Weekly unemployment compensation may be paid to discharged service members
for a limited period. State laws govern amounts and duration. Apply immediately
after separation.
-
Benefit Expires: Limited time, generally no more than 180 days after
separation.
-
Where to Apply:
The State Employment Service (in Ct., the
American Job Center offices).
Bring a copy of your DD-214 Discharge Papers.
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VETERANS' JOB TRAINING
Federal retraining funds under the WIA Title 1 program may be available for
apprenticeship training, on-the-job training, and special job training programs
funded by the government.
-
Benefit Expires:
Time Varies, depending on the program.
-
Where to Apply:
The State Employment Service (in Connecticut, the
American Job Center office).
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VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE
(VGLI)
Service member’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) may be converted to a 5-year
term policy, renewable for life, known as VGLI. VGLI may be converted to an
individual commercial policy at standard premium rates, with any participating
insurance company.
· Benefit Expires:
120 days after separation, or up to 1 year if totally
disabled.
· Where to Apply:
Any VA Office, or call 1-800-669-8477.
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SERVICE DISABLED VETERANS INSURANCE
A veteran who has a service-connected disability but is otherwise in good
health may apply to the VA for up to $10,000 in life insurance coverage at
standard rates. Veterans who are totally disabled may apply for a waiver of
premiums.
· Where to Apply:
Any VA Office or call 1-800-669-8477.
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SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE
An addition to the Service Disabled Veterans Insurance, an additional $20,000
policy is available for those who are under age 65, eligible for waiver of
premiums and have Service Disabled Veterans Insurance. However, no waiver can be
granted on the additional insurance.
Benefit Expires:
1 year (from date of notice of eligibility for premium
waiver).
Where to Apply:
Any VA Office (1-800-669-8477).
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EDUCATION (Montgomery GI
Bill)
Provides education benefits to:
Persons who first entered active duty after June 30, 1985 and who serve 36
months or otherwise meet minimum service requirements and who did not
decline the MGIB at initial entry.
Persons eligible for VEAP and certain persons in the National Guard who
elected the MGIB during the open season which began 10/9/96.
Persons who had remaining entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill
(Chapter 34) as of 12/31/89, were on active duty sometime between 10/19/84
and 6/30/85, and then served 3 continuous years or otherwise met minimum
service requirements.
Persons who declined the MGIB at initial entry or were not eligible at
initial entry and who are discharged involuntarily for a qualifying
separation reason or who are discharged voluntarily under the SSB or VSI
programs
Note: Other requirements apply to all of the above categories including
receipt of an honorable discharge and a high school diploma.
Benefit Expires:
10 years from date of discharge or release from active
duty; limited extensions available.
Where to Apply:
Any VA Office, or call 1-888-442-4551 or visit
www.gibill.va.gov.
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EDUCATION (Veterans Education Assistance Program
– VEAP)
Provides education assistance to those persons who initially entered service
between 1/1/77 and 6/30/85 and who made contributions to a VEAP account.
Discharge must have been under conditions other than dishonorable.
Benefit Expires:
10 years from date of discharge or release from active
duty; limited extensions available.
Where to Apply:
Any VA Office or call 1-888-442-4551 or visit
www.gibill.va.gov.
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EDUCATION - Montgomery GI Bill – Selected
Reserve (MGIB-SR)
Provides education benefits to members of the reserve elements of the Army,
Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard, and to members of the Army
National Guard and the Air National Guard who make at least a 6-year commitment
in the Selected Reserve and who receive a high school diploma before completing
the initial active duty for training.
Benefit Expires:
10 years from the date of eligibility provided the
individual remains in Selected Reserve. Limited extensions available.
Where to Apply:
Any VA Office or call 1-877-442-4551 or visit
www.gibill.va.gov.
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VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND
EMPLOYMENT
Veterans must have a VA established service-connected disability of at least
10% with a serious employ handicap, or 20% with an employment handicap and be
discharged or released from service under other than dishonorable conditions.
This is an employment oriented program for veterans with service-connected
disabilities that offers services and assistance to help them prepare for, find
and keep suitable employment. As a program participant, VA will pay your
tuition, fees, books, tools, and other program expenses as well as provide you a
monthly living allowance. Once you have taken part in a vocational
rehabilitation program, VA will assist you in finding employment.
Benefit Expires:
Generally, 12 years from date of separation from service
or within 12 years of compensable service-connected VA disability award.
Where to Apply:
Any VA Office or call
1-800-827-1000 or file at
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm.
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DISABILITY COMPENSATION
The VA pays compensation for disabilities incurred in or aggravated during
military service. The veteran’s service must have been terminated through
separation or discharge under conditions that were other than dishonorable. This
benefit is not subject to federal or state income tax. Special Separation
Benefits (SSB) and Voluntary Separation Incentives (VSI) affects the amount of
VA compensation paid. Entitlement is established from date of separation if
claim is filed within one year from separation.
Benefit Expires:
No Time Limit
Where to Apply: Any VA Office or call 1-800-827-1000 or file at
http://www.vba.va.gov/.
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HEALTH BENEFITS
The VA provides a wide range of health care services to veterans. Veterans
must be enrolled with VA to receive care with the following exclusions: (1)
Service-connected disability of 50% or more; (2) Care for a disability, which
the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but
which the VA has not yet rated, during the 12-month period following discharge;
or (3) Care for a service-connected disability. Under the new 7-tier priority
system, ALL Veterans may receive medical services and treatment at
little or no cost, depending on circumstances and eligibility criteria.
Benefit Expires:
No Time Limit.
Where to Apply:
Any VA Medical Facility or call
1-877-222-8387.
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HOME LOANS
The VA will guarantee loans for eligible service members, veterans,
reservists, and certain unmarried surviving spouses to purchase homes,
condominiums, manufactured homes, and for refinancing loans. The loans are
actually made by private lenders but the VA guaranty generally means the lender
will not require any down payment.
Benefit Expires:
No Time Limit.
Where to Apply:
Any VA Office or call 1-800-827-1000 or visit
www.homeloans.va.gov.
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EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Assistance is available in finding employment in private industry, in
Federal Service and local government.
Benefit Expires:
No Time Limit.
Where to Apply:
Local or State Employment Service Veterans Representatives,
Office of Personnel Management, or any VA Office.
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NON-SERVICE CONNECTED
DISABILITY OR DEATH PENSION
Veterans with qualifying war time service who are permanently or totally
disabled due to non service-connected disabilities may be eligible for a monthly
pension benefit depending on income. Surviving spouses and children may also
qualify.
Benefit Expires:
No Time Limit.
Where to Apply:
Any VA Office or call 1-800-827-1000.
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BURIAL PLOT / INTERMENT ENTITLEMENT
The VA provides certain burial benefits to assist with the burial expenses
of Veterans and certain dependents and survivors.
Benefit Expires:
Time Varies.
Where to Apply:
VA National Cemetery having grave space, or any VA Office.
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READJUSTMENT COUNSELING
Veterans who served on active duty during the Vietnam era or in combat may
be provided counseling to assist the Veteran in adjusting to civilian life.
Benefit Expires:
No Time
Limit.
Where to
Apply:
Any Vet Center, VA
Hospital, or VA Office.
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