After returning from active duty, service members and their spouses may be able to receive special loans to purchase or refinance a home.
There are a number of options for veterans who want to change their home, build a home or make adjustments to support their disability.
In addition to housing-related funding, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) oversees many programs to assist current and former service members.
Several loans, grants and discounts are available to former military members. The terms for government-backed veteran grants are also typically better than those for civilians.
Learn About VA Home Loans
The majority of loans offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs are not direct loans. This means that the loans do not come from the VA directly but rather are backed by the VA.
Thus, veterans must obtain a loan through a VA-approved lender by meeting several eligibility requirements.
The primary document mandated by the Department of Veterans Affairs is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
This certificate verifies that you served in a military branch, the National Guard or Reserves. It also verifies the length of time that you were on active duty and who you served under.
Without this document, it is possible to be rejected for a VA home loan.
In addition, a limited number of grants are available to veterans seeking to make adjustments to their home.
The Specially Adapted Housing grant and Special Housing Adaptation grant are both available to veterans with disabilities that are service-connected and do not have to be repaid.
However, they both have additional and specific requirements that must be met.
Learn About Education Grants for Veterans
Veterans and their spouses and dependents can qualify for grants to attend college or career training programs.
There are several programs available for veterans and their families to take advantage if they want to obtain an education or participate in specific training.
The GI is the largest VA education program. Under this bill, veterans can obtain a full four-year university education at VA-approved institutions.
However, depending on the specific version of the bill, veteran students will have to abide by different regulations, limitations and timelines.
For instance, retired service members who qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill will have 10 years to utilize their education benefits while they will have 15 years for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The funding under VA education grants can be used for a variety of education-related expenses depending on the specific program. Some of the expenses that the VA may cover include:
- Tuition.
- Housing.
- Books.
- Advanced certifications.
- Testing.
- Tutoring.
- On-the-job training.
Now that you have downloaded your guide, you will have access to a wealth of resources and information about the programs that are available to you.
This information has been summarized by experts to make sure that you fully understand your resources and can take advantage of them.
Over the next few days you will receive an email from us, so keep an eye out on your inbox. Meanwhile, you can read the information below to get a preview of the different programs and services that can assist you.
How to Get Free Grants From the Government
State and local departments and outreach organizations receive grants from the government to use for assistance programs for local communities.
Individual residents and families are usually not eligible for these types of grants.
However, if they meet specific criteria, they can receive the benefits offered through the outreach programs.
These programs are able to provide low-income households with food, shelter, assistance with utility payments and medical care. The following are some of the programs:
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), also known as Section 8 housing
- Medicaid
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
Different organizations oversee different types of programs and require applicants to meet certain criteria.
By contacting the nearby Department of Health and Human Services office, applicants can learn details about the available assistance programs.
Administrators can help determine the kind of assistance that will best serve their household.
Additionally, a local Public Housing Agency (PHA) can offer assistance with finding housing or affording housing.
PHAs can also provide emergency housing such as when you are experiencing homelessness. They can also inform you whether you are eligible for housing or rental assistance.
About Car Insurance Discounts and Deals
Obtaining low-cost car insurance is difficult for many residents, not just those who earn low incomes. However, it is still possible to reduce your monthly premium through several means.
First, you can examine your current policy and determine if it covers more than you need. For instance, most states do not consider roadside assistance to be part of minimum coverage.
Rather it is an add-on that could be beneficial. Thus, you could check your state’s laws regarding what is required for minimum auto coverage and tailor your policy for a cheaper premium.
Additionally, you can contact your auto insurance agent and ask about the available discounts. You may qualify for several.
For instance, many states and insurance companies offer reduced premiums for students, safe drivers and motorists who have participated in driving school.
You may also be able to obtain discounts for cable and internet services. One way to reduce your monthly cable cost is to think about whether you need all the channels that you are currently paying for.
Cable internet packages that offer one or two premium channels are often more expensive.
Alternatively, you may qualify for the Lifeline program and be able to have a portion of your cable and internet bill reduced.
Find Out About Cheap Health Insurance Options
If you are in need of cheap health insurance, there are several resources you can turn to get it.
Earning a low income can make it seem impossible to obtain the necessary health care but programs like Medicaid and Medicare allow beneficiaries to get access to the medical services.
Additionally, HealthCare.gov, the federal health insurance government’s website can help you find affordable private health care.
Medicare is a program offered by the federal government to senior Americans and residents with eligible disabilities.
With Medicare, participants can create their health insurance package by combining the different options that are available.
In addition, beneficiaries of Medicare who also qualify for Medicaid are permitted to use both programs to obtain health coverage.
The Medicaid program is a federally funded, state-run government health care option. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is not restricted to elderly and disabled residents.
Instead, it is for those who earn low incomes. However, eligibility specifics are determined by states.
Furthermore, Medicaid policies are not as customizable as Medicare. Rather, recipients obtain access to a variety of medical services at low prices.
Sometimes these services do require any payment. States also have the option of offering additional health care such as dental checkups and vision care but recipients typically have to pay extra to receive them.
