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VeTALKX National Peer to Peer Q&A Chat! Ask Questions Now About Navigating VA & Community Services
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Join us on August 22nd, 1pm – 2 pm ET to participate in our National VeTALKX Q&A Chat on RallyPoint to gain access to Veteran peer support resources. Get connected to a Veteran peer to help you navigate VA and community services. Post your questions on how to get peer support!
(Typed Q&A format. No audio/visual)
You can ask questions to the following people:
» MG Mark Graham - Executive Director, Vets4Warriors
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» AB Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
» SGT Jim Zenner - Director, LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
» Heather Kelly - Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Travis Manion Foundation
» SSgt Kathryn Dobbs - Outreach Coordinator, Student Veterans of America
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Michael Seifer - Veteran Network Peer to Peer Program Manager, American Red Cross
» SMSgt Mike McManus - Program Manager, Veterans Navigation Network
» Anh Tran - LCSW, Program Manager, Veteran Peer Access Network
» LT Christian DiMercurio - Lead, Whole Health Field Implementation Team, VHA
» MSG Samuel Rodriguez - Veteran Outreach and Program Coordinator, UNC THRIVE Program
» Marsha Unruh - Program Director, Home Front Military Network
» MSgt Brian Arrington - Founder/President, VETS2INDUSTRY
» Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
Vets4Warriors:
Vets4Warriors provides live, confidential 24/7 peer support by veterans for veterans, service members and families. Connecting for over 109,000 consecutive hours of continuous service and over 845,000 contacts we remain committed to supporting whenever needed. Our goal is to ensure none is ever alone, because a Vets4warriors peer is always ready to answer your call or chat. [login to see]
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN):
MVCN offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS):
TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.
Home Front Military Network (HFMN):
HFMN helps service members, veterans and their families navigate support systems through web-based and call-in information and assistance to find the services that are the best fit, and follows alongside these individuals every step of the way.
LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs:
LA County Dept of Military and Veteran Affairs focuses on connecting with service members, veterans, their dependents, and caregivers to provide peer support, educate on accessing benefits and healthcare, and has a team of accredited veteran service officers to improve the wellbeing of our military and veteran community through connection to VA and county services and benefits.
Travis Manion Foundation:
Travis Manion Foundation strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and highlighting the role models that lead them. We develop programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.
Student Veterans of America (SVA):
SVA is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, dedicated to supporting military veterans in higher education. With a network of over 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA provides resources, leadership training, scholarships, and advocacy to help veterans succeed academically and transition into the civilian workforce. SVA also conducts research, advocates for policies like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and collaborates with various partners to enhance opportunities for student veterans. Through its annual national conference and other programs, SVA fosters a community that empowers veterans to achieve their educational and career goals.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP):
CSP offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services.
Avalon Action Alliance:
Avalon Action Alliance connects our nation's veterans and first responders to life-changing care. Avalon uses an integrative approach to brain wellness where our clients are seen by an alliance of partners, all focused on providing comprehensive care for the invisible wounds of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-traumatic Stress (PTS), and Substance Abuse.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation:
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s online peer support program, Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, is a safe virtual space for thousands of registered caregivers of all eras to connect, share stories, seek advice, and find commonality in their experiences.
Veterans Navigation Network (VNN):
Former Army Ranger Blake Fuhriman founded Veterans Navigation Network (VNN) in October 2019 with the goal of meeting the transition needs of veterans. VNN does this through one-on-one resource counseling, case management, peer mentorship, advocacy, social and informational events. Federal & state VA benefits, nonprofit, faith-based, & local government services improve quality of life, but only if the veteran is aware of the resources.
This is VNN’s role: connecting veterans/families with healthcare resources, behavioral health options, legal, employment, education, fitness, homeless & suicide prevention, referrals for equine therapy and canine service animal training, assistance with VA disability compensation, discharge upgrades, survivor benefits, and more.
VNN has directly assisted nearly 900 veterans since its inception in late October 2019. Additionally, VNN is the lead agency for the Eastern MT Veteran Service Provider Network. This network consists of government agencies, non-profits & faith-based organizations assisting veterans/families. VNN is a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, helped revitalize the Montana Governor’s Challenge to End Veteran Suicide, and stood up the MT Behavioral Health Advisory Council Veterans Subcommittee. The subcommittee will enable SMFV to benefit from policy improvements and mental health block grant funding.
The Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN):
VPAN is a Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health program designed to connect veterans and their families with the services available to them. Program goals are to reduce homelessness, suicide, under-employment, and dramatically increase ease of access to resources and services for the veteran and MilVet communities. VPAN is staffed by veterans and military family members who provide peer support and linkage to services to their fellow veterans and their family members. Callers are connected with housing, health care, financial, legal and employment advice & assistance resources, and clinical professionals are also available to assist those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
VHA Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation:
Whole Health Field Implementation Team - Whole Health is VA’s approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.
Veteran Outreach & Integration for Connections & Expansion (VOICE) Team - The mission of the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation’s (OPCC&CT) Veteran Outreach, Integration, Collaborations & Expansion (VOICE) Task Force is to advance and support national, regional and local collaborations to integrate and expand understanding of the Whole Health system of care within the Department of Defense, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), Veteran serving Non-Profits, and other community organizations, programs and service entities intended to support transitioning service members, Veterans and their family members. Collaborations and partnerships with Veterans Administration/Veterans Health Administration stakeholders will be a priority of this task force.
(Typed Q&A format. No audio/visual)
You can ask questions to the following people:
» MG Mark Graham - Executive Director, Vets4Warriors
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» AB Bonnie Carroll - President and Founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
» SGT Jim Zenner - Director, LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
» Heather Kelly - Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Travis Manion Foundation
» SSgt Kathryn Dobbs - Outreach Coordinator, Student Veterans of America
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Michael Seifer - Veteran Network Peer to Peer Program Manager, American Red Cross
» SMSgt Mike McManus - Program Manager, Veterans Navigation Network
» Anh Tran - LCSW, Program Manager, Veteran Peer Access Network
» LT Christian DiMercurio - Lead, Whole Health Field Implementation Team, VHA
» MSG Samuel Rodriguez - Veteran Outreach and Program Coordinator, UNC THRIVE Program
» Marsha Unruh - Program Director, Home Front Military Network
» MSgt Brian Arrington - Founder/President, VETS2INDUSTRY
» Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
Vets4Warriors:
Vets4Warriors provides live, confidential 24/7 peer support by veterans for veterans, service members and families. Connecting for over 109,000 consecutive hours of continuous service and over 845,000 contacts we remain committed to supporting whenever needed. Our goal is to ensure none is ever alone, because a Vets4warriors peer is always ready to answer your call or chat. [login to see]
The Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN):
MVCN offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to service members and veterans living with wounds, illnesses, injuries and/or aging.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS):
TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.
Home Front Military Network (HFMN):
HFMN helps service members, veterans and their families navigate support systems through web-based and call-in information and assistance to find the services that are the best fit, and follows alongside these individuals every step of the way.
LA County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs:
LA County Dept of Military and Veteran Affairs focuses on connecting with service members, veterans, their dependents, and caregivers to provide peer support, educate on accessing benefits and healthcare, and has a team of accredited veteran service officers to improve the wellbeing of our military and veteran community through connection to VA and county services and benefits.
Travis Manion Foundation:
Travis Manion Foundation strives to unite and strengthen communities by training, developing, and highlighting the role models that lead them. We develop programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and the community at large.
Student Veterans of America (SVA):
SVA is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, dedicated to supporting military veterans in higher education. With a network of over 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA provides resources, leadership training, scholarships, and advocacy to help veterans succeed academically and transition into the civilian workforce. SVA also conducts research, advocates for policies like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and collaborates with various partners to enhance opportunities for student veterans. Through its annual national conference and other programs, SVA fosters a community that empowers veterans to achieve their educational and career goals.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP):
CSP offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services.
Avalon Action Alliance:
Avalon Action Alliance connects our nation's veterans and first responders to life-changing care. Avalon uses an integrative approach to brain wellness where our clients are seen by an alliance of partners, all focused on providing comprehensive care for the invisible wounds of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-traumatic Stress (PTS), and Substance Abuse.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation:
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s online peer support program, Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, is a safe virtual space for thousands of registered caregivers of all eras to connect, share stories, seek advice, and find commonality in their experiences.
Veterans Navigation Network (VNN):
Former Army Ranger Blake Fuhriman founded Veterans Navigation Network (VNN) in October 2019 with the goal of meeting the transition needs of veterans. VNN does this through one-on-one resource counseling, case management, peer mentorship, advocacy, social and informational events. Federal & state VA benefits, nonprofit, faith-based, & local government services improve quality of life, but only if the veteran is aware of the resources.
This is VNN’s role: connecting veterans/families with healthcare resources, behavioral health options, legal, employment, education, fitness, homeless & suicide prevention, referrals for equine therapy and canine service animal training, assistance with VA disability compensation, discharge upgrades, survivor benefits, and more.
VNN has directly assisted nearly 900 veterans since its inception in late October 2019. Additionally, VNN is the lead agency for the Eastern MT Veteran Service Provider Network. This network consists of government agencies, non-profits & faith-based organizations assisting veterans/families. VNN is a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, helped revitalize the Montana Governor’s Challenge to End Veteran Suicide, and stood up the MT Behavioral Health Advisory Council Veterans Subcommittee. The subcommittee will enable SMFV to benefit from policy improvements and mental health block grant funding.
The Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN):
VPAN is a Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health program designed to connect veterans and their families with the services available to them. Program goals are to reduce homelessness, suicide, under-employment, and dramatically increase ease of access to resources and services for the veteran and MilVet communities. VPAN is staffed by veterans and military family members who provide peer support and linkage to services to their fellow veterans and their family members. Callers are connected with housing, health care, financial, legal and employment advice & assistance resources, and clinical professionals are also available to assist those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
VHA Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation:
Whole Health Field Implementation Team - Whole Health is VA’s approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.
Veteran Outreach & Integration for Connections & Expansion (VOICE) Team - The mission of the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation’s (OPCC&CT) Veteran Outreach, Integration, Collaborations & Expansion (VOICE) Task Force is to advance and support national, regional and local collaborations to integrate and expand understanding of the Whole Health system of care within the Department of Defense, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), Veteran serving Non-Profits, and other community organizations, programs and service entities intended to support transitioning service members, Veterans and their family members. Collaborations and partnerships with Veterans Administration/Veterans Health Administration stakeholders will be a priority of this task force.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Peers
Support
Benefits
Community
Responses: 20
Want to learn more about resources for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Subscribe to #VetResources to receive this weekly newsletter. Sign up here: https://news.va.gov/vetresources/
Melissa Comeau
The weekly email is FULL of great information for our Veteran community.
Hello fellow vets, 1st time joining. I'm a USAF veteran served in the Gulf War in 1990 in Saudi Arabia. Question about VA health benefits, I know I qualify for benefits, but would my wife be able to qualify or access any VA hospital benefits if she did not serve?
Sgt (Join to see)
Sgt Julio Pabon Your wife would not be eligible for VA Hospital benefits. She might be eligible for surviving spouse benefits.
https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
About VA DIC for spouses, dependents, and parents | Veterans Affairs
If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). Find out if you can get VA benefits or compensation.
Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
And should the time come when you are in need of a caregiver, our program is here to support you and your spouse. https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
AB Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for your question, SGT Pabon. Though your spouse may not be eligible for care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive health care benefits program in which the VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. To be eligible for CHAMPVA, you cannot be eligible for TRICARE, and you must be in one of the following categories: (1) The unremarried spouse or unmarried child under 18 (or 23 if enrolled in accredited school as full-time student) of a veteran who has been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service connected disability by a VA regional office; OR (2) The unremarried surviving spouse or unmarried child under 18 (or 23 if enrolled in accredited school as full-time student) of a veteran who died from a VA rated service connected disability; OR (3) The unremarried surviving spouse or unmarried child under 18 (or 23 if enrolled in accredited school as full-time student) of a veteran who was at the time of death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service connected disability; OR (4) The unremarried surviving spouse or unmarried child under 18 (or 23 if enrolled in accredited school as full-time student) of a servicemember who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct (however, in most of these cases, these family members are eligible for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA). To learn more, you contact CHAMPVA at [login to see] . Additionally, TAPS Casework provides support in navigating survivor benefits by leveraging partnerships with organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you have additional questions or would like assistance, please call TAPS 24/7 at 800-959-TAPS (8277) or e-mail [login to see] . We are here to help. With care and gratitude.
Those of you in the Green Bay Wisconsin Area can also find help here! https://gbdav-3.org/
DAV Wisconsin aids veterans with government benefits, free medical transport, and advocacy.
A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
Although I Live In Vegas, I Thank You For Posting This Information,.
Hopefully Others Will Read It And Pass It On To People Who Do Live There.
Hopefully Others Will Read It And Pass It On To People Who Do Live There.
AB Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for sharing, SGT Murphy. Disabled American Veterans is a wonderful veteran service organization for veterans and their families. We are proud to work along side organizations like yours to support fallen military and veteran families.
Thanks to all who served and your families. Vets4Warriors peers are available 24/7 [login to see] and can assist you in connecting to organizations, many which joined her today. Be well.
Learn more about the PACT Act: 2024 Expanded Health Care Eligibility toolkit: https://news.va.gov/129251/pact-act-2024-health-care-eligibility-toolkit/
The PACT Act: 2024 Expanded Health Care Eligibility toolkit - VA News
VA has prepared this PACT Act Stakeholder Toolkit for you to use and share information about VA’s expansion of health care eligibility for Veterans.
I'm an OIF combat arms Army veteran with a service connected and rare chronic skin condition that is not yet curable and impacts my daily life. Does your organization offer a way for me to find peers with similar conditions? Just talking to someone dealing with this or something like this and sharing /hearing how we manage the symptoms would be hugely helpful. Additionally, my doctors say they need to find more patients to help understand my condition for genetic testing to isolate its exact cause to hopefully find a cure. Any advice you can provide on finding these "rare peers" would be much appreciated.
MSG Samuel Rodriguez
Hello, not knowing if you've reached out to them already, but one thought is to try to contact the Center for Disease Control or the CDC. They may have other resources not commonly available for testing that can diagnose your condition. Here is the web link. https://www.cdc.gov/
Melissa Comeau
Thank you so much for asking this question. It can be hard to find "rare peers" If you are looking for a group focused on a specific condition you might try the Rare Diseases Patient Organizations. You may find other Veterans in these groups as well. I hope you are able to connect with someone who shares a similiar lived experience. https://rarediseases.org/patient-organizations/
Patient Organizations Archive - National Organization for Rare Disorders
Patient Organizations Archive - National Organization for Rare Disorders
My wife served 16 years in the Navy at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. She received an Honorable Discharge. She said she can no longer get onto the base. Is there any way she can get access to the base just to visit the stores or get some gas?
Sgt (Join to see)
If this website does not provide the information that you are looking for, I would call the Visitor Control Center and ask about base access.
https://www.jba.af.mil/Resources/Visitor-Control-Center/
https://www.jba.af.mil/Resources/Visitor-Control-Center/
The Visitor Control Center controls entry to Joint Base Andrews by identity proofing, vetting to determine the level of character and conduct determined necessary for the basis of access control decisions for individuals requesting and/or requiring access to installations, and issuance of access credentials.
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
James Hodge Thank you for your question! A couple steps to apply for a DoD Identification Card: You’ll need to fill out an Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment (DD Form 1172-2). Link: https://www.cac.mil/Portals/53/Documents/dd1172-2.pdf And then Then turn in your completed application to a Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) office for processing. Link: https://www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/Getting-Your-ID-Card/
With little time left on this chat, I'd like to share two personal testimonies that veterans have shared with our organization to demonstrate the incredible work our Avalon Action Alliance organizations are accomplishing for our Veteran and First Responder communities. We are here to help! If you don't reach out to our organization, then reach out to any of the other incredible resources in this chat! Here is the first testimony:
MaDonna U.S. Army Navy Veteran, Boulder Crest Warrior PATHH
“Your will to live has to be stronger than anything that’s ever happened to you.”
MaDonna joined the US Navy right after high school, serving on active duty for six years and for the next 17 years serving as a police officer in her hometown of Macon, GA.
She has known trauma her entire life. The first was when she was 6, and then again at 12 when she experienced incidents of sexual trauma. When the same type of trauma happened while serving in the military, she learned not to trust herself, and because it was from a superior-ranking enlisted member, she learned not to trust the military. It’s impacted every relationship she’s had, including the one with her children.
“My older two, I had them younger, and I was going through the motions. They were more like my little roommates than a parental/child relationship. I protected, I provided, but I was emotionally dead. The younger two got more, but I still wasn’t emotionally available like a mother should be. I decided that I’ve got to let them know I’m human. That was my turning point.”
And that turning point led her to Warrior PATHH (WP). She knew she couldn’t make any more excuses. She was ready to live and not just exist. The MaDonna that showed up to WP carried a lot with her, uncertain if she was going to unpack her bags or take them back home. She chose to show up.
"My experience is one that is almost indescribable with words. The difference for me from any other therapy was the moment the guides, who are also veterans and first responders, told their stories first. They came clean first. They emptied first. And that for me was pivotal from any other thing I’ve tried because I said ‘they understand. They are going to hear me, see me, feel me. They are going to truly get what I’m saying because they have experienced trauma."
She is now free. Free to tell her story without shame. The advice she would give to any veteran or first responder, especially women, is this… “Just move. Even if you go and say, I’m not going to say a word - whatever your reason is - GO. If you want to truly live and not just exist and lay down your baggage, exhale, release, open your hand – GO. Complete your mission of you.”
MaDonna U.S. Army Navy Veteran, Boulder Crest Warrior PATHH
“Your will to live has to be stronger than anything that’s ever happened to you.”
MaDonna joined the US Navy right after high school, serving on active duty for six years and for the next 17 years serving as a police officer in her hometown of Macon, GA.
She has known trauma her entire life. The first was when she was 6, and then again at 12 when she experienced incidents of sexual trauma. When the same type of trauma happened while serving in the military, she learned not to trust herself, and because it was from a superior-ranking enlisted member, she learned not to trust the military. It’s impacted every relationship she’s had, including the one with her children.
“My older two, I had them younger, and I was going through the motions. They were more like my little roommates than a parental/child relationship. I protected, I provided, but I was emotionally dead. The younger two got more, but I still wasn’t emotionally available like a mother should be. I decided that I’ve got to let them know I’m human. That was my turning point.”
And that turning point led her to Warrior PATHH (WP). She knew she couldn’t make any more excuses. She was ready to live and not just exist. The MaDonna that showed up to WP carried a lot with her, uncertain if she was going to unpack her bags or take them back home. She chose to show up.
"My experience is one that is almost indescribable with words. The difference for me from any other therapy was the moment the guides, who are also veterans and first responders, told their stories first. They came clean first. They emptied first. And that for me was pivotal from any other thing I’ve tried because I said ‘they understand. They are going to hear me, see me, feel me. They are going to truly get what I’m saying because they have experienced trauma."
She is now free. Free to tell her story without shame. The advice she would give to any veteran or first responder, especially women, is this… “Just move. Even if you go and say, I’m not going to say a word - whatever your reason is - GO. If you want to truly live and not just exist and lay down your baggage, exhale, release, open your hand – GO. Complete your mission of you.”
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
Thank you CN Leorard McDowell for the question! Please visit and check out this website for all the information on getting your flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine: https://www.va.gov/initiatives/covid-flu/
Question, I was recently awarded my 100% Disability. I need to understand what my Wife of 53 yrs, is eligible for in the event of my death.
I feel we need to know the answer to this question.
Thank you and I look forward in getting this question answered.
I feel we need to know the answer to this question.
Thank you and I look forward in getting this question answered.
PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell
Thank you SPC Joe Patterson for your question and also thank you for your service. You may find out more information on Survivor and Dependent Compensation (DIC) directly at this website. https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
About VA DIC for spouses, dependents, and parents | Veterans Affairs
If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). Find out if you can get VA benefits or compensation.
AB Bonnie Carroll
Thank you for your question and your service, SPC Patterson. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a number of benefits to eligible surviving spouses and children. For example, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military service members who passed from a service connected illness or injury, or eligible survivors of veterans whose death resulted from a service related injury or disease. The Survivors Pension benefit, which may also be referred to as Death Pension, is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to a low-income, unremarried surviving spouse and/or unmarried child(ren) of a deceased veteran with wartime service. Accrued Benefits are benefits that are due, but not paid prior to a veteran’s passing. You can find more information on the VA website at https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/. While it can be challenging to think about survivor's benefits and preparing for the passing of our loved ones, know that regardless of the preparation or planning, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is here 24/7 at [login to see] to provide support and comfort to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Our Casework Advocates provide support in navigating survivor benefits by leveraging partnerships with agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. With gratitude and care.
VA benefits for family and caregivers | Veterans Affairs
As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, including health care, life insurance, or money for school. As the survivor of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for added benefits, including help with burial costs and survivor compensation. If you’re caring for a Veteran, you may also be eligible for support to help you better care for the Veteran—and for yourself. Find out...
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