- Dependents of military veterans are eligible to receive health care, compensation and academic assistance.young family image by JulianMay.co.uk from Fotolia.com
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs provide benefits for survivors and dependents of veterans who served, died or were injured during or after their active duty term. Veterans Affairs offers a wide range of benefits for spouses, dependent parents and dependent children. Families may be eligible to receive health care in addition to financial compensation and academic assistance. - Veterans Affairs offer academic assistance to eligible dependents. Ideal candidates must be unmarried spouses, children or dependent parents of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability or who had a permanent service-related disability. The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial aid for education and housing to dependents of military members who served at least 90 days following September 12, 2001. Tuition and fees are directly given to the school. Dependents receive a basic allowance for housing and an annual book stipend of $1,000 as well. Children of those who died in active duty since September 11, 2001 may also apply for the Marine Gunner Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. Recipients are eligible for a work-study program in which they receive hourly wages.
- Survivors and dependents can receive medical expenses reimbursement for skilled nursing care, mental health, in-patient and out-patient care and prescription medication. Eligible recipients cannot be eligible for TRICARE, a civilian-dependent medical program. Unmarried, surviving spouses below age 55, dependent children, children born with Spina Bifida and those with birth defects are eligible to apply. Veteran Affairs centers offer bereavement counseling to family members of service members who died while serving. The service may be used up to 60 days without charge unless directors approve otherwise.
- Survivors are eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if the veteran's demise results from an injury, service-related disability or disease during active duty. DIC recipients receive a basic rate, child support and nursing home assistance. Non-reimbursed medical payments may be accounted for to reduce taxable income as well. Rates for surviving dependents vary and are based on the service member's rank and pay grade. Low-income spouses and children may receive a death pension in addition to compensation. Eligible spouses must not remarry and must have children under age 18. Children under age 23 are eligible for death pensions if they attend a Veterans Affairs approved college or university.
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