Family Benefits for US Veterans

American Veterans and Their Dependents

Oct 1, 2009 Jason Chavis

Veterans' benefits apply to a number of family members after a soldier has completed his or her service.

Benefits are available to family members of veterans through a variety of organizations, both inside and outside government. These benefits come in the form of general assistance as well as financial compensation. Who can receive these benefits depends greatly on individual situations and the status of the veteran. Family benefits can be obtained even if the veteran died or is missing in combat.

Organizations for Veterans Benefits

There are a variety of different organizations that help families receive veterans' benefits. On a local level, the Department of Veterans Affairs operates a number of regional offices and liaisons with state governments. Each branch of the armed services operates a specific agency geared towards helping veterans' families receive benefits. In addition, the Department of Defense and the Social Security Administration can provide additional information. A number of non-profit organizations also provide assistance.

Dependents of Veterans

When a veteran dies, either from wounds suffered in service or from other causes, families are eligible for a number of additional benefits to help cope with the loss. These services include burial assistance, education benefits and even compensation. There are a number of stipulations about which members of the family can receive the benefits. Dependents under 18 years of age or 23 if in college, as well as spouses who have not remarried are the most commonly eligible.

Veterans Affairs Department

The Veterans Affairs Department has a number of provisions for families that assist with bereavement, general counseling and day-to-day assistance. Because a number of veterans suffer from injuries, both physical and mental, families may be in need of help. These benefits come in the form of caregivers, organizations that offer group therapy and spiritual services.

History of Veteran Benefits

Historically, families of veterans received very little in terms of benefits from the government. Prior to the 1940s, veterans themselves did not receive benefits outside of compensation during service and a pension depending on the war. In 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt moved to change this. The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 instituted general assistance to veterans for use after World War II. These benefits slowly transferred to the families of veterans as time passed and new wars were fought. The Vietnam Conflict specifically, caused the rise of a number of non-government organizations which helped families of veterans, most notably the National League of Families.

Status of the Veteran

What benefits a family can receive depends on the status of the veteran. While some benefits, such as educational assistance, cannot be used unless the veteran dies, others are available regardless of the situation. Besides the policies of the Veterans Affairs Administration, a number of laws require the assistance to families be offered. The most notable law regarding the benefits for families of veterans can be found within the G.I. Bill of Rights, which was upgraded in 2008.

The copyright of the article Family Benefits for US Veterans in American Affairs is owned by Jason Chavis. Permission to republish Family Benefits for US Veterans in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

US Marine