Military Finance Network

Personal finance for military, veterans, and their families

Entries for the ‘VA’ Category

VA Loan Eligibility and Financing

This is the third in a series of posts about VA loans. Military homebuyers across the country continue to flock to VA loans. These flexible, low-cost loans have helped almost 20 million veterans become homeowners since World War II.
The government guarantees about a quarter of a borrower’s mortgage, giving approved lenders a greater degree of [...]

Leave a Comment

VA Loans: Uses and Benefits

VA loans are among the most potent and flexible lending options on the planet. The Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees about a quarter of a qualified borrower’s mortgage. That guarantee is what spurs VA-approved lenders to dole out loans and competitive terms to military buyers.
VA Loan Uses
Qualified borrowers can use a VA loan to purchase, [...]

Leave a Comment

Disabled Veterans to Receive $250 Stimulus Checks

UPDATE: The first stimulus payments were sent Monday, June 22. All payments will be distributed by June 30.
Disabled military veterans currently receiving VA Disability Benefits are eligible to receive a one-time $250 Economic-Recovery Check from the US government. This is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that President Obama signed into law this [...]

Comments (130)

VA Charges Veteran for Surgery on Wounds Received in Battle

Erik Roberts, a former US Army sergeant, was wounded in battle in Iraq. He was evacuated to the US where he underwent 13 surgeries to save his legs. Later, he was medically retired from the US Army because he could no longer physically serve the country he sacrificed so much for.
A few months ago Roberts [...]

Leave a Comment

VA Disability Pay Rates Rise

The 2009 VA Disability rates went up on December 1, 2008. If you receive disability payments from the VA, you likely saw a small raise in your monthly check. You can view the  current VA Disability rates here.
A change in your family status can earn you a higher VA disability payment
Remember to contact the VA [...]

Leave a Comment

Honoring Those Who Served – Free Burial for US Military Veterans

My grandfather passed away a few months ago, and even though it is a difficult time for our family, one thing made it easier for us. My grandfather served in the US Navy during WWII and as a veteran of the US military, he was eligible for a free burial with full military honors. Funerals [...]

Comments (1)

Texas Veterans Leadership Program

I received a press release from the Texas Workforce Commission earlier this week about a new veteran’s program in the state of Texas. The state of Texas recently introduced a new program for veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
More information about the Texas Veteran’s Leadership Program:
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) [...]

Leave a Comment

DD Form 214 – The Most Important Military Document You Will Ever Receive

Your DD Form 214, Verification of Military Service, is one of the most valuable pieces of military paperwork you will ever hold – it verifies your military service and includes your complete name used while in service, service number or social security number, branch of service, dates of service, and additional information regarding your military [...]

Comments (1)

Get a Free Flu Shot from the VA

Flu season is just around the corner, and it is better to get immunized sooner rather than later. While flu shots can be expensive, there are several ways to get your shot free or at a reduced cost.
For instance, did you know that US Military Veterans can get free flu shots at local VA hospitals [...]

Comments (2)

Understanding the Veterans Pension Benefit

There is a little known and little used veterans benefit called the Aid and Attendance Benefit, or Veterans Pension Benefit. This benefit can provide up to $1,800 a month to veteran or $900/widow or spouse and can be used for home care, assisted living and nursing home care.
This benefit is available to active duty veterans [...]

Leave a Comment

VA Assists Vets with Mortgage Problems

With the current issues with our economy, many people are having trouble making ends meet. That is why the VA is reaching out to vets who are having problems making their mortgage payments. Since 2000, VA counselors have helped about 74,000 veterans, active-duty members and survivors keep their homes, saving the government nearly $1.5 billion.
The [...]

Leave a Comment

Veterans Affairs Post-Military Employment Survey

I was recently contacted by the Department of Veterans Affairs to complete a post military employment survey. The survey is designed to “help understand the employment experiences and opportunities for recently discharged veterans.”
There is an increased level of attention to the quality of life veterans experience after separation from the armed services – due in [...]

Leave a Comment

Legislation Proposed to Enhance GI Bill, VA Home Loans, and Small Business Loans for Veterans

Legislation was recently introduced in the Senate by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, (D-NY). The proposed legislation will enhance GI Bill benefits, VA Home Loans, and Small Business Loans for Veterans.
Proposed Enhancements:

GI Bill: The proposed new version of the GI Bill would eliminate the requirement to pay into the system, and would only require the [...]

Leave a Comment

Will Veterans Disability Benefits to be Overhauled?

The Problem: There has been a lot of talk recently about the quality of care that wounded veteran’s are receiving upon their return from the war front. There are also many veterans who feel they are either not getting the care they deserve, or are not getting a military disability rating they feel they qualify [...]

Comments (2)

DoD Enhances GI Bill Eligibility For Guard and Reservists

The DoD announced a policy change in the Montgomery G.I. Bill that increases the eligibility window for some Reservists. The new policy will align with the Department of Veterans Affairs rules, which allow National Guard and Reservists to receive MGIB education benefits for the amount of time they were called to active duty, plus four [...]

Leave a Comment