Financial Relief & Discount Guide For Veterans With Disabilities
There are over 18.8 million veterans in the United States which accounts for 8% of the civilian population and represents men and women who have previously served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Almost 25% or 4.7 million veterans have a service connected disability as assigned by the U.S. Department Of Veteran Affairs. (Source)
Service-connected disabilities are assigned a rating from 0-100 percent depending on the severity of the condition and scale in increments of 10 percentage points. The overall unemployment rate for veterans with service-connected disability was 4.8% in 2019, while the rate of unemployment for veterans with a disability rating of 60+ percent was 8.6%. (Source)
Not only are veterans with service-connected disability rating of 60%+ are more likely to be unemployed than veterans with lower disability ratings, they are also more likely to experience poverty and homelessness. As evidenced by an increase in poverty among veterans since 2008 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
USAFacts’ statistical data shows that since 2010 the overall poverty levels among all disabled individuals have declined while the poverty and disability rates among veterans have increased. (Source) An even more alarming statistic comes from Disabled Veterans National Foundation which estimates that:
Approximately 53% of all homeless veterans in America have disabilities
Combine these increased rates with employment disruptions caused by COVID-19 and you have an environment where disabled veterans, who’ve put their lives on the line for their nation, are now facing tremendous financial risk and instability.
This is why we’ve put this guide together. Its purpose is to provide disabled veterans with a comprehensive resource that they can use and apply towards their financial needs. The following sections are covered in this guide and you can skip to any section by clicking one of the buttons below:
HOUSING
US Department of Veteran Affairs is the first point of reference you should use when looking for housing relief. Their housing program helps veterans buy, refinance and improve their home through the loan and grant program. This program not only serves veterans and service members but also helps surviving spouses by guaranteeing part of the loan at more favorable terms.
Loan Types
VA offers a variety of home loans with the most common being a purchase loan. This loan does not require you to put down a down payment or purchase mortgage insurance.
Interest Reduction & Refinance
If you already have a VA home loan, you can be eligible for Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan which reduces your interest rate. You can find out more about IRRR here.
VA Loan Eligibility
In order to qualify for VA direct or VA backed loan your service history and duty status must meet requirements. This is in addition to credit and income requirements for every lender. You can find the full list of requirements HERE.
Applying For VA Loan
When applying for a VA Loan, you have three ways to apply: online, through your lender or via mail. You will have to apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) first and you can do so on eBenefits Website.
You might also be eligible for VA cash out refinance loan which lets you pull money from your home’s equity. These type of loans are useful for large expenses such as home improvement, education costs, etc.
Disabled veterans can also apply for VA loans to build a new home or renovate an existing home. With a minimum of 10 percent disability rating, any disabled veterans can apply for a VA loan without the mandatory VA funding fee which is applicable for all military personnel.
Grants
Veterans with certain service connected or aging related disabilities are eligible for additional assistance. This assistance comes in the form of grants: SPECIALly Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant, SPECIAL Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant, Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant and Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant.
The SAH and SHA disability grants have the following overlapping criteria:
- Current or future ownership of a home
- Have a service related disability
- Up to $90,364 in funding per grant
- Requires buying, building or changing your home
There are also qualifications set out for what is considered a service related disability and you can access the qualifying list HERE. These requirements typically include disabilities such as: extremity loss, blindness, burns and respiratory injuries.
If you are a recipient of SHA or SAH grant, you are not required to spend the amount at one time and can use it up to three times.
The TRA grant allows you to change a temporary residence to accommodate your needs. In order for you qualify you are required:
- Qualify for SAH or SHA grant
- Temporarily living in a home that requires changes
- Up to $39,669 in funding per grant
The HISA grant offers medically necessary improvements and structural changes to homes of disabled veterans. This grant will not cover walkways, exterior buildings, hot tubs, home security systems, decking or new construction. Here is what the grant covers:
- Up to $6,800 in funding per grant
- Entrance and exit to home alterations
- Essential sanitary facility alterations
- Accessibility to kitchen and bathroom
You can apply for SAH, SHA or TRA grants on eBenefits Website and for HISA grant on Rehabilitation and Prosethtic Services Website. Here is a list of videos released by VA about these grants:
You can also checkout Homes for Our Troops which is a non profit organization focused on helping veterans build custom homes specifically designed for individual disabilities. For more information on eligibility and application procedures, email Intake@hfotusa.org or visit their website.
Homeless Veterans with Disabilities
If you or a veteran you know is in the unfortunate situation of being homeless or on the verge of homelessness, the first thing you should do is call the National Call Center of Homeless Veterans maintained by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)
- Information about VA Homeless & other services in your area
- Private and confidential
- Access to trained VA counselors
- Federal, state and local partner access
- Available via CHAT
Disabled homeless veterans can also contact the local government or state’s human and social service programs to find a shelter for the time being. In most cases, the shelter is free to live in and is offered by the government. You can stay there for up to a few months and use this map to find the nearest one.
HUD VASH Program
The collaboration between US Department of Housing Urban Development and Veteran Affairs helps homeless veterans and their families find and sustain permanent housing. Since 2015, HUD VASH provided more than 78,000 vouchers to help homeless veterans find housing across America. (Source)
This program works by providing rental assistance vouchers to veterans who are eligible for VA health care services and are facing homelessness. In addition, VA case managers may offer additional aid in the form of support services that address health care, mental health and counselling through HUD VASH.
Here is a list of useful resources for this program:
Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program
This is a program that funds operations of transitional housing and service centers for homeless veterans through capital grants per diem payments made to state, local and non profit organizations.
This program offers over 14,500 beds at 600 agencies for homeless veterans across the United States and allows stays of up to 24 months.
Enhanced Use Lease Program
VA’s Enhanced Use Lease program allows supportive housing from homeless veterans at underused VA campus locations. In addition to housing, the program offer on site job training, financial education, fitness center access and other perks.
Supportive Services For Veteran Families Program
This program offers homeless veterans and their families access to time limited housing resources through non profit agencies and community partners.
Helping A Hero
The aim of its Wounded Hero Home Program to build specially adapted homes for injured and disabled veterans. They have already awarded 100 homes in 22 states in the USA. Helping a Hero places all of the homes in planned communities where veterans will be surrounded by stable families.
It also sells homes to the veterans for $50,000 where the actual price can be $250,000. To qualify for the Home Program, veterans must have a disability rating of 70% or more. To learn more or to download an application, visit the Helping A Hero website or email applications@helpingahero.org.
HEALTH CARE
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs will assign a priority group of 1-8 to you which will determine how quickly you’re signed up for health care benefits. The first three priority groups include disabled veterans and scale based on disability rating, service history, income and other factors. Your priority group may change after you’re enrolled in VA health care if your income changes or your service related disability worsens.
Veterans Health Administration also links disabled veterans to important health-related information and resources. More specifically disabled veterans now can get benefits information, wellness resources (i.e. COVID-19, dental care, mental wellness, suicide prevention, etc.), access to medical facilities and patient advocacy programs.
Applying For VA Health Care Program
If you are eligible based on your designated priority group, you can apply for the VA Health Care Program. These are the ways you can apply:
- Apply online
- Apply by calling toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET to get help with your application.
- You can download VA Form 10-10EZ (PDF) and send your completed application to this address: Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329.
- You can submit the application in person to your nearest medical center or clinic.
- If you need long-term care for your disability, fill out an Application for Extended Care Services (VA Form 10-10EC).
Medical Benefits Packages For Disabled Veterans
- Preventative care
- Primary care
- SPECIALty care
- Home health care
- Mental health
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Nursing home placement
- Hearing aids
- Geriatrics and extended care
- Dependent’s health care
- Foreign medical care
- Medical equipment
- Prosthetic items and aids
- Medically related travel benefits
Eligibility For VA Disabilitiy Compensation
If you have a service connected disability and you meet at least one of the requirements listed below, you can apply for the VA disability compensation.
- You have served for the country as military personnel and have a disability rating for your service-connected condition.
- You have either Inservice Disability, Preservice Disability, or Postservice Disability.
If you are eligible for the VA Disability Compensation, you can file a claim by providing documents to the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Useful Resources To Manage Your Disability Benefits
- Check your VA claim or appeal status
- View your disability rating
- File for a VA disability increase
- Request a decision review or manage a legacy appeal
- Add or remove a dependent
- Upload evidence to support your disability claim
- File additional forms for your disability claim
- Change your VA direct deposit information
- Share your VA medical records
- Download your VA benefit letters
- View your VA disability payments history
Other Healthcare Resources
VFW’s National Veterans Service (NVS) was created to assist veterans and their families in filing VA Claims and receiving separation benefits. NVS consists of a national network of VA accredited officers who will guide and assist veterans in dealing with VA and have helped veterans recoup more than $9 billion in earned benefits. Their trained service officers will provide this service for free to anyone seeking assistance with their claims.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) provides medical help to disabled veterans who are paralyzed. If you are paralyzed during service duty and seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, you can get free advocacy and support from PVA. They also offer health benefits, such as prosthetics, home care, and mental health treatment to disabled veterans. If you want to get assistance from them, you can contact them HERE.
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) is an organization that deals with disabled veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). According to NCBI, there have been more than 350,000 diagnoses of TBI in the U.S. military since 2000. For more information, call (800) 273-8255, and press 1 or e-mail info@dvbic.org.
Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) is an organization that has been helping blinded veterans for more than 75 years. With their “The Veterans Service Program” (VSP), they help blinded veterans who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, they have a dedicated team of Accredited National Service OFFicers (NSO’s) who provide direct support to disabled veterans along with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To learn more, call (800)-669-7079 or e-mail bva@bva.org.
CAREER
Each year U.S. Military discharges more than 270,000 service members where more than 80% remain initially unemployed. In fact, the unemployment rate among discharged veterans is four times higher than the national average. Based on 2019 data, Veterans with a service-connected disability had an unemployment rate of 4.8%. Below you will find a list of resources that will help you find employment if you are a disabled veteran.
VA’s Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E) helps disabled veterans explore employment options and address training needs. Their support services are designed to help disabled veterans (and in some cases their family members too) learn new skills, find a new job, start a business, get educational counselling or return to a job.
Eligibility Requirements
- Service connected disability (10% or more)
- Was not dishonorably discharged
Applying
Sign into your Ebenefits account > Click Apply > Click Veteran Readiness and Employment Program > Select the Service & Click Apply
Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA) and Veterans Employment Opportunity Act Of 1998 (VEOA) are two components of federal initiatives that help veterans find employment.
VEOA
Allows eligible veterans access to positions that would have only been available to current service employees.
- Preference eligible
- 3+ years of continuous service under honorable conditions
VRA
Allows eligible veterans to be non-competitively hired by an agency.
- Disabled veteran
- Served during a war
- Armed Forces Service Medal recipient
- Recently separated veteran (<3 years )
- Separated under honorable conditions
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protect disabled veterans from workplace discrimination. Under these acts you are entitled to job opportunities regardless of your current condition.
Wounded Warrior Project also helps disabled veterans find local employment opportunities and career counseling through employer partnerships and their own staff. You can reach to them at:
888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586)
or 904.405.1213
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday – Friday 9 am – 9 pm EST
resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org
Hire Heroes USA has a unique job board where disabled veterans can find current job openings that are hiring qualified veterans who have a disability. They also offer free training to help veterans get hired for their desired position. If you want to know more about their mission, you can contact them at 844-634-1520 or clientsupport@hireheroesusa.org
VETS provides funds to State Workforce Agencies so that they can offer jobs to disabled veterans. With this fund, American Job Centers (AJCs) provide opportunities for disabled veterans under the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP). To find a suitable job for you, you can simply visit their website.
Feds Hire Vets has created the SPECIAL Hiring Authorities for Veterans program to enhance job opportunities for disabled veterans and their spouses. They also offer the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) program that allows a dedicated agency to non-competitively appoint an eligible disabled veteran. They also offer a VA Training Program for disabled veterans and offer job opportunities to family members. To get started checkout their guides for veterans & guides for family members.
USAJobs offer veteran-specific hiring opportunities for disabled veterans through its Veteran’s Preference program. This program gives 10 points of preference eligibility to disabled veterans over regular applicants when applying for a listed position. Veterans with 30% or more disability rating are also eligible to non-competitive appointment and training enrollment by an agency. To find out more about their guidelines, please visit USAJobs Help Center.
FEMA offers job opportunities and resources to disabled veterans by connecting support groups and organizations that help and employ veterans. In accordance with the Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government assists transitioning service members in finding civil service employment.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop offers career opportunities and training resources for disabled veterans. If you have a service related disability, you can check out their guide to access a list of government and non profit resources that may offer helpful employment information.
Offered by the Institute For Veterans And Military Families through Syracuse University, O2O program offers free career training via professional certification and support services to veterans and their spouses. Their partnerships with veteran service organizations and private sector companies as well as industry certified curriculum offer veterans comprehensive career opportunities and coaching. You can find out more about Enrollment Process HERE or Apply HERE.
EDUCATION
G.I. Bill is the primary provider of educational benefits for disabled veterans that helps you pay for college, graduate school and training programs. The program’s benefits also extend to dependents of qualifying veterans members. However, these benefits are not stackable with other VA education benefits and can only be picked as a stand alone option.
The Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits are available to veterans who agreed to withhold $100-$600 of monthly pay. The benefits available will be based on amount withheld and total time served. This benefits is available to all military personnel including reservists and National Guard who have these contributions. Veterans with honorable discharge can claim up to 36 months of benefits (~$37,000).
Below are the details for post 9/11 G.I. Bill.
Eligibility Requirements
- At least 90 days of active duty after 9/11
- Recipient of purple heart after 9/11 with honorable discharged
- Served for 30+ days after 9/11 and were honorably discharged with a service connected disability
- Depended child of a qualifying veteran
Benefits & Features
Full cost of public and instate tuition and fees for applicants who qualify for maximum benefit. Caps are set for foreign and private schools.
Up to $500 in moving cost allowance for veterans who move 500+ miles to school from rural areas.
Monthly housing cost allowance coverage based on cost of living in school’s area.
Up to $1000 in annual allowance on books and supplies.
The total amount of benefits received will depend on active service duty since 9/11.
Benefits may expire in 15 years or never after service end depending on service end date.
SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS
There are hundreds of available scholarships and grants offered by private and private funds. TexVet, FastWeb and CollegeScholarships.org are just a number of places where you can access and find these scholarships and grants. Below are just a few examples:
If you used up all the funds available in your G.I. Bill and were honorably discharged, you can receive up to $1000 (3 year max) annually.
Veterans who exhibit financial need are pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution may be eligible for $1000 annually.
Offers financial assistance for veterans pursing a college education and who exhibit financial need and academic merit.
Provides financial support for veterans who are pursuing an education in teaching. Eligibility is determined by financial need and merit.
Offered by VFW, these scholarships award up to $5000 per applicant and specifically target eligible applicants that demonstrate a financial need.
Veteran Affairs Departments at Colleges
Always check with your school's veteran affairs department to see if they have additional benefits and financial assistance programs for disabled veterans. These programs will vary from college to college but typically include tuition fee reductions, grants and other financial assistance programs. For example, Michigan State's VA program offers disabled veterans coverage of tuition, housing, books and other college related costs.
Veterans Upward Bound Program (VUB)
This is one of eight of TRIO government programs designed to assist veterans in developing the necessary skills to get accepted and succeed in post secondary education. It offers free assistance and development of skills through counselling, tutoring and mentoring in core academic disciplines. Colleges utilizing this program will have dedicated pages with more info on their websites. You can also find out more through Ed.gov or NAVUB.
BUSINESS
SBA’s Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses program (SDVOSB) is to designed to distribute at least 3% of all federal contracting funds to small businesses ran by veterans with service related disabilities. In order to sign up for a program, you will need to update your socio-economic status at SAM.gov and indicate that your business is owned by a service-disabled veteran. Here is what you need in to order to qualify:
- Be classified as a small business
- 51%+ ownership by service disabled veteran
- At least one service disabled veteran manager
- At least one service disabled veteran C level executive
- Have a service related disability
Department of Veteran Affairs also offers set aside contracts to disabled veteran owned businesses. In order to enroll in this program you will need to get verified by their Vets First Verification Program.
Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) is an SBA initiative that provides disabled veterans with access to capital, small business opportunity recuperation and connects disabled vet own businesses with federal and commercial supply chains. In addition, this program offers entrepreneurial training to help disabled veterans learn about fundamentals of business ownership, SBA resources and small business experts. Here is what’s included:
Offers entrepreneurial training on military installations around the world.
Program that offers women vets and women spouses entrepreneurial training.
Offers entrepreneurship training to service disabled veterans who operate or aspire to operate a small business. Training programs are funded through:
Offers entrepreneurship training to service disabled veteran owned small business which are engaged in or looking to pursue federal procurement.
Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) also provides contracting opportunities for the service-disabled veteran entrepreneur under the Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) program. If you have any service-connected disability approved by the VA or Department of Defense (DoD), you can get direct assistance from your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). We recommend accessing your local PTAC as soon as possible.
BUSINESS LOANS & GRANTS
Veterans with service connected disabilities and their spouses have access to several loan programs implemented by the federal government. VA loans (SBA 7a), SBA Express & Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster (MREIDL) Loans are the most popular loans types guaranteed by the SBA. Below you will find a breakdown of what the loans do, eligibility requirements and how to apply.
- SBA Express Loan waives all upfront loan guaranty fees
- Up to $350,000 in funding with SBA Express Loan Initiative
- SBA 7(a) provides up to $5 million in funding
- SBA 7(a) waives all guaranty fees on <$125,000 & gives 50% off fees on >$125,000
- SBA 7(a) also offers business counselling and training
- MREIDL provides capital to businesses whose owners were called up for service
- MREIDL caps out at $2 million with up to 30 year term
- Services disabled veterans and their spouses/widows qualify
- Veterans who received dishonorable discharge DO NOT qualify
- 51% business ownership by disabled veteran
- Must be for profit business
Veteran Business Programs From State Governments
Always check your state government 's business programs for military members and disabled veterans. These programs will vary from state to state but typically include small business training, access to set aside contracts and other entrepreneurial resources. For example, California's Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program offers disabled veterans access to 3% of all state set aside contracts, business events and procurement activities.
Additional Resources
StreetShares - Veteran operated loan provider.
Hivers & Strivers - Early state startup capital provider for veteran owned businesses.
Veteran Ventures Capital - Investment and consulting firm helping veteran owned businesses.
Task Force X Capital - Investment firm that provides capital to tech related veteran ran startups.
FAMILY
Spouses and children of disabled veterans are also eligible to a lot of the same financial relief programs as the veterans themselves. US Dept. of Veteran Affairs is your first point of reference and you will find a list of resources categorized by category HERE. Below you will find a list of other resources categorized by section that may provide financial aid for families of disabled veterans.
Health Care
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHMPVA) provides health benefits to spouses and children of disabled veterans. Spouses can receive health care benefits offered by CHAMPVA as long as they are married to the veteran. Children will receive benefits until they are 18. Benefits cover most health care services and medical supplies.
Monthly DIC Compensation
VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation offers monthly benefits to families of deceased veterans. In 2020, spouses are entitled to $1,340.14 per month with an additional $332 per dependent child under the age of 18. Spouses of disabled veterans whose death wasn't related to their service are also eligible. To find out more about this program, you can access this VA Link.
EDUCATION
Military OFFicers Association of America (MOAA) offers scholarships to children of active military members and disabled veterans. If your child is under 24 years old and has a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, you can apply for the MOAA membership. MOAA offers loans, scholarships, and grants for undergraduate students. They also provide interest-free loans of up to $7,000 annually. To find out more visit moaa.org/scholarship.
Folds of Honor is a non-profit organization committed to providing scholarships to disabled veterans’ spouses and children. 89% of their annual expenses go directly towards their educational scholarship initiatives. They also have a children’s fund to provide assistance with Kindergarten to 12th-grade education and a higher education fund that offers scholarships for post-secondary education. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for this scholarship.
Department of Veteran Affairs provides a lot of educational benefits for families of disabled veterans under the Survivors’ & Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) program. With the DEA program, children or spouses of disabled veterans are be eligible for their education and training program that offers an alternative to the Fry Scholarship Program.
General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant offers $500 to $4,000 to eligible Air Force dependents of disabled veterans every year.
Texvet is a great resource to find scholarships and grants for children and spouses of disabled vets, dependents of surviving vets, and even active military personnel.
Additional Resources
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit organization that supports disabled veterans and their families. They provide their services to all generations of veterans and their families at no cost. They offer free, professional help to veterans and their families in procuring benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well as other governmental agencies. They also represent the interests of wounded servicemen and their families before Congress.
The USO Warrior and Family Centers was established in 2003 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. It has an average of 4,000 visits from veterans per month. They have other units at the Naval Support Activity Bethesda and at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. These state-of-the-art facilities offer a home away from home service for wounded troops and their families. These family centers have classrooms, business centers, healing gardens, and sports lounges for aiding the recovery of our heroes and their families.
Military Benefits List For Spouses Of Disabled Vets By Military.com created a comprehensive list that outlines all available benefits that spouses of disabled vets can access. This includes education benefits, pension, career counselling, burials and other privileges. They also published a list that includes a list of benefits for dependents as well but encompasses all military personnel and not just disabled vets.
NECESSITIES
VA Disability Compensation offered by the US Department of Veteran Affairs allows disabled veterans to get monthly tax-free payments. If you have chronic illness or injury or mental health conditions like PTSD, you can qualify for this program. Here is a list of other resources that offer financial aid for necessities to disabled veterans.
Food
Feed Our Vets provides free food assistance to disabled veterans, military personnel with low-income, and their families. Since 2009, they have assisted 25,000 veterans’ families with their free food program.
StateSideLegal is a charity foundation for military members, veterans, and their families. They provide food to disabled veterans and their families under The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Their initiative is valid for up to 3 months within a 3 year period. You can find more information on the time limit exemptions here.
Insurance & Pension
Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance provided by the US Department of Veteran Affairs is available for severely disabled veterans. The maximum coverage of the insurance is $200,000.
You can apply for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance with coverage of up to $30,000. To be eligible for the insurance, you cannot be older than 65 years of age & have a service related disability.
Veterans who are permanently disabled and have low income can apply for Improved Disability Pension.
Medical Kits
Soldiers’ Angels is committed to helping disabled veterans staying in VA hospitals by providing hygiene kits. It is a non-profit agency that has a voting seat on the VA National Advisory Council and is permitted to provide their assistance within VA Hospitals. They also provide lunch boxes for veterans.
Utilities
Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) provides utility bill coverage of up to $1,000 to support low-income disabled veterans and their families. The grant can be used to pay all kinds of utility bills such as electric, heating, and water bills. Over the last 4 years, DVNF covered more than 1.1 million household utility bills.
VFW's Unmet Needs Program
Unmet Needs Program from VFW offers assistance to veterans and their families that are experiencing financial difficulties by providing financial aid grants of up to $1500 to assist with basic necessities. This assistance comes in the form of a grant which does not require repayment. There are eligibility requirements which you can find HERE and the application is accessible at this LINK.
Veteran Affairs Subsidies From State Governments
Always check your state government 's Veteran Affairs programs for additional financial aid. For example, in Pennsylvania DMVA helps disabled veterans with its Veterans Temporary Assistance program in Pennsylvania. Through this program, veterans are provided temporary financial assistance for purchasing living essentials such as food, fuel, clothing and shelter. Any person who has served in the Armed Forces of the US and has a disability inflicted during service is eligible for this assistance. When verified to be eligible a veteran or a dependent can qualify for up to $1600 per year.
COVID-19
VA has released a comprehensive guide that covers most COVID-19 related questions and concerns. We highly recommend going over the entire guide to stay updated on financial implications of COVID-19.
Despite the difficult situation that most disabled veterans find themselves in at this time, there are organizations that have stepped up their efforts to help out. Below you will find a list of organizations that offer COVID-19 related relief and information to disabled veterans.
DISCOUNTS
There are thousands of local and online retailers/service providers that offer discounts to active duty military members and veterans. Organizations such as American Legion, Military Benefits, Veterans Advantage and GovX have made their lists of veteran discounts to local and online merchants available online at the aforementioned links. Some retailers also offer Veterans Day special discounts and freebies, this list can be found on DAV.org annual November 11th list and you can view it HERE.
Most of the discounts on these lists apply to all Veterans and active Military members. We have simplified the process of finding and accessing all publicly available discounts to veterans with our Military Discount Finder chrome extension. This free tool automatically notifies of you available veteran discounts at over 1000+ online retailers as you shop online or browse Google.
Below you will find a list of the top 200 discounts available to disabled veterans. This list was curated by our team and includes companies that offer quality products/services and substantial discounts that disabled veterans might find useful.
Clothing & Accessories
Macys: 20% OFF With Code PLUS (Get Discount)
Banana Republic: 15% OFF In Store With Valid VA ID (Get Discount)
Tommy Hilfiger: 15% OFF With SheerID (Get Discount)
Cabela’s: 5% OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Carter’s: FREE SHIPPing On $50+ (Get Discount)
Express: 15% OFF With Code 4674 (Get Discount)
ThredUP: Register As A Military Member & Get 33% OFF (Get Discount)
Carhartt: 10% OFF On Apparel And Accessories With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Cole Haan: 20% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
U.S. Polo Assn.: 10% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Bonobos: Up To 20% OFF With SheerID (Get Discount)
Columbia: 15% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
eBags: 20% OFF With Code MILITARYCOM (Get Discount)
Hanes: 10% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Vera Bradley: 15% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Dickies: 10% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Wrangler: 10% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Footwear
Zappos: Discounted Military Pricing With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Foot Locker: 15% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Converse: 15% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
New Balance: 10% OFF With Valid Military Email (Get Discount)
Foot Action: 15% OFF With SheerID (Get Discount)
Toms: 10% OFF With SheerID (Get Discount)
Clarks: 15% OFF With ID.me (Get Discount)
Timberland: 20% OFF When You Verify Or In Store With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Rackroom Shoes: 10% OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Allen Edmonds: Exclusive Discounts With ID.me (Get Discount)
Athletic Wear
Nike: 10% OFF With SheerID (Get Discount)
Lulu Lemon: 25% OFF With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Converse: 15% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Under Armour: 10% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Eastbay: 15% OFF With SheerID (Get Discount)
Fanatics: 15% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
UFC: 30 Days Free At Any Location (Get Discount)
Nascar Store: 10% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Reebok: 20% OFF with Id.me (Get Discount)
Champs Sports: 15% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Champion: 10% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
NFL Shop: 15% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
MLB Shop: 15% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Rhone: 10% OFF With ID.me (Get Discount)
NBA Store: 15% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Puma: 10% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Home & Garden
Home Depot: 10% OFF In Store With Valid ID On Memorial Day & July 4th (Get Discount)
Lowes: 10% OFF active duty and veterans with Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Costco: Up To $60 In Savings For New Members With SheerID (Get Discount)
Overstock: Free Club O Rewards With Troop ID (Get Discount)
Michael: 15% OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
JoAnn: 15% OFF When You Enroll In Military Rewards Program (Get Discount)
Pottery Barn: 15% OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Tractor Supply: 15% OFF On July 4th With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Williams Sonoma: 15% OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
BJs: Reduced Membership Free With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Touch Of Modern: $20 Credit With Membership (Get Discount)
Pier 1: 10% OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Sherwin-Williams: 15% OFF For Military & Military Families With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
John Deere: Exclusive Savings with Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Casper: 10% OFF With ID.me (Get Discount)
Leesa: 15% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
1-800-PetMeds: 10% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Consumer Electronics
Microsoft: 10% OFF Select Products (Get Discount)
Apple: SPECIAL Pricing When You Verify (Get Discount)
Samsung: Exclusive Pricing With Valid Military Email (Get Discount)
HP: Exclusive OFFers & Pricing When You Verify (Get Discount)
Dell: 10% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Lenovo: 7% OFF Stackable With Other Coupons (Get Discount)
Sennheiser: SPECIAL Military Pricing With ID.me (Get Discount)
iRobot: 15% OFF Select Robots With Id.me (Get Discount)
Department Stores
Kohl’s: 15% OFF On Mondays In Store With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Sam’s Club: Free $10 Gift Card With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Sears: 10% OFF On $300+ with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Belk: 20% OFF Every Tuesday With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Boscovs: Up To 15% OFF With SheerID (Get Discount)
CVS: 20% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Entertainment
NY Times: 50% OFF Digital Subscriptions with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
ESPN: 87% OFF With ID.me (Get Discount)
Audible: Exclusive Discount With SheerID (Get Discount)
MLB: Up To 50% OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
SiriusXM: 25% OFF Lifetime When You Verify (Get Discount)
Rosetta Stone: SPECIAL Pricing When You Verify (Get Discount)
Pottery Barn: 15% OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
HBO Shop: 10% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Barstool Sports: 10% OFF With VerifyPass (Get Discount)
23AndMe: 10% OFF With ID.me (Get Discount)
Tidal: SPECIAL Premium Pricing When You Verify (Get Discount)
National Geographic: $3 OFF On National Geographic Museum Admission (Get Discount)
Dish: Free $240 Value Pack When You Verify (Get Discount)
Stubhub: $40 OFF On $200+ with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Cirque Du Soleil: Up to 50% OFF With ID.me (Get Discount)
MGM Resorts: Exclusive Discounts When You Verify (Get Discount)
Six Flags: 20% OFF With Valid ID At Guest Services Center (Get Discount)
AMC Theatres: SPECIAL Pricing With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Telecommunications
AT&T: 25% OFF Plans With Military Email Address (Get Discount)
Verizon: 15% OFF Monthly Plans When You Verify (Get Discount)
T-Mobile: SPECIAL Pricing For Military & Veteran Families (Get Discount)
Sprint: 50% OFF Family Lines With Military Email (Get Discount)
Xfinity: Up To $125 In Bonuses For Military (Get Discount)
DirecTV: Up To 87% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Vonage: FREE SHIPPing To APO & FPO Addresses (Get Discount)
Motorola: 10% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Boost Mobile: Extra Free Perks For Military Members (Get Discount)
U.S. Cellular: 15% OFF Monthly Plans When You Verify (Get Discount)
Recreation
BassPro: 5% OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Musician’s Friend: 10% OFF One Item Over $199 With SheerID (Get Discount)
L.L. Bean: 10% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
YETI: SPECIAL Pricing With Id.me (Get Discount)
Moosejaw: 20% OFF Regular Priced Items With Id.me (Get Discount)
Orvis: 10% OFF With Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Merrell: 10% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Outback: 10% OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
GLock: SPECIAL Discounted Pricing With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Tactical Gear: 10% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Rainier Arms: SPECIAL Discounted Pricing When You Verify (Get Discount)
Gold’s Gym: SPECIAL Pricing With Id.me (Get Discount)
Aero Precision USA: 10% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Nutrition
Bodybuilding.com: 10% OFF With Code IDMILITARY (Get Discount)
Thrive Market: 10% OFF For Military Families With Thrive Gives (Get Discount)
GNC: 15% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Swanson Vitamins: 20% OFF With ID.me (Get Discount)
Onnit: 15% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Gfuel: 15% OFF With VerifyPass (Get Discount)
Omaha Steaks: 10% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Fred Meyer: Extra 10% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Harry & David: 30% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Vital Proteins: 15% OFF with VerifyPass (Get Discount)
Huel: 10% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
Automotive
Ford: SPECIAL Pricing with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Toyota: Up To $500 In Military Rebates(Get Discount)
CarID: 10% OFF For Active Duty Military & Veterans (Get Discount)
Volvo: Exclusive Savings with Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Advance Auto Parts: 10% OFF Regular Priced Items With Valid ID (Get Discount)
BMW: Exclusive Savings with Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Harley Davidson: $0 Down For Active Duty & Veterans (Get Discount)
General Motors: Exclusive Lease Pricing With Id.me Verification (Get Discount)
Audi: Exclusive Savings with Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Nissan: Up To $100 OFF With Military Program (Get Discount)
VW: Up To $500 In Military Rebates (Get Discount)
Hyundai: $500 OFF on final price for active members and their veterans (Get Discount)
Subaru: $500 Bonus Cash On Select Models (Get Discount)
Carparts.com: 5% OFF With DD Form 214 (Get Discount)
Chrysler: $500 Bonus Cash On Select Models (Get Discount)
Land Rover: Exclusive Savings with Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
PepBoys: 10% OFF With Valid ID In Store Only (Get Discount)
Lincoln: SPECIAL Pricing with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Simple Tire: 5% OFF With Code MILITARY (Get Discount)
Car Rentals
Enterprise: Exclusive Pricing For Military (Get Discount)
Purple: 10% OFF With SheerID (Get Discount)
Budget: SPECIAL Rates With Code BCD V053905 (Get Discount)
Avis: Up To 25% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Sixt: Up To 5% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Zipcar: $60 OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Penske Truck Rental: 10% OFF With Code MILITARY (Get Discount)
Budget Truck Rental: 20% OFF With Code USMIO (Get Discount)
Airlines
Southwest: SPECIAL Rates When You Contact Southwest (Get Discount)
United: Up To 5% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Lufthansa: Up To 5% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Alaska Air: Up To 5% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Allegiant Air: Exclusive Discounts With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Hawaiian Airlines: Up To 5% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Travel Services
Expedia: Exclusive Gold Benefits With Military Email (Get Discount)
Priceline: Up To 60% OFF For Military (Get Discount)
Hotwire: $10 OFF Hot Rate Hotel Bookings (Get Discount)
Norwegian Cruise Line: SPECIAL Discounts with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Royal Caribbean: SPECIAL Rates With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Carnival Cruises: Exclusive Reduced Rates When You Contact Them (Get Discount)
Princess Cruises: Up $250 Free On Board Spending Money With Application (Get Discount)
Sandals Resorts: Extra 10% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Hotels
VRBO: Up To 15% OFF With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Marriott: SPECIAL Discounted Pricing For Military With Select Rates (Get Discount)
Hilton: SPECIAL Rates For Members Of US Military With Valid ID (Get Discount)
IHG: Exclusive Discounted Pricing With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Choice Hotels: 15% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Caesars: Exclusive Discounts Every Tuesday (Get Discount)
Best Western: Exclusive Discounts With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Extended Stay: SPECIAL Rates For Members Of US Military With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Communities
LinkedIn: Free Premium Subscription (Get Discount)
AARP: Up To 30% OFF AARP Membership (Get Discount)
Care.com: Discounted Military Pricing (Get Discount)
24 Hour Fitness: $0 Fees + $5 OFF With Valid Military ID (Get Discount)
Financial Services
Chase: $0 Monthly Fees With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Turbotax: $5 OFF All Federal Products When You Verify (Get Discount)
US Bank: $0 Monthly Fees With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Geico: Up To 15% OFF Insurance Rates (Get Discount)
Tax Slayer: Free Tax Return For Active Duty Military (Get Discount)
America First: Up To $100 OFF (Get Discount)
Gifts & Flowers
1800Flowers: 20% OFF With Code MILITARYUSA (Get Discount)
Pro Flowers: SPECIAL Discounts At This Link (Get Discount)
FTD: 20% OFF With Military.com Membership (Get Discount)
From You Flowers: 20% OFF With Valid ID (Get Discount)
Eyewear & Jewelry
Ray-Ban: 20% OFF With Code MILITARYUSA (Get Discount)
Sunglass Hut: 15% OFF With Id.me (Get Discount)
SmarBuyGlasses: 10% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Pandora: 20% OFF Premium Plans When You Verify (Get Discount)
Tiffany: 10% OFF When You Verify (Get Discount)
Blue Nile: 15% OFF Select Full Priced Items With ID.me (Get Discount)
Alex And Ani: 15% OFF With SheerID (Get Discount)
Software
Adobe: 20% OFF with Veterans Advantage (Get Discount)
Vimeo: 10% OFF Yearly Plans With Code DH10MILITARY (Get Discount)
TrendMicro: Up To 75% OFF With SheerID (Get Discount)
LifeLock: Free 30 Day Trial With Code MIL3015 (Get Discount)
FINAL REMARKS
As COVID-19 continues to impact all sectors of the US economy, disabled veterans are disproportionately exposed to additional financial risk and hardship. With a poverty rate among disabled veterans that has not declined in the last 10 years, 2020 is likely to set the highest poverty rate among disabled veterans in the last 20 years as millions of jobs disappear and most industries experience unprecedented changes.
However, the most important thing to highlight is that disabled veterans are not alone and there are many services and organizations that stand side by side with American heroes. Below you will find a list of other organizations that are useful for disabled vets to explore.
I did not know that there were this many programs for disabled vets. It’s great to see our government and other organizations doing this much to help our beloved heroes. I hope we can do more and bring more awareness to the struggle that our disabled vets endure.
It’s unbelievable to see that disability rates and poverty rates among veterans have increased in the last 10 years. What are we doing wrong as a society??? Wasn’t Trump supposed to help veterans?!
Fantastic resource guys! I have not come across a comprehensive guide like this that specifically helps veterans with disabilities. Keep up the good work.
I ama disabled vet… I could use some help.
The VA Healthcare system has been weaponized to discriminate against conservatives voting AVeterans. Never ever seek mental health care from the VA if you are a conservative. The VA is now actively targeting Conservative Veterans as instructed by the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, Citizens Corps and Infragard will actively surveill you 24/7/365. You will be mobbed/ gang stalked. You will be red flagged and placed on the FBI Domestic Terrorist Watchlist which is a green light to commit crimes against you. This is why there are 22 veteran suicides each and every day. The DoD, FBI and VA provoke Veteran Suicide. Every aspect of your life will be sabotaged. You will be denied healthcare with no health equity. You will be marked fir death. Your character will be assassinated by slander and libel. There is nothing these agencies will not do to destroy you and kill you.