The United States Government knows that veterans sometimes need extra help transitioning back into the civilian world. These veterans might otherwise be at a disadvantage finding new employment, paying for education or getting special housing adaptation. The federal government has a number of special grants that can cover costs associated with these situations and other special ones.
Special Housing Grant
Some veterans suffer from special disabilities that can make home life difficult. Veterans who suffered permanent and total disability from burns, blindness; or loss of a hand or use of hands can qualify for the Special Housing Adaptation Grant. This grant can provide up to $12,000 to configure homes to help these veterans get around. For example, the grant can help pay for handrail installation along the walls of a blind veteran's home. This grant can apply to homes overseas so long as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs approves.
Education
Education grants like the Montgomery GI Bill can help veterans pursue higher education after the enlistment has ended. The Montgomery GI Bill, as of October 2009, can provide up to $1,388 per month in benefits to help cover tuition costs for qualified schools, which include traditional colleges and even high-tech training courses. The payment rate is based on the student's enrollment status, (full time or part time). These benefits are usable for up to 10 years after Active Duty release.
Burial
Some veterans, unfortunately, pass away after service. Yet these veterans can still gain benefits to help cover burial costs for their remaining loved ones. Any veteran's family can receive up to $300 for burial and can also request military honors for the ceremony. If the veteran dies in a VA hospital, transportation from the hospital to the chosen burial site is covered. If the veteran died because of service-connected disabilities, up to $2,000 can be paid towards burial costs.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Some disabilities can keep a veteran from performing the same vocation in the civilian world as they did during the enlistment. Vocational Rehabilitation grants can help these veterans re-train into another career field. For instance, a veteran who hurt his legs while performing as a military firefighter might want to retrain as a business consultant. Vocational Rehabilitation might help pay for office furniture, special chairs and even class tuition.
Services
For other veterans who have fallen on hard times, finding employment can be tough. The Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program Grant comes from the Department of Labor. It will award up to $250,000 to an organization that develops a program that helps retrain, counsel and employ formerly incarcerated veterans.There are four grants available per year for this program.
Tags: these veterans, Vocational Rehabilitation, benefits help, benefits help cover, burial costs
