100 percent disable veteran is the person who is completely and permanently disabled. He is unable to perform any of his tasks due to service-connected liabilities. Veterans who qualify for a 100% disability from veteran affairs are entitled to additional benefits and financial support from the veteran affairs department as compared to the support of other veterans.
100 Percent Disabled Veteran Benefits for Spouse
The Department of Veterans Affairs gives financial help, educational, job assistance, and health care benefits to help and support disabled veterans and their children and spouse. This help will minimize the burdens on families, as long as they have knowledge about all the benefits and how to get them properly.
Financial Benefits for Spouses of Veterans:
Veterans with a 100 percent disability are eligible for an amount of pay increase for their spouses and children. Important thing is that these additional payments are automatically provided, so the spouse does not have to worry or apply for them.
Benefits for surviving spouse of 100% disabled veteran
The payments given on an additional basis are added to compensate the veteran, which includes the followings:
- $150 per month for a spouse with no children
- $259 per month for a spouse with one child
- $75 per month for each additional child
Health Benefits for Spouses of Veterans:
In addition to the financial assistance, the veteran’s spouse and family may be eligible for a health care coverage Medical Program, which provides the cost of care services and supplies with the medicines.
Spouses and children of 100 % disabled veterans may be eligible for reimbursement for services, prescribed medications, medical equipment, nursing care, and mental health care, etc. The medical facilities are provided only if the following conditions are met:
- The veteran and their spouse remain married.
- All children who are under 18 years of age (or under 23 and are still in school).
- Children may remain on funding after the above age limits if they have disabilities that make it impossible for them to support themselves.
Surviving Spouse Pension Benefits:
VA survivor program gives the pension to the spouses and dependents of disabled veterans. The monthly payment is also given to the dependent unmarried child. However, there are certain limits that veterans have to meet to enjoy pension benefits. These requirements are set by the VA congress.
The net worth of the veteran includes all the money and assets he owns subtracting the number of debts he has on his shoulders. The detailed information about the eligibility can be found at, https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/
The surviving child of the deceased veteran can also get the pension benefits. For the benefits, one of the following conditions must be met:
- the child is of 18 years
- the child is under the age of 13 years and is attending the school approved by the VA department
- the child is unable to take care of himself because of the disability caused before the age of 18 years
Education Benefits for Spouse of 100 disabled veteran
The Education Assistance of veteran affairs program offers education and training opportunities to eligible members of veterans’ family members who are permanently and totally (100 percent) disabled due to a service-connected circumstance, currently receiving some benefits or the ones who died while on active duty, or as a result of any service-related condition.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Fry Scholarship provide education benefits to the children and surviving spouses of veterans who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. These benefits can include payment of tuition and fees, a housing allowance, and a book stipend.
Veteran affair benefits may be used by the spouse and children of veterans for degree and certificate programs or for job training purposes.
The VA helps 100% disabled veterans in the area of education as well, providing up to three years and nine months of benefits for family members. This grant can be used to complete a degree, a certificate, or any type of training program.
Related: List of free College for 100 Disabled Veterans Dependents
DIC Benefits for Spouses of Veterans:
If the veteran with 100% disability dies as a result of his present condition that is not service-related, then there is a possibility that the spouse of a veteran will be entitled to DIC.
The veteran may have died while on active duty, or inactive duty training. The veteran affairs will go through the proper review of the documents and the decision of the spouse.
Veteran affairs also examine whether or not the disability is related to service and then make a final decision. Then, the spouse will be given dependency and indemnity compensation. DIC provides a monthly monetary benefit to the surviving spouse.
Note: It is important to note that this benefit is specifically for surviving spouses, not spouses of living veterans.
Home Benefits for Spouses of Veterans:
Home benefits are necessary for spouses and children of veterans with disabilities so that they can live their life independently and properly.
Home improvement and structural changing grants are awarded to the 100% disabled veterans with service-connected circumstances (and some with non-service-connected circumstances) who require home improvements for the continuation of their life with spouses and children.
There is an eligibility criterion that needs a medical examination that shows that such improvements and changes are necessary and vital for effective medical treatment of the veteran’s condition.
VA Home Loan Guaranty Program:
The surviving spouse of a veteran who had a 100 percent service-connected disability at the time of their death may be eligible for a VA home loan guaranty. This can make it easier for the spouse to purchase or refinance a home with favorable terms.
CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs)
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) provides health care coverage to the spouses and dependents of certain disabled veterans. If a veteran is 100 percent disabled due to a service-connected condition, their spouse may be eligible for CHAMPVA coverage.
Commissary and Exchange Privileges:
The surviving spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran may be eligible for commissary (grocery store) and exchange (department store) privileges on military bases. These privileges can provide access to discounted goods and services.
Employment Benefits for Spouse of 100 Disabled Veteran:
The pose of a 100 percent disabled veteran can also be given employment opportunities from the VA department. The veteran must have a disability rating of 100 percent and his condition is unable to improve, only then the spouse gets the employment. The benefits of employment include:
- Giving the opportunity to explore their abilities and interests through training
- Mapping out the approachable path to employment
- Planning about the best way to enjoy the VA benefits for disabled veterans
Burial Benefits:
When a 100 percent disabled veteran passes away, the VA provides burial benefits that may include a burial plot in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker, and burial allowances. These benefits can ease the financial burden on the surviving spouse during a difficult time.
State Benefits for Spouses of Veterans
The spouse’s state of residence may offer more additional benefits to the spouses and children of 100% disabled veterans. Many states offer additional benefits to the spouses of 100 percent disabled veterans, which can include property tax exemptions, license plate benefits, and more. State-level benefits can vary widely, so it’s essential to check with your state’s veterans affairs office for specific details.
It is a good idea for the spouse and family of 100% disabled veterans to check with their state’s department for veterans to get more and ample knowledge for their rights.
How much does the VA pay for a spouse?
For an eligible spouse of a veteran, the basic monthly pay is about $1340 given by DIC. This is not a fixed payment, it can be increased depending upon the circumstances. If the surviving spouse has more than one dependent child, or she needs extra assistance, then the veteran affairs department may increase the basic monthly pay.
Related Read: Grants For Disabled Veterans