Is there free life insurance for 100% disabled Veterans?
The short answer is no. There is no free life insurance for 100% disabled Veterans. Not anymore at least. There used to be a VA backed policy for free life insurance for 100% disabled Veterans called “S-DVI” or Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance up until December 31, 2022. Unfortunately, this program got discontinued when the VA launched their new “VA Life Insurance” program and as of right now there is no free life insurance for 100% disabled Veterans – or any rating for that matter. There are however a lot of very affordable life insurance programs for all Veterans that extend coverage also to disabled Veterans. If you already have free life insurance for 100% disabled Veterans you can keep the policy as is, you don’t have to do anything. Are all S-DVI policies free for disabled Veterans? No, only those Veterans who are totally disabled (100%) were able to receive a waiver for the premium on their policy. For everyone else the premium depends on their age, amount of insurance, coverage plan and whether your billing is set to monthly or annually as the VA gives a slight discount to all annual billings. What are your options
VA Life Insurance (VA Life) and why it’s a bad choice for the majority of Veterans
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance or “VA Life” Insurance is an insurance policy provided directly through the VA. It’s a whole life insurance policy with the death benefit ranging from $10,000 to $40,000. VA Life Insurance is the VA’s first new life insurance policy in almost 50 years and was established in January 2023. The idea behind it is to help eligible Veterans with service-connected disabilities to gain access to a whole life insurance policy that they can qualify for. At first glance this seems like a good deal, however it’s important to understand why the concept of whole life insurance is disadvantageous for the majority of Veterans – even in old age and/or when they have a service-connected disability. Keep on reading to understand why this is such a bad policy and to understand the difference between VA Life Insurance and VGLI (Veterans Group Life Insurance). VA Life Insurance (VA Life) is often confused with Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Many Veterans and other people confuse VGLI and VA Life Insurance with one another because of the similar name. However, they couldn’t be more different. One policy, the VA Life Insurance is whole life insurance while the
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI): VGLI Rates, Coverage and Application
The Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is a life insurance policy offered explicitly to Veterans that allows them to continue with the SGLI coverage after dismissal from the service. This program guarantees that Veterans are insured as long as they continue paying premiums for their policy, unlike the traditional term life insurance with a fixed expiration time. This continuity can be essential for the post-services Veteran who does not qualify for any private insurance policy. However, we should already note that VGLI is not a good life insurance policy in general and most Veterans are far better off cancelling their VGLI policy with the VA if they transferred from SGLI into VGLI and get a private term life insurance policy instead if they’re able to qualify. The same applies if you don’t have a VGLI policy yet. You can skip to here where we explain why VGLI is a bad choice for the majority of Veterans. The VGLI program provides coverage in increments of $10,000 from $10,000 to $500,000, depending on the veteran’s coverage under SGLI and what plan they chose upon transferring their SGLI into VGLI. Editor’s Note: Effective March 1, 2023, the maximum amount of
Wyoming State Veteran Benefits
Wyoming offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits. Wyoming Veterans Home The Wyoming Veterans Home sits just three miles west of Buffalo. To qualify for residency, you need an honorable discharge and Wyoming residency. Fees are determined by your financial capability. Wyoming Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption Veterans who served overseas during an armed conflict and received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or equivalent, those who are disabled veterans with VA or military disability, or the un-remarried surviving spouse of a qualified veteran can benefit from a $3,000 reduction in the assessed value of their home or vehicle licensing fee. Military Assistance Trust Fund The Military Assistance Trust Fund offers emergency monetary grants to assist service members and/or their families facing financial hardship directly related to state or federal military duty. Wyoming Veterans Preference for State Jobs Veterans receive a five-point advantage over non-veteran competitors for the same position. If the veteran has a service-connected disability of 10 percent or more, the advantage increases to 10 points. Surviving spouses may also qualify for this advantage. Wyoming Education Benefits Wyoming National Guard members are eligible for tuition and fee waivers
Wisconsin State Veteran Benefits
Wisconsin offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits. Wisconsin Veterans Homes Wisconsin boasts three veterans homes located in Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove. While residency in Wisconsin is not a requirement for admission, preference is given to Wisconsin residents. To qualify for admission, individuals must have received an honorable discharge from the military. Additionally, spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents are eligible for admission. A monthly fee is required for residency. Wisconsin Veteran Financial Benefits Income Tax Military retirement and SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) payments are exempt from taxes. Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit The Wisconsin Veterans & Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit provides eligible veterans and surviving spouses who have not remarried with a property tax credit for their primary residence. Eligibility extends to veterans rated 100% disabled or unemployable by the VA. Surviving spouses may also qualify if they receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant The Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant (ANVG) program offers restricted financial aid to individuals facing financial hardship and who have utilized all available aid options. These grants can be utilized for designated healthcare and basic
West Virginia State Veteran Benefits
West Virginia offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits. West Virginia Veterans Homes West Virginia operates a veterans’ residence in Barboursville and a nursing facility in Clarksburg. These facilities welcome veterans who have either been residents of West Virginia for at least 30 days or enlisted from the state, possess an honorable discharge, and have completed a minimum of 12 months of active duty service. Fees are determined based on income. West Virginia Veteran Financial Benefits Income Tax Military compensation is exempt from taxation when stationed outside of the state. Retirement pay and SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) payments are also tax-exempt. Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption Veterans who have attained a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability status may qualify for exemptions from specific property taxes. Veterans Bonus In West Virginia, veterans who served during the War in Afghanistan are eligible for cash bonuses. This bonus comprises a one-time payment of $600 for service in the combat zone or a one-time payment of $400 for service outside the combat zone. West Virginia Veterans Preference for State Jobs All veterans who served during wartime and received an honorable discharge receive a
Washington State Veteran Benefits
Washington offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits. Washington State Veterans Home Washington state operates four state veterans homes situated in Ortig, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. Admission requires an honorable discharge, with eligibility extending to spouses, surviving spouses, and gold star parents, albeit with associated care costs. Washington Veteran Financial Benefits Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 80% or higher, or are over the age of 61 with income below specific thresholds (which vary by county), might qualify for property tax exemption on their homes. Surviving spouses may also be eligible. Financial Assistance The majority of counties offer financial assistance programs tailored for military and veteran families. Washington State Veteran Education Benefits Free Tuition For Dependents Dependents of military members who died in service or are permanently and totally disabled veterans can receive up to 200 hours of tuition-free education at state schools. Children must be aged between 17 and 26, while spouses and surviving spouses remain eligible for 10 years from the date of death or the date of VA rating. Washington Veteran Employment Benefits State Employment Combat veterans
Virginia State Veteran Benefits
Virginia offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits. Virginia Veterans Homes Virginia operates two veterans homes located in Richmond and Roanoke. Additionally, two new facilities in Puller and Virginia Beach are set to open their doors in 2022. Eligibility for admission is open to honorably discharged veterans who are residents of Virginia, though there may be associated costs. Virginia Veteran Financial Benefits Income Tax Active Duty Pay – Virginia income tax allows for up to $15,000 of military basic pay to be exempted. However, for every additional dollar earned beyond $15,000, the maximum subtraction decreases by a corresponding dollar. For instance, if your basic pay totals $16,000, your deductible amount reduces to $14,000. If your military basic pay reaches $30,000 or more, you are ineligible for the subtraction. For members of the VA National Guard ranked O-3 and below, up to 39 calendar days of service or $3,000 (whichever is less) can be deducted from your income during filing. Retired Pay – Effective from 2022, retirees aged 55 and above can deduct up to $10,000 of retirement income from their gross income for state tax purposes. This deductible amount
Vermont State Veteran Benefits
Vermont offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits. Vermont Veterans Home The veterans home in Bennington, operated by the state of Vermont, prioritizes admission for Vermont veterans, while veterans from other states are encouraged to apply. Eligibility criteria include an honorable discharge and a minimum of 90 days of service. Additionally, Gold Star parents and spouses of qualified veterans are eligible for admission. Veterans without Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance are responsible for covering their care costs. However, the facility’s staff assists in maximizing available insurance benefits for eligible individuals. Vermont Veteran Financial Benefits Income Tax Active duty pay received while stationed out-of-state is exempt from taxes. Guard and reserve pay up to $2,000 is tax-free, subject to income limits. Starting in 2022, retirement income up to $10,000 is tax-free for individuals with a gross income below $50,000 for single filers or $65,000 for joint filers. Emergency Financial Assistance The Vermont State Veterans Affairs offers emergency financial assistance to veterans and their dependents through a one-time payment. Applications can be completed over the phone or in person. Applicants are required to provide comprehensive details regarding their income and expenses
Utah State Veteran Benefits
Utah offers various benefits for veterans. On this page, you’ll find a concise overview of each of these benefits. Utah Veterans Homes Utah boasts four veterans’ residences situated in Ivins, Ogden, Payson, and Salt Lake City. Any honorably discharged veteran is eligible for admission, with wartime veterans given priority. Additionally, spouses or surviving spouses may meet the criteria for admission. It’s important to note that there might be associated costs for care. Utah Veterans Financial Benefits Income Tax Retired military pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments are exempt from taxes. Property Tax Abatement Disabled veterans are eligible for a property tax reduction, with the maximum reduction in the assessed value of their homes set at $275,699, subject to annual adjustments. The reduction is calculated by multiplying this maximum value by the veteran’s disability percentage. Surviving spouses may also qualify for this benefit. Armed Forces Property Tax Exemption Active duty and reserve members who have completed a minimum of 200 days of active service may be eligible for a complete exemption from real property tax. This exemption becomes effective in the year following their service. Purple Heart Fee Exemption Purple Heart recipients are relieved from motor vehicle license and registration