Do Spouses Get VA Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide to Eligibility and Coverage

If you’re a military spouse wondering whether you qualify for VA benefits, you’re not alone. The answer is yes – spouses of veterans can qualify for various VA benefits, though eligibility depends on several factors including the veteran’s service status and health condition. Spouses of veterans may be eligible for healthcare coverage, educational assistance, home loan guarantees, life insurance, and survivor benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

These benefits exist to support military families like yours – because service affects more than just the person in uniform. For example, surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected disabilities can receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, while others may qualify for healthcare benefits or education assistance. The VA recognizes that military service affects entire families, not just the service members themselves.

Key Takeaways

• Spouses may qualify for healthcare, education assistance, home loans, and financial support depending on the veteran’s service status and health condition.
• Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes can receive special compensation and pension benefits.
• You’ll need to apply directly through the VA to access spouse benefits, and eligibility requirements vary for each program.

Overview Of VA Benefits For Spouses

The VA offers several important benefits to spouses of veterans, including healthcare, compensation, home loans, and more. These benefits can provide crucial support to military families both during a veteran’s lifetime and after their passing.

Who Qualifies As A Spouse Under VA Guidelines

The VA generally recognizes a spouse as someone who is legally married to a veteran or service member. This includes same-sex marriages that were valid in the place where the couple got married. Common-law marriages may be recognized if they were established in a state that recognizes such unions.

For most VA benefits, you need to be the current spouse of a living veteran or the unremarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. Some benefits have specific rules about when your marriage must have occurred.

If you’re a surviving spouse who remarried after age 57, you may still qualify for certain benefits like Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

Documentation such as a marriage certificate is typically required to prove your relationship to the veteran.

Types Of VA Benefits Available To Spouses

As a military spouse, you may qualify for key VA benefits like:

• Healthcare benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA) if you’re the spouse of a totally disabled veteran or a deceased veteran
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions
• Education benefits through transfer of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, or through Chapter 35 Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) for surviving spouses and spouses of veterans who were rated 100% permanently and totally disabled (P&T) at the time of death, died on active duty, or whose death was service-connected.
• VA home loans with favorable terms, including no down payment
• Burial benefits in national cemeteries alongside the veteran

Many spouses also qualify for caregiver support programs if they’re caring for disabled veterans. The VA provides training, respite care, and sometimes financial stipends to eligible caregivers.

Military spouses may also receive employment assistance and preferential hiring for some federal positions.

General Eligibility Requirements For Spouses

To qualify for most VA spouse benefits, your veteran spouse must have:

• Served the minimum required time on active duty
• Received an honorable or general discharge
• A service-connected condition (for some benefits)

Different benefits have specific eligibility criteria. For example, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) requires that the veteran died from a service-connected disability, or had a 100% disability rating for at least 10 years before death – or for at least 5 years immediately following discharge from service and until death. Filing a BDD claim while still in service or within the first year after discharge can help trigger this 5-year rule.

For healthcare and disability benefits, you may need to show that your spouse’s condition was connected to their military service.

The application process varies by benefit. Most applications can be submitted online through the VA website, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. Keep important documents handy, including your marriage certificate, the veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), and any relevant medical records.

Health Care Benefits For Spouses

Military and veteran spouses have access to several healthcare programs through the VA and Department of Defense. These programs offer comprehensive coverage options that can significantly reduce medical expenses for eligible family members.

TRICARE Coverage For Spouses

TRICARE is the Department of Defense’s healthcare program for military families. As a military spouse, you qualify for TRICARE while your service member is on active duty.

TRICARE offers several plans:

• TRICARE Prime: HMO-style coverage with assigned primary care managers
• TRICARE Select: PPO-style plan allowing more provider choice
• TRICARE For Life: Supplemental coverage for Medicare-eligible spouses

TRICARE coverage includes preventive care, hospital services, pharmacy benefits, and mental health services. Your costs will vary based on your sponsor’s military status and the plan you choose.

After your spouse transitions from active duty to veteran status, your TRICARE eligibility may change. You might transition to TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, or lose TRICARE eligibility depending on your spouse’s service status.

CHAMPVA Health Benefits

CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of Veterans Affairs) provides health coverage for spouses and dependents of veterans with specific qualifying conditions. You may be eligible if your veteran spouse:

• Has a permanent, total service-connected disability
• Died from a service-connected condition
• Was totally disabled at time of death
• Died in the line of duty

CHAMPVA covers most medically necessary services including:

• Inpatient and outpatient care
• Prescription medications
• Mental health services
• Emergency care

CHAMPVA works a bit differently than TRICARE – it’s a cost-sharing program. The VA typically pays 75% of covered services after you meet any applicable deductible. If you’re eligible for both VA health care and CHAMPVA, you can enroll in both programs for maximum coverage.

Enrollment Process For Health Care Benefits

To enroll in spouse health care benefits, you’ll need to follow specific procedures based on the program.

For TRICARE enrollment:

1. Ensure you’re registered in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System)
2. Obtain a military ID card
3. Apply during open enrollment (typically November-December) or within 90 days of a qualifying life event

For CHAMPVA enrollment:

1. Complete VA Form 10-10d (CHAMPVA application)
2. Submit proof of relationship to the veteran
3. Provide documentation of the veteran’s qualifying condition

Processing times vary, but typically take 6-8 weeks. Once approved, coverage is effective from the date of eligibility or application receipt, depending on circumstances. Keep copies of all submitted documents and follow up if you don’t receive confirmation within 60 days.

How to Use VA Education Benefits as a Spouse

As a military spouse, you’ve got options when it comes to education benefits. These programs offer different levels of support based on service conditions and eligibility requirements.

Transfer Of Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Note: Also feel free to review an article I wrote on this subject in the St. Petersburg Bar Association publication titled Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits and Estate Planning (A Little Known Pitfall).

Service members can transfer their unused GI Bill benefits to their spouse or dependent children. To be eligible for this transfer, the service member must have at least six years of service and commit to four additional years.

You can receive up to 36 months of benefits which cover:

• Full tuition and fees at public institutions
• Up to $26,381.37 per year at private schools (2024-2025 rate)
• Monthly housing allowance
• Books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year

Once transferred, you can use these benefits while your spouse is still serving or after they separate from service. You must use all transferred benefits within 15 years of your spouse’s last discharge date.

The benefit amount depends on the service member’s length of service, with 100% benefits available after 36 months of active duty.

Survivors’ And Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35)

If you’re the spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently disabled due to service-related conditions, missing in action, captured in the line of duty, or who died from service-related causes, you may qualify for DEA benefits.

This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits that can be used for:

• College degrees
• Certificate programs
• Apprenticeships
• On-the-job training

The current monthly payment rate is about $1,401 for full-time students. DEA doesn’t cover full tuition like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, but many public universities waive tuition for students using DEA, making it nearly as valuable in some cases.

Surviving spouses have 10 years from the date of the veteran’s death or VA disability determination to use these benefits. If your spouse died on active duty, you remain eligible as long as you don’t remarry before age 57.

DEA also differs from the GI Bill in a few key ways:

• There’s no cap on the number of dependents who can use DEA.
• Each eligible dependent receives their own 36-month benefit – no need to divide it.
• Veterans married to each other can qualify as both a dependent and a veteran, accessing the benefit as the dependent of their spouse.

The Fry Scholarship

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to spouses and dependent children of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.

As a spouse, you’re eligible for:

• Full tuition and fees at public schools
• Up to $26,381.37 per year at private institutions
• Monthly housing allowance
• Books and supplies stipend

Unlike DEA benefits, the Fry Scholarship offers the same comprehensive coverage as the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level. You can receive benefits for up to 36 months.

Surviving spouses can use the Fry Scholarship until 15 years after the service member’s death. You must choose between the Fry Scholarship and DEA benefits – you cannot use both for the same course.

MyCAA And Other Education Programs

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for educational support programs if you’re the spouse of an active duty service member in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, or O-1 to O-2.

MyCAA benefits can be used for:

• Associate degrees
• Licenses
• Certificates
• Certifications
• Career-focused courses

This benefit specifically targets portable career fields, helping you maintain employment as you relocate with your service member. The program must be completed within three years of starting.

Additional programs include state-specific benefits like in-state tuition rates regardless of residency and scholarship opportunities through military aid societies. Some colleges also offer discounted tuition rates specifically for military spouses.

Financial And Survivor Benefits

The VA offers several critical financial support programs for surviving spouses of veterans. These benefits are here to provide monthly income and peace of mind when you need it most. 

VA Survivors Pension (Formerly Known as Death Pension)

The VA Survivors Pension is a tax-free, needs-based financial benefit for surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans. It ensures a minimum level of income for families with limited resources.

To qualify, you must be the surviving spouse of a Veteran who served during a period of war and meet specific service and income requirements. Your income must fall below the annual limits set by Congress. Most income sources are counted, but certain exclusions apply – like some welfare benefits and unreimbursed medical expenses over 5% of your income, which may reduce your countable income and increase your benefit.

The VA calculates your benefit by subtracting your countable income from the annual pension rate for your household size. If you remarry, you typically lose eligibility, although some exceptions apply for those who remarry after age 57.

Accrued Benefits for Surviving Spouses

Accrued benefits are separate from the Survivors Pension. This program allows a surviving spouse to “step into the shoes” of a Veteran who died while pursuing VA disability benefits. If the Veteran had an appeal pending or was still within the one-year window to appeal a prior decision, the surviving spouse may continue the claim.

If successful, the VA will pay the surviving spouse any back pay owed – covering the period from the date of entitlement to the date of the Veteran’s death.

Dependency And Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provides monthly tax-free payments to surviving spouses, children, and sometimes parents of service members who:

• Died while on active duty
• Died from service-related injuries or diseases
• Died from non-service-related causes but were receiving VA compensation for service-connected disabilities

As a surviving spouse, you may qualify if you were married to the Veteran for at least one year. The marriage must have begun within 15 years of the Veteran’s discharge from service that caused the qualifying disability.

Unlike the Survivors Pension, DIC is not income-based. You’ll receive a set monthly amount regardless of your income or assets.

VA Home Loan Benefits For Spouses

VA home loans offer significant advantages for military spouses, particularly regarding favorable terms and qualification requirements. These benefits extend differently to current and surviving spouses, with specific eligibility criteria for each situation.

Eligibility For VA Home Loans

Current spouses of active-duty service members or Veterans cannot qualify for VA loans on their own. The VA-eligible Veteran must be the primary borrower in most cases. But you can be a co-borrower on the loan – and that can make a big difference.

Surviving spouses may qualify independently under certain conditions. You might be eligible if:

• Your spouse died in the line of duty
• Your spouse died from a service-connected disability
• Your spouse is missing in action or a prisoner of war
• Your spouse was totally disabled and died from any cause

To verify eligibility as a surviving spouse, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document proves to lenders that you qualify for the VA loan benefit.

Benefits Of VA Loans For Spouses

VA loans offer several significant advantages compared to conventional mortgages:

• No down payment required in most cases
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirements
• Competitive interest rates that are often lower than conventional loans
• Limited closing costs that can be paid by the seller

As a spouse co-borrowing with your Veteran partner, you can contribute to qualifying for the loan with your income and credit score. This joint application can help you qualify for a larger loan amount or better terms.

For surviving spouses, these benefits provide crucial financial support during difficult transitions. The favorable terms make homeownership more accessible when you might be facing significant life changes.

Surviving Spouse Entitlement

As a surviving spouse, the VA offers three home loan guaranty programs you may be eligible to use:

1. Purchase loans – For buying a primary residence
2. Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL) – For refinancing an existing VA loan
3. Cash-out refinance loans – For taking equity from your home

The VA loan entitlement works the same for surviving spouses as it does for Veterans. This means you can purchase a home with no down payment up to certain loan limits in your county.

To access these benefits, you’ll need to obtain your COE through the VA eBenefits portal or through your lender. Many VA-approved lenders can help you navigate this process and understand your specific entitlement amount.

Life Insurance And Survivor Benefits

The VA offers several insurance options for families of veterans and provides financial support after a veteran’s death. These benefits help spouses and dependents maintain financial stability during difficult times.

​​Types of VA-Provided and Military-Related Insurance

Spouses and dependents of service members may be eligible for several types of life insurance and survivor benefit options tied to military service.

• Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI): If your veteran spouse had Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) while serving, you may have been automatically covered under FSGLI, which provides up to $100,000 in coverage for spouses.
• Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI): When a service member separates from the military, they have the option to convert their SGLI coverage into VGLI.
  • Standard Application Period (No Health Questions): You have 240 days (8 months) from the date of separation to apply for VGLI without answering health questions – this is a guaranteed enrollment period.
  • Extended Application Period (With Health Questions): You may still apply up to 1 year and 120 days (total of 485 days) after separation, but you must answer health questions and pass underwriting.
  • Note: In rare circumstances – such as a veteran being deemed unemployable for VA purposes – retroactive enrollment may be possible, though it’s not typical and often requires additional advocacy.
• Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): This is a separate insurance-like option through the military retirement system. By paying premiums while the veteran is alive, SBP allows a spouse (or other eligible beneficiary) to receive a portion of the veteran’s retirement pay after their death.

Application Process For Survivor Insurance

To apply for survivor benefits, you’ll need to gather important documents first. These typically include the veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), death certificate, and marriage certificate for spouses.

For Survivors Pension, fill out VA Form 21P-534EZ and send it in online, by mail, or in person. You can submit it online through the VA website, mail it to your regional VA office, or work with an accredited representative.

For life insurance claims, contact the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance directly. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting all required documentation.

If you’re unsure which benefits you qualify for, the VA offers personalized assistance. Contact a VA benefits counselor at 1-800-827-1000 to discuss your specific situation and get help with applications.

Remember to apply as soon as possible after the veteran’s death, as some benefits are time-sensitive.

Burial And Memorial Benefits

Veteran spouses are eligible for several important burial benefits through the VA. These benefits provide dignified final resting places and memorial services to honor their connection to military service.

VA Cemetery Burial Benefits

Spouses of eligible veterans can be buried in a national cemetery alongside their veteran husband or wife. This benefit includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, and a burial flag – all at no cost to the family.

The spouse doesn’t need to wait until the veteran dies to receive these benefits. If the veteran is buried first, the spouse can be buried in the same gravesite later. If the spouse dies first, they can be buried with space reserved for the veteran.

VA national cemeteries provide a dignified final resting place that commemorates your loved one’s service. The VA also provides burial allowances up to $796 for burial and another $796 for a plot in some circumstances.

Eligibility For Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery has stricter requirements than other VA cemeteries. Spouses of eligible veterans can be buried or inurned at Arlington if the veteran qualifies for interment there.

Veteran eligibility for Arlington includes:

• Military members who died on active duty
• Veterans who received certain medals (Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, etc.)
• Veterans with at least 24 months active duty service who also received specific honors
• Retired military members

As a spouse, your eligibility is tied to your veteran’s status. If your veteran qualifies, you can be buried or inurned with them. The cemetery provides burial sites, columbarium niches for cremated remains, and memorial services.

Burial At Sea And Other Honors

The Navy and Coast Guard offer burial at sea services for veterans and their family members, including spouses. This option is available whether the deceased was active duty, a veteran, or a military retiree.

You have two main choices for burial at sea:

1. Full body burial (only performed from Navy vessels)
2. Committal of cremated remains (available from Navy or Coast Guard vessels)

The service includes a military ceremony with flag presentation. Families don’t usually attend these ceremonies but receive the exact coordinates of the burial location.

Other available honors for veteran spouses include military funeral honors when buried with the veteran, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and memorial items like a burial flag if the veteran is not using this benefit. Some additional costs may be covered or reimbursed by the VA depending on your circumstances.

Benefits For Dependent Children Of Veterans

Veterans’ children may qualify for several VA benefits, including healthcare, education assistance, and financial support. These benefits help ensure that children of those who served have access to important resources for their wellbeing and future success.

Definitions: Dependent Child And Unmarried Dependent Children

The VA has specific guidelines for who qualifies as a dependent child. Generally, a dependent child includes your biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren who are:

• Under age 18
• Between 18-23 if attending school full-time
• Any age if they became permanently incapable of self-support before age 18

For VA purposes, children must be unmarried to maintain dependent status. When your child marries, they typically lose eligibility for dependent benefits, regardless of age.

The term “unmarried dependent children” specifically refers to those who meet both criteria – they haven’t married and still qualify as dependents under the age or disability requirements above.

Available Educational And Financial Support

Children of veterans have access to valuable education benefits through programs like the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. This program offers up to 36 months of education benefits for college, career training, or apprenticeships.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill may also be transferable to your children if you’re an eligible servicemember or veteran. This benefit covers tuition, housing, and books.

Financial support is available through:

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for children of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities
• Additional compensation for veterans with a disability rating of 30% or higher who have dependent children
• Survivors Pension for unmarried children of deceased wartime veterans

Healthcare coverage through CHAMPVA is available to children of veterans with permanent, total service-connected disabilities or those who died from service-connected conditions.

Military Service Circumstances Affecting Spouses’ Benefits

The benefits available to military spouses vary significantly based on the service member’s duty status, disability rating, and retirement situation. Different military service circumstances create distinct benefit packages that spouses should understand to maximize their entitlements.

Active Duty, Reservist, And National Guard Considerations

Spouses of active duty service members receive the most comprehensive benefits package. You qualify for full TRICARE health coverage, base housing or housing allowance, and complete commissary and exchange privileges.

For Reserve and National Guard spouses, benefits depend on your military sponsor’s duty status. When your spouse is activated for federal service for 30+ days, you receive similar benefits to active duty families.

During inactive periods, you may still access limited healthcare through TRICARE Reserve Select (requiring premium payments) and maintain commissary and exchange privileges, but at a reduced rate compared to active duty families.

National Guard spouses’ benefits can vary by state, as some states offer additional benefits beyond federal provisions. Check with your state’s military department for state-specific benefits you might be eligible for.

Service-Connected Disability And Total Disability

When your military spouse has a service-connected disability, additional benefits become available to you. For spouses of veterans with a total disability rating (100% disabled), you may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits.

If your spouse has a disability rating below 100%, you still have access to VA caregiver support programs and possible healthcare benefits through CHAMPVA if your spouse is permanently and totally disabled.

The VA offers special monthly compensation for severely disabled veterans, which increases household income benefiting spouses. This additional compensation acknowledges the increased caregiving responsibilities you may have.

You may also qualify for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers if your spouse has serious service-connected disabilities requiring personal care.

Combat-Related Disability Pay and Spouse Implications

Combat-related injuries can affect a Veteran’s retirement and disability benefits in unique ways – and that can impact your household income as a spouse.

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is a tax-free benefit available to certain military retirees. It restores some or all of the military retirement pay that would otherwise be reduced due to receiving VA disability compensation (a reduction known as the “VA offset”).

To qualify for CRSC, the Veteran must:

• Be receiving military retirement pay (20+ years of service or medically retired)
• Have a VA-rated disability of at least 10%
• Have one or more combat-related conditions – such as injuries from direct combat, combat training, hazardous duty (like parachuting), or use of military equipment (e.g., vehicles or weapons)

The amount received through CRSC depends on the severity of the combat-related conditions, the VA disability rating, and how much retired pay is being offset. Veterans must apply using DD Form 2860 and submit it to their branch of service with documentation showing the link between the disability and combat service.

Note: CRSC is different from Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP).

• CRSC is for combat-related disabilities, is tax-free, and requires an application.
• CRDP is for any service-connected disability (50%+), is taxable, and is granted automatically if eligible.

In addition, spouses of veterans with Purple Heart medals may be eligible for priority application processing and additional support services. If your spouse has combat-related PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, the VA offers specialized counseling and family support programs tailored to your needs.

Finally, some states offer tax exemptions or additional benefits for households of combat-disabled veterans. Check with your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs to learn what may be available to you.

Active Duty Benefits For Retirees

When your military spouse retires after 20+ years of service, you maintain many valuable benefits. You’ll continue to receive healthcare coverage through TRICARE, though the specific plan may change from TRICARE Prime to TRICARE Select or TRICARE For Life (after age 65).

You retain full commissary and exchange privileges with your dependent ID card. This provides significant savings on groceries and household items compared to civilian stores.

As a military retiree spouse, you can continue participating in Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs and facilities on military installations. These include fitness centers, theaters, and recreational activities.

If your spouse is eligible for military retirement pay and also receives VA disability compensation, your household may be able to receive both – but only if your spouse qualifies for either Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) or Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC).

Accessing And Managing VA Benefits As A Spouse

Navigating VA benefits as a spouse requires understanding both the digital systems and paperwork involved. Knowing where to go – and what to bring – can save you time and stress when applying.

Using VA eBenefits And Other Resources

The VA offers several online platforms to help spouses access and manage benefits. VA eBenefits serves as your primary portal for managing spouse benefits electronically. Through this system, you can:

• Check benefit status updates
• Upload required documents
• Update personal information
• Download benefit verification letters
• Communicate with VA representatives

You can also use the VA mobile app for quick access to benefit information on your smartphone. Many spouses find the VA telephone helpline (1-800-827-1000) helpful for specific questions not easily addressed online.

For in-person assistance, VA regional offices provide dedicated staff to help with applications and benefit management questions. These face-to-face sessions can be especially valuable when dealing with complex benefit situations.

State-Specific Benefits For Spouses

Beyond federal VA benefits, many states offer additional programs specifically for veteran spouses. These state-specific benefits often include:

Education Benefits:

• In-state tuition rates regardless of residency status
• Scholarships exclusively for veteran spouses
• Continuing education grants

Employment Support:

• Priority hiring for government positions
• Job training programs
• License and certification fee waivers

Financial Assistance:

• Property tax exemptions in many states
• Special loan programs with favorable terms
• Emergency financial aid funds

Each state’s veteran affairs department maintains a benefits directory detailing all available programs. Contact your state’s veterans affairs office to learn about local benefits you might qualify for but aren’t widely advertised.

Documentation And Proof Of Eligibility

Proper documentation is essential when applying for VA spouse benefits. You’ll typically need:

Essential Documents:

• Marriage certificate
• Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214)
• Social Security numbers for both you and the veteran
• Birth certificates of dependent children

Keep digital copies of all documents in a secure location for easy access when applying for benefits. Many benefits require proof of the veteran’s service-connected disability rating, so maintain current copies of disability determination letters.

For survivor benefits, you’ll need the veteran’s death certificate and possibly medical records relating to service-connected conditions. Create a dedicated file for all eligibility documentation to streamline future applications and benefit reviews.

Readjustment And Counseling Services

You can get support from the VA through valuable counseling services that extend to spouses and family members of veterans. These services help address the unique challenges that military families face during and after service.

Readjustment Counseling For Military Families

Spouses and family members of combat veterans can access readjustment counseling services through VA Vet Centers. These centers offer confidential support to help military families cope with the challenges that come with a veteran’s return from deployment.

The counseling options include:

• Individual counseling for specific mental health needs
• Group counseling with other military families
• Marriage and family counseling to strengthen relationships

Vet Centers understand the unique stresses military families experience. You don’t need to navigate these challenges alone.

Your family’s well-being matters to the VA, which is why these services are provided at no cost to eligible families. Vet Centers also connect you to other VA or community benefits and services that may help your family thrive.

Educational And Career Counseling Options

As a spouse of a veteran, you may qualify for educational and career counseling to help you build a successful future. The VA offers guidance to help you identify your skills and interests while exploring suitable career paths.

These services can help you:

• Develop educational goals that align with your career aspirations
• Choose training programs that match your needs
• Find resources to overcome barriers to employment

You can access these services through VA’s family benefits programs. Career counseling provides valuable support during transitions, whether you’re relocating due to military assignments or adjusting to civilian life.

Many spouses find these services especially helpful when balancing family responsibilities with personal career goals. The counseling addresses your specific situation, offering practical advice rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Need Help Navigating VA Spouse Benefits?

Understanding what you’re eligible for – and how to get it – can be confusing. Between complex rules, evolving policies, and time-consuming paperwork, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

At ProVet Legal, we focus exclusively on VA disability benefits, DIC claims, and accrued benefits appeals. If you’re pursuing one of these claims and have questions about related topics like education benefits, insurance, or base privileges, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.

You’ve supported your veteran. Let us support you.

Contact ProVet Legal today to get answers, take action, and protect the benefits your family has earned.