depend on your relationship to the Veteran (spouse, child or parent), your dependents and when the veteran died.

            DIC Rates for Widows of Veterans Who Died on or After Jan. 1, 1993

            The base monthly rate for spouses of veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 1993 is $1,653.

            Surviving spouses may be eligible for additional compensation. The table below shows the added amounts available. To get your final amount, add all values that match your situation.

            Added Amounts for Surviving Spouses

            Condition to MeetQualifying BenefitAdded Monthly Amount
            The veteran had a VA disability rating of totally disabled (including for individual unemployability) for at least eight full years leading up to their death, and you were married to the veteran for those same eight yearsEight-year provision$351.02
            You have a disability and need help with regular daily activities (like eating, bathing or dressing)Aid and attendance$409.53
            You can’t leave your house because of a disabilityHousebound allowance$191.85
            You have one or more children who are under age 18Transitional benefit, and
            DIC apportionment rate            		$351 for the first two years after the veteran’s death

            $409.53 for each eligible child

            DIC Rates for Widows of Veterans Who Died Before Jan. 1, 1993

            The base DIC rates for surviving spouses of veterans who died before Jan. 1, 1993 depend on pay grade.

            Enlisted (E-1 to E-9)

            Pay GradeMonthly Payment
            E-1 to E-6$1,653.75
            E-7$1,710.20
            E-8$1,805.47
            E-9 regular$1,883
            E-9 special capacity, which includes:

            • Sergeant Major of the Army or Marine Corps, or

            • Senior enlisted adviser of the Navy, or

            • Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, or

            • Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard

            		$2,032.67

            Added amounts for E-1 to E-9

            ConditionAdded Amount

            • The Veteran had a pay grade of E-1 to E-7, and

            • The Veteran had a VA disability rating of totally disabling (including for individual unemployability) for at least the 8 full years leading up to their death, and

            • You were married to the Veteran for those same 8 years

            		Add $351.02

            • The Veteran had a pay grade of E-8 or E-9, and

            • The Veteran had a VA disability rating of totally disabling for at least the 8 full years leading up to their death, and

            • You were married to the Veteran for those same 8 years

            		Increase payment to $2,004.09
            The surviving spouse has one or more children under 18Add $409.53 per child

            Warrant Officer (W-1 to W-4)

            Pay GradeMonthly Payment
            W-1$1,745.61
            W-2$1,814.98
            W-3$1,868.03
            W-4$1,976.88

            Added amounts for W-1 to W-4

            ConditionAdded Amount

            • The Veteran had a VA disability rating of totally disabling (including for individual unemployability) for at least the 8 full years leading up to their death, and

            • You were married to the Veteran for those same 8 years

            		Increase payment to $2,004.09
            The surviving spouse has one or more children under 18Add $409.53 per child

            Officer (0-1 to 0-10)

            Pay GradeMonthly Payment
            O-1$1,745.61
            O-2$1,805.47
            O-3$1,929.24
            O-4$2,044.89
            O-5$2,250.37
            O-6$2,537.44
            O-7$2,738.79
            O-8$3,008.18
            O-9$3,217.69
            O-10 regular$3,529.26
            O-10 special capacity, which includes:

            • Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or

            • Chief of Staff of the Army or Air Force, or

            • Chief of Naval Operations, or

            • Commandant of the Marine Corps

            		$3,787.78

            Added amounts for 0-1 to 0-3

            ConditionAdded Amount

            • The Veteran had a pay grade of O-1 to O-3, and
            • The Veteran had a VA disability rating of totally disabling (including for individual unemployability) for at least the 8 full years leading up to their death, and

            • You were married to the Veteran for those same 8 years

            		Increase payment to $2,004.09
            The surviving spouse has one or more children under 18Add $409.53 per child

            Unmarried Adult Child of a Veteran When the Veteran’s Surviving Spouse is Also Eligible

            Adult surviving children receive DIC separately from the veteran’s surviving spouse.

            Child StatusMonthly Payment
            Schoolchild:$346.95
            Helpless child:$697.96

            Eligible Child of a Veteran When the Veteran Doesn’t have an Eligible Surviving Spouse

            Your DIC payment amount is based on the number of the veteran’s eligible surviving children. Eligible children include children who are under age 18 OR who are between ages 18 and 23 and in a qualified school program OR those who are permanently unable to support themselves due to a disability that happened before turning 18 years old.

            Number of Eligible ChildrenMonthly Rate for Each ChildTotal Monthly Payment
            One$680.94$680.94
            Two$489.79$1,004.06
            Three$426.09$1,310.22
            Four$380.30$1,559.24
            Five$352.82$1,808.20
            Six$334.50$2,057.16
            Seven$321.42$2,306.22
            Eight$311.60$2,555.12
            Nine$303.97$2,804.13

            Notes:

            • Add $248.98 for each eligible child for families of 10 or more children
            • Add $409.53 for each helpless child (a child permanently unable to support themselves due to disability)

            2025 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Pay Dates

            Effective date: Dec. 2, 2024

            First paycheck: Dec. 24, 2024

            Other DIC payment dates:

            • January 31, 2025
            • February 28, 2025
            • April 1, 2025
            • April 30, 2025
            • May 30, 2025
            • July 1, 2025
            • July 31, 2025
            • September 2, 2025
            • Wednesday, October 1, 2025
            • Friday, October 31, 2025
            • Monday, December 1, 2025
            • Wednesday, December 31, 2025

            2025 VA Disability Pay Dates

            On which dates will VA disability payments be sent/deposited in 2025?
            MonthPayment Date
            JanuaryJan. 31
            FebruaryFeb. 28
            MarchApril 1
            AprilMay 1
            MayMay 30
            JuneJuly 1
            JulyAug. 1
            AugustAug. 29
            SeptemberOct. 1
            OctoberOct. 31
            NovemberDec. 1
            DecemberDec. 31

            What is DIC?

            DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to a surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training. Survivors of veterans who died from service-connected disabilities may also receive this benefit.

            Parents’ DIC is an income-based benefit for parents who were financially dependent on a service member or veteran who died from a service-related cause.

            The Survivor Benefit Plan 

            The Survivor Benefit Plan, sponsored and subsidized by the Department of Defense, provides up to 55% of a service member’s retired pay to an eligible beneficiary if a service member passes away.

            • Jon Rehagen

              Written by Jon Rehagen

              Jon Rehagan covers financial topics and military news, aimed at helping those who've served our country and everyday civilians

            • Eldon Mullis

              Reviewed by Eldon Mullis

              Eldon Mullis is an Army Veteran and the deputy director and chief operating officer at Army Emergency Relief, a private non-profit company located in Arlington, Virginia.

            Updated November 3, 2022

            TSA PreCheck Benefits for Servicemembers

            TSA PreCheck allows for quicker security screening at more than 200 airports nationwide. If you’re a member of the U.S. Armed Forces then you’re in luck – you can bypass […]

            Table of Contents

              TSA PreCheck allows for quicker security screening at more than 200 airports nationwide. If you’re a member of the U.S. Armed Forces then you’re in luck – you can bypass that line and make it to your gate a whole lot faster with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck – for free.

              What is TSA PreCheck?

              According to the TSA, 92% of passengers using TSA PreCheck waited less than five minutes to go through security in May 2018. Lines are typically shorter and move more quickly than standard security because travelers are not required to remove the following:

              • Shoes
              • Belt
              • 3-1-1 compliant bag (toiletries in a plastic bag)
              • Light outerwear
              • A laptop from a carry-on bag

              TSA PreCheck is also available when departing from participating U.S. airports to a foreign country.

              Who is Eligible?

              Only U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply for TSA PreCheck benefits. Additionally, TSA PreCheck can only be used when traveling on an airline that has entered into a partnership with the TSA. This allows for the TSA to pre-approve certain frequent flyers of participating airlines.

              A list of participating airports and airlines is available.

              Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the Transportation Security Administration, eligibility for TSA PreCheck automatically extends to all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies, plus members of the Reserves and National Guard. DoD federal employees are also eligible for TSA PreCheck (for free), but they must opt-in via milConnect. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to opt in.

              If you’re a member of any of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s trusted traveler programs, you are also automatically eligible for TSA PreCheck without an additional fee, including Global Entry; U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and Canadian citizens who are NEXUS members; and U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who belong to SENTRI.

              I’m in the military – How do I use this benefit?

              Your DoD identification number works as your “known traveler” (KTN) for personal and official travel. When you make travel arrangements, simply enter the 10-digit number on the back of your common access card (CAC) into the KTN field. If the number is not located on your CAC, you can get it on milConnect. The TSA also recommends updating your Defense Travel System profile with your KTN for official travel.

              When you receive your boarding pass, a TSA PreCheck indicator will appear on the ticket if you put in your KTN when you booked your flight reservation. Keep in mind that you cannot head to the TSA PreCheck line with just your CAC card – you must enter the number at the time of booking. (Or, if you forget this step, I’ve learned from personal experience to just be sure to show your CAC card to the airline agent before he or she prints your boarding pass when checking in.) You do not have to be in uniform to participate and being in uniform does not automatically mean you can access the TSA PreCheck line – the indicator must be on your boarding pass.

              Also, be aware TSA PreCheck does not automatically extend to military retirees. Find your DoD number through your milConnect account and enter it when booking travel to find out if you already have this benefit. Otherwise, you will need to go through the standard application process.

              Can I bring my family through the TSA PreCheck line with me?

              Yes and no. Children ages 12 and younger are eligible to use TSA PreCheck when traveling with a parent or guardian who has the indicator on their boarding pass. Travelers 13 years of age and older who do not have a TSA PreCheck boarding pass must go through the standard security line or apply for eligibility.

              Family members over the age of 13 can apply through the standard TSA PreCheck application process, which carries an $85 non-refundable fee and is good for five years. Apply here.

              Anything else I should know?

              While TSA PreCheck is a great benefit for service members, keep in mind that expedited security screening isn’t a guarantee – the TSA reserves the right to use unpredictable security measures throughout the airport at any time. For more information and frequently asked questions, visit tsa.gov/precheck.

               

              • Veteran.com Team

                Written by Veteran.com Team

                The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

              Updated November 3, 2022

              Florida Veterans Benefits

              As one of the states with the most veterans (1.6 million) in the United States, Florida has a wide array of veterans benefits. Find Florida state and local veterans’ benefits […]

              Table of Contents

                As one of the states with the most veterans (1.6 million) in the United States, Florida has a wide array of veterans benefits. Find Florida state and local veterans’ benefits including education, employment, healthcare, tax breaks/exemptions, recreation and more below. 

                Florida Veteran Education Benefits

                Florida state colleges/universities provide college credits to veterans to earn academic college credit “for college-level training and education acquired in the military”. Florida state colleges also offer priority registration to any student attending classes using the GI Bill benefit.

                Tuition Waivers

                Florida offers a tuition-waiver program for veterans attending a Florida state university, Florida College System institution or career center. This program waives out-of-state fees for qualifying veterans who are Florida residents while enrolled. There is also an out-of-state tuition waiver for those attending Florida colleges but who are not physically residing in the state, but this waiver is for active duty military only.

                Tuition is waived for qualifying veterans doing undergraduate courses at Florida state universities, community colleges and career and technical training facilities. Purple Heart awardees and those who have received other combat awards are eligible, including but not limited to the following:

                Scholarships For Military Dependents and Spouses

                Florida also provides educational assistance to qualifying dependents and spouses of veterans through the Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans program. Certain qualifying dependents of those listed as prisoners of war or as missing in action may also have benefits through this program.

                These scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance with tuition and fees at any eligible public or private school.

                Florida High School Diploma Program For Veterans

                One non-college education benefit offered by the State of Florida allows qualifying veterans to be awarded a high school diploma regardless of which state high school was attended in, as long as the military member is a current resident of Florida and was honorably discharged.

                Florida Veteran Employment Benefits

                Like many other states, Florida offers hiring preference to veterans, with special emphasis on those who served during wartime, those who have VA-rated service-connected disabilities, and qualifying surviving spouses of deceased veterans.

                Florida Occupational License Fee Waivers For Veterans

                Disabled veterans with wartime service, who are permanent Florida residents and cannot perform manual labor will be exempt from Occupational license fees up to a specified amount. Surviving spouses of deceased disabled veterans may also qualify for this exemption under certain circumstances.

                Florida County and Municipal Fee Exemptions For Disabled Veterans

                Veterans who are VA-rated with a 100% disability are exempt from building license and permit fees designed to make a residence “habitable and safe.” Certain restrictions may apply.

                Florida Business Fee Waivers For Veterans

                Florida waives the initial business licensing fee, application fee and initial unlicensed business activity fee for qualifying veterans and spouses who submit applications within the first 60 months after an honorable discharge. There is also a fee waiver program for veterans and spouses who seek qualifying health care licensing, agriculture and consumer service licensure.

                Certification For Florida Veteran-Owned Businesses

                The Florida Department of Management Services’ Office of Supplier Diversity is responsible for certification of “Florida-based veteran-, woman- and minority-owned small businesses” according to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. This office provides services to veteran-owned businesses including information on state contract opportunities and technical assistance.

                Florida Veteran Housing Benefits

                Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program/Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program

                Veterans and active duty military personnel throughout the state can receive a below market rate 30-year fixed rate first mortgage loan and up to $10,000 in down payment assistance and closing cost assistance.

                Veterans Assisted Care Homes And Nursing Homes

                Veterans who have lived in Florida for at least one year are eligible to apply for space in the Robert Jenkins Jr. Veterans Domiciliary Home. This is a 150-bed assisted living home located in Lake City, Florida, intended for honorably discharged veterans who are physically capable of feeding and dressing themselves but who need assisted care.

                The state of Florida also has six nursing homes for honorably discharged veterans who have been certified by a doctor as requiring nursing home care:

                • Emory L. Bennett State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Daytona Beach.
                • Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes.
                • Alexander “Sandy” Nininger Veterans’ Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines.
                • Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City.
                • Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte.
                • Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home in St. Augustine.
                • Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie.

                Care offered will vary depending on the facility, but all facilities have a fixed number of beds available for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

                Veterans Can Buy a Home with $0 Down

                {Sponsored} The VA Home Loan offers $0 Down with no PMI. Find out if you’re eligible for this powerful home buying benefit. Prequalify today!

                Florida Veteran Financial Benefits

                Tax Breaks for Veterans

                Veterans with VA service-connected disability ratings of 10% or higher are eligible for a basic Florida state property tax exemption of $5,000. This exemption is not automatic. The veteran is required to file paperwork in their county showing proof of disability and the accompanying VA rating. This tax exemption may also apply to qualifying surviving spouses who were married to the veteran for five years before the veteran’s death.

                Florida Homestead Tax Exemptions For Veterans

                Honorably discharged veterans are also entitled to a Florida “homestead exemption” which offers property tax breaks depending on the nature of service and other factors. At the time of this writing, current and former military members may be eligible to receive an exemption if deployed outside the United States during the previous year “in support of a designated operation” determined by the State of Florida.

                The exact amount of the exemption “corresponds to the percent of time during the previous year when the service member was deployed on a designated operation” according to the Florida Department of Revenue.

                100% Florida Property Tax Exemption For Totally Disabled Veterans

                Service members who have a VA-rated “total disability” considered permanent may be eligible for a 100% exemption from property taxes on homesteads. Qualifying surviving spouses are also eligible for this exemption.

                Additional Florida Veteran Benefits

                Florida Driver’s License, ID Cards, and License Plates For Veterans

                Florida allows special veteran designation on driver licenses and state ID cards. Discharge paperwork such as the DD Form 214 or its’ Guard/Reserve equivalent is required at application time.

                100% Disabled veterans are eligible for no-fee licenses/ID cards. No-fee Florida driver licenses are available to 100% disabled veterans who are “qualified to obtain a driver license” according to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.

                Florida Military License Plates

                The State of Florida offers military members and veterans “military” designated license plates for a fee. These plates may reflect the driver’s Purple-Heart status or other honors. Proof of military service/honorable discharge is required at application time.

                Veteran License Plates and Parking Benefits

                Qualifying disabled veterans are eligible for one free “DV” designated license plate for disabled veterans. The applicant must furnish proof of “a service-connected 100-percent disability rating or that the vehicle was acquired through VA financial assistance” according to the Florida VA. Additionally, Florida also provides a free license plate with a wheelchair emblem “for those veterans permanently confined to a wheelchair and who otherwise qualify for a DV plate.”

                Any driver with a “DV” plate who has mobility issues can park in any designated handicapped parking zone, and state law prohibits publicly run airports from charging parking fees to those with applicable DV license plates.

                Florida Toll Road Fee Waivers For Disabled Veteran Drivers In Specially Equipped Vehicles

                State law requires toll-road fee waivers for any driver of a specially equipped motor vehicle for the handicapped if the driver’s disabilities prevent or complicate the paying of tolls with coins in the toll baskets.

                Florida Recreational Benefits For Veterans

                Reduced fees, discounts and fee waivers for veterans in Florida include:

                • A 25% discount on annual passes to Florida state parks.
                • Full or partial discount on entrance fees at municipal parks and recreation facilities.
                • A “Military Gold Sportsman’s License” is offered at a reduced fee to current and retired military members.
                • No-fee Florida state hunting and fishing licenses and permits for Florida residents who are VA certified as 100% totally and permanently disabled and for those who carry a disabled veteran ID card.
                • No-fee use of state land and state-run agricultural land as part of the Operation Outdoor Freedom project.

                Florida has established a unique “veterans court” addressing mental health and substance abuse issues for qualifying veterans. Approximately 24 veterans courts have been established to handle such cases. According to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, “Successful completion of Veterans Court has helped decrease the recidivism rates of its participants through the proper diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues.”

                Florida Burial Benefits For Veterans

                The State of Florida itself does not extend additional benefits to veterans for burial, but the presence of a large number of VA cemeteries in Florida makes it easier for veterans and their families to manage pre-need planning for funeral arrangements. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida does not operate any national cemeteries for veterans, but the following is a list of VA cemeteries in the state:

                • Barrancas National Cemetery
                • Bay Pines National Cemetery
                • Cape Canaveral National Cemetery
                • Florida National Cemetery
                • Jacksonville National Cemetery
                • Sarasota National Cemetery
                • South Florida National Cemetery
                • Tallahassee National Cemetery

                St. Augustine National Cemetery is included in the Florida list, but is marked as closed.

                • Veteran.com Team

                  Written by Veteran.com Team

                  The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

                • Andrew Stamp

                  Reviewed by Andrew Stamp

                  Andrew Stamp served in U.S. Army special forces for more than 10 years and is currently pursuing his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

                Updated November 8, 2022

                Military Retirement Benefits

                When you become retirement-eligible as a military member, what military retirement benefits can you look forward to after you’ve started transitioning to life as a civilian? The more you know […]

                Table of Contents

                  When you become retirement-eligible as a military member, what military retirement benefits can you look forward to after you’ve started transitioning to life as a civilian? The more you know about retirement benefits before your journey begins, the better.

                  Things To Do, Pre-Retirement

                  Before you go into official retired military status, there are some benefits you’ll want to use. One is permissive temporary duty (TDY) for house hunting. his option allows your command to cut TDY orders to help you find housing ahead of your final out-processing or in conjunction with terminal leave.

                  Permissive TDY for house hunting is not automatically approved, and mission requirements will determine whether you are allowed to take this option. However, it’s worth exploring because it buys you time to find a new home while still drawing your full military pay, allowances and benefits.

                  You’ll also want to get a final physical and dental appointment on the way out of your final assignment. This isn’t just useful for making sure you are in good health as you head into a new set of major life changes, but it’s also helpful for making claims for VA compensation for service-connected medical issues.

                  Your final appointments in the military healthcare system may be crucial for these claims.

                  Military Retirement Benefits

                  Retirement And Disability Pay

                  When contemplating military retirement, the benefit most people think of first is retirement pay. There are many different types of retirement pay, including:

                  • Regular and Reserve retirement payments.
                  • Temporary and permanent disability retirement payments.
                  • Concurrent retirement and disability pay.
                  • Combat-related special compensation payments.
                  • Survivor Benefit Plan payments.

                  Some retirement pay is designated as temporary and some is not. The amount of retirement pay you draw will depend on a variety of factors, including whether you are an officer or enlisted at retirement time, which retirement plan you opted into and how long you served.

                  Retirement pay isn’t the only option for those who have spent the minimum time in service to retire. VA disability pay is also an option in a variety of circumstances:

                  • Additional (tax-free) benefits for Veterans injured while in the service.
                  • Ratings for service-connected disability codes.
                  • Ratings for special monthly compensation.
                  • Individual unemployment ratings.
                  • Rerating you if you feel your disability has increased.

                  Retired veterans may have to choose between disability pay and retirement pay. You’ll want to ask your transition assistance counselor or VA rep about the advantages of choosing one over the other depending on your personal circumstances.

                  Final Relocation: The earliest available military retirement benefit you have is the government-paid final relocation move. You have a full calendar year from your official date of retirement to use your final Department of Defense-funded move to your home of record, or “anywhere within the United States”.

                  Moving is stressful and costly. You definitely want to take advantage of this benefit. You can ask your command support staff about this option prior to your final out-processing appointment or discuss it during transition assistance appointments.

                  Base Access For Commissary, BX/PX and Other Needs

                  Military retirees and their immediate family members qualify for base access with their official, unexpired retiree ID cards issued by the DoD. You will need to apply for ID cards for yourself and your family via your base or installation Pass & ID office or similar on-base service provider.

                  These ID cards allow entry to the base, the use of the commissary and Base Exchange(BX)/Post Exchange (PX) and any available medical services on post. Not all bases have the same services or access for retirees. Your options for on-base services may also include base pharmacies, fitness centers, golf courses and other recreational offerings.

                  Retiree access also includes perks such as being welcome at certain Morale, Welfare, And Recreation facilities, like RV parks and camping areas.

                  Space-Available Travel

                  Military retirees and family members with current, unexpired DoD-issued retiree IDs are allowed to fly on military aircraft on a space-available basis. This is true as mission needs permit, is available overseas as well as stateside and is open to retirees and family members with a valid identification card as long as they are accompanied by a sponsor. Space A travel has a priority list. Retirees are in Category Six, out of six categories. It’s true that retirees have the lowest Space-A priority, but the option is there. Contact the military passenger terminal at a base near you to determine whether Space A flights are possible from your current location.

                  Insurance Options

                  Life insurance plans you had while serving may require you to transition to the retired military version. For example, your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) plan is effective for 120 days after retirement. You will need to switch to the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) plan within that time frame.

                  Veterans who do not switch within 120 days are subject to a requirement that they prove they are in good health.

                  Regarding medical options, retiring service members can enroll in vision and dental insurance via a benefits program for federal employees and military members called FEDVIP. There is an open enrollment period, but you can also enroll when you have a qualifying life event.

                  Retirees can also enroll themselves and family members in the retirement version of TRICARE. You must enroll yourself and your family members or risk losing your existing TRICARE benefits. TRICARE requires signups for coverage even if the family members have Medicare Part A or Part B.

                  The Survivor Benefit Plan is another option service members should ideally begin learning about pre-retirement. This plan, commonly abbreviated as SBP, is designed to pay part of your military retirement pay to your spouse or other beneficiaries.

                  Service members are automatically enrolled as long as they have a qualifying beneficiary at the maximum payout level (unless otherwise selected). You can learn more about this program via your base Transition Assistance Program or the Defense Finance and Accounting Agency’s website.

                  GI Bill And Other VA Education Benefits

                  Military retirees have the option to use their GI Bill benefits after retirement, but there are also state-level education programs, including tuition and fee coverage for qualifying veterans and retirees. You’ll want to compare the state benefits to your GI Bill benefits and decide which to use first and why.

                  It is true that the Post 9/11 GI Bill may be transferred to dependents and spouses, but if you did not transfer your GI Bill to them while serving on active duty, your ability to transfer has ended.

                  That is one reason why it’s a very good idea to explore both state-level veteran benefits sites and the VA’s site for other options your spouse and children can use if you have qualifying military service for those programs.

                  VA Home Loan Program

                  VA home loans are for service members with qualifying military service and certain qualifying surviving spouses of military members who died as a result of military service. VA mortgages feature no-money-down home loans and refinance loans.

                  Veterans and spouses can apply together, but spouses (except for surviving spouses) cannot apply for VA loans without the veteran unless the spouse also qualifies for the program with a minimum amount of military service. Dependent children cannot apply for the VA loan program without qualifying military service.

                  • Veteran.com Team

                    Written by Veteran.com Team

                    The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

                  Updated October 15, 2024

                  SNAP Benefits

                  The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income families purchase nutritious food. More than 20,000 military families, 213,000 members of the National Guard and reserve and 1.1 million veterans need SNAP […]

                  Table of Contents


                    The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income families purchase nutritious food. More than 20,000 military families, 213,000 members of the National Guard and reserve and 1.1 million veterans need SNAP to make ends meet, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

                    SNAP benefits are announced in August each year, and go into effect from October 1 to September 30. Benefits are based off of the cost-of-living-adjustments (COLA). In 2025, the USDA increased benefits by 2.5% from 2024.

                    » MORE: Shop deals & SNAP-eligible groceries on Amazon

                    Who Qualifies for SNAP

                    SNAP is a need-based program with income and resource limits, as well as employment and citizenship requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for SNAP, although exceptions exist for children and for those who receive disability benefits and have lived in the United States for at least five years.

                    » Did you know? You can now check your SNAP EBT balance on Amazon

                    Resource Limits

                    The USDA sets resource limits for households to qualify for SNAP benefits. A household means “everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares meals together,” as well as spouses and children younger than 22, according to the USDA.

                    The household may have a maximum $3,000 in “countable resources,” effective Oct. 1, 2024. Countable resources include funds in cash or in a bank account. In cases where at least one member has a disability or is at least 60 years old, the resource cap increases to $4,500.

                    Countable resources do not include SSI benefits, the family’s home, its lot or most retirement and pension plans

                    Each state determines whether a vehicle counts as a resource. 

                    According to the USDA, your vehicle may not count as a resource if: 

                    • It’s valued under $1,500 
                    • You use it as a home
                    • You use it to produce income
                    • You use it to transport a physically disabled member of the household 
                    • You use it to carry most of the household’s fuel or water

                    Check with your state’s SNAP office for further details.

                    Income Limits

                    SNAP has gross and net income limits, based on the number of people in the household. You must meet both requirements to qualify. The gross monthly income is based on 130% of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty guideline for those living in the continental U.S. Net income is based on 100% of the poverty line. However, these limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.

                    If someone in your household is over age 60, you only need to meet the net income limit.

                    SNAP Gross Income Eligibility Limits (130% of Federal Poverty Threshold)

                    (Effective Oct. 1 2024-Sept. 30 2025)
                    Household Size48 States,
                    District of Columbia,
                    Guam, Virgin Islands                    		AlaskaHawaii
                    1$1,632$2,038$1,817
                    2$2,215$2,767$2,457
                    3$2,798$3,496$3,098
                    4$3,380$4,225$3,738
                    5$3,963$4,955$4,378
                    6$4,546$5,684$5,018
                    7$5,129$6,413$5,659
                    8$5,712$7,142$6,299
                    Each additional member$583$730$671

                    SNAP Net Income Eligibility Limits (100% of Federal Poverty Threshold)

                    (Effective Oct. 1 2024-Sept. 30 2025)
                    Household Size48 States,
                    District of Columbia,
                    Guam, Virgin Islands                    		AlaskaHawaii
                    1$1,255$1,568$1,443
                    2$1,704$2,129$1,959
                    3$2,1522,690$2,475
                    4$2,600$3,250$2,990
                    5$3,049$3,811$3,506
                    6$3,497$4,372$4,022
                    7$3,945$4,933$4,538
                    8$4,394$5,494$5,054
                    Each additional member$449$561$516

                    Note: Most military pay and allowances count as household income, according to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. This includes basic allowance for housing (BAH) and basic allowance for subsistence (BAS). Only combat pay, hostile fire pay and imminent danger pay do not count.

                    SNAP Employment Requirements

                    You must also meet the following work requirements to be eligible for the SNAP program, according to the USDA:

                    • Not voluntarily quitting a job
                    • Not voluntarily reducing your hours of employment
                    • Taking a job when you are offered one
                    • Participating in employment and training programs, if your state offers them

                    To receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period, you must work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week, according to the USDA. However, children, senior citizens, pregnant people and people with physical or mental limitations are exempt from this requirement.

                    SNAP Benefits Versus the Military’s Assistance Program

                    The Department of Defense approved a new basic needs allowance (BNA) for service members whose household income falls below a certain threshold. Like SNAP, gross household income must fall below 130% of the poverty level.

                    The BNA will provide a monthly benefit that brings the household income up to 130% of the poverty threshold.

                    How BNA Differs from SNAP

                    SNAP recipients receive a debit card that can be used for food items only. The government replenishes the debit card balance each month. 

                    DOD adds BNA to military members’ pay. The funds are not subject to SNAP’s purchase restrictions.

                    Can SNAP and BNA Be Used Concurrently?

                    No. Once you receive BNA benefits, your eligibility for SNAP ends. Military pay and allowances count as household income, so you must report BNA income to the SNAP office. 

                    Receiving BNA benefits may also affect your ability to financially qualify for other government programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). It may also change eligibility for school lunch programs, earned income tax credits and other benefits.

                    Tax code for both federal and state income taxes changes frequently. Ask a tax professional how receiving federal assistance such as SNAP or BNA affects taxes.

                    • Jon Rehagen

                      Written by Jon Rehagen

                      Jon Rehagan covers financial topics and military news, aimed at helping those who've served our country and everyday civilians

                    Updated December 24, 2022

                    10 Veterans Benefits You May Not Know About

                    Many veterans know about the basic health care and education benefits available to them through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Numerous other programs exist to help veterans and their families […]

                    Table of Contents

                      Many veterans know about the basic health care and education benefits available to them through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

                      Numerous other programs exist to help veterans and their families with valuable benefits like financial assistance for medical care. Even within the health care and education programs there are little-known benefits to improve the lives of veterans and help ease the financial burden of medical care or other expenses.

                      Here are 10 veterans benefits you may not have heard about yet.

                      Long-term Care

                      Long-term care is expensive, but often necessary in old age.

                      Through the aid and attendance program, veterans are eligible for financial help to cover the cost of nursing homes, assisted living programs and other long-term care options.

                      Couples can receive up to $25,020 a year, and surviving spouses of veterans may be eligible for up to $1,318 per month – or $15,816 per year – per year to cover their own long-term care costs.

                      Can everyone receive long-term care through the VA’s aid and attendance program?

                      To receive long-term care through the VA’s aid and attendance program, you must be eligible for a basic VA pension first. So, if your income is over a certain limit, you may not be eligible for long term care coverage.

                      Caregiver Support

                      If you choose to take care of an ailing veteran at home, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a caregiver support program. While this program doesn’t offer financial support for caregivers, it does provide access to a free support line and a caregiver support coordinator that can help you identify and navigate helpful benefits.

                      Death Benefits

                      When a veteran dies, families have a few unique benefits available to them. You can request a flag to drape over the casket and a presidential memorial certificate to honor your loved one’s service.

                      The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides free headstones or grave markers.

                      Non-College Degree Programs/Certificates

                      You can use the Montgomery or Post 9-11 GI Bill to pay for college credits as well as  vocational training or certification programs. 

                      These include:  

                      • HVAC repair
                      • Truck driving
                      • Emergency medical training
                      • Cosmetology school
                      • SCUBA Divemaster certifications
                      • Flight School

                      Other non-college degree programs are available through the VET TEC program which offers coding bootcamps and similar information science programs.

                      Want more? Here’s a list of free IT certifications available to veterans.

                      Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program

                      If you have a service-connected disability rating from the VA of at least 10% or are on active duty and waiting to be medically discharged, you may be eligible for the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program.

                      The purpose of the VR&E program is to help veterans with service-connected disabilities obtain employment support and services. VR&E offers job and education benefits in addition to other programs you may be eligible for with the VA, including the GI Bill. VR&E services include job training, resume  development, apprenticeships and more.

                      Within the VR&E, some veterans may receive access to the VR&E Special Employer Incentives program, which pays employers an incentive to hire disabled veterans who face employment-related challenges. If you have a service-connected disability, you can apply for VR&E here.

                      Transferring GI Bill® Credits

                      You can transfer your unused GI Bill credits to spouses and dependents of a veteran, as long as you meet certain service requirements.

                      Free Tax Preparation

                      Veterans and their family have access to free tax preparation services through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offices on military bases. VITA’s tax professionals understand complicated tax issues related to the military lifestyle.

                      Life Insurance

                      Many veterans have trouble obtaining traditional life insurance, especially with a service-connected injury or disability. Through the Veterans’ Group Life Insurance program, veterans may be eligible to purchase up to $400,000 in life insurance at competitive premium rates.

                      You must apply within a year plus 120 days of leaving military service, according to the VA.

                      Don’t wait until the last day. If you sign up for VGLI within 240 days of your separation, you don’t need to prove you’re in good health.

                      Mortgage Help

                      Veterans having trouble making their mortgage payments can receive repayment assistance and counseling through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Options for help include special repayment plans, loan forbearance, loan modification programs and financial counseling.

                      Aside from foreclosure assistance, the VA provides a mortgage option for eligible veterans, military members and surviving spouses. The home loan offers $0 down, no private mortgage insurance (PMI) and lenient credit requirements.

                      VA loans are a VA benefit, but the VA doesn’t act as the lender. To get a VA loan, contact a private lender or bank.

                      American Corporate Partners

                      American Corporate Partners connects veterans with top companies to help them obtain a job after their time of service. The program also provides one-on-one mentoring and other career development services.

                      For more information, visit the American Corporate Parters website.

                      • Veteran.com Team

                        Written by Veteran.com Team

                        The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

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