Other Federal Benefits

There are various benefits available to veterans and their dependents which are not administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The benefits that follow are described along with information on how to contact the proper agency.

Job-Finding Assistance

Assistance in finding jobs is provided to veterans through state employment offices throughout the country. Local veterans employment representatives provide free job counseling, testing, training referral and placement services to veterans. Priority in referral to job openings and training opportunities is given to eligible veterans. The highest priority in referrals is provided to disabled veterans. Employment offices also assist veterans by providing information about unemployment compensation, job marts and on-the-job and apprenticeship training opportunities, in cooperation with VA regional offices and vet centers. Veterans should apply for such assistance at the nearest state employment office.

Servicemembers Occupational Conversion and Training Program

This new program is designed to assist individuals being released early from military service to obtain employment. Veterans discharged on or after Aug. 2, 1990, are eligible for the program if they meet certain requirements. To be eligible, the individual must be unemployed at the time of application and must have been unemployed for at least eight of the 15 weeks immediately before applying, and he must have a primary or secondary occupational specialty that is not readily transferable to the civilian workforce. Separating individuals entitled to compensation for a disability rated at 30 percent or more--or who would be but for the receipt of military retired pay--also are eligible. Participating employers will be paid an amount that is equal to one-half of the employee's salary. The total amount paid to the employer may not exceed $12,000 for individuals with a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or more, or $10,000 for all others.

Certain types of work are not reimbursable under the program. Ineligible employment includes employment which is seasonal, intermittent or temporary; employment dependent primarily on commissions; employment involving political or religious activities; employment with the federal government; and employment outside of a state.

For information, contact Veterans' Employment, Reemployment and Training, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210, or call 202-219-9116.

Reemployment Rights

Under the Veterans' Reemployment Rights (VRR) law (Chapter 43. Title 38, U.S. Code), a person who left a civilian job to enter active duty in the Armed Forces, either voluntarily or involuntarily, may be entitled to return to his or her civilian job after discharge or release from active duty. This law covers reemployment rights for those who rendered active-duty service, initial active duty for training, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training. There are four requirements that must be met under the Veterans' Reemployment Rights law:

1. The person must have been employed in other than a temporary civilian job.
2. The person must have left the civilian job for the purpose of entering military service.
3. The person must not remain on active duty longer than four years, unless the period beyond four years is at the request and for the convenience of the federal government and the military discharge form carries this statement. Active duty during a period of declared national emergency, if at the request of and for the convenience of the federal government, does not count toward this four-year limitation. In some cases, the limitation may be extended to five years.
4. 4.The person must be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions. The VRR law calls for the returning veteran to be placed in the job as if the veteran had remained continuously employed instead of going on active duty. This means that the person may be entitled to benefits that are generally based on seniority, such as pensions, pay increases. missed promotions and missed transfers.

Applications for reemployment should be given verbally or in writing to a person who is authorized to represent the company for hiring purposes. A record of when and to whom the application was given should be kept. If there are problems in attaining reemployment, the applicant may be eligible for representation by the Department of Labor, if not employed by the federal government. Questions on the VRR law, or requests for assistance in attaining reemployment, if there are problems with private employers or state or local governments, should be directed to the Department of Labor's director for Veterans Employment and Training (DVET) for the state in which the employer is located. Consult telephone directories under U.S. Department of Labor for the telephone number of the DVET or call 1-800-442-2838 for the appropriate DVET telephone number.

When the federal government is the employer of members of the National Guard or reserve, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is specifically charged with implementing the VRR law within the executive branch of the federal government, including the Postal Service. For additional information, consult the telephone directory under U.S. Government, or contact the Office of Personnel Management, Staffing Policy Division, Room 6504, 1900 E Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20415.

Postal employees are covered by Section 517 of the Employee and Labor Relations Manual of the U.S. Postal Service. This section, entitled "Military Leave," covers all aspects of military leave procedures for enlistees and reservists. For additional information, consult the local telephone directory under U.S. Government, or contact the Program Manager, Employee Relations Department, U.S. Postal Service, Washington, DC 20260-4256, 202-268-3970.

A veteran must apply to the pre-service employer within 90 days after separation from active duty. If the veteran is hospitalized or recuperating when discharged, the 90-day application period begins upon release from the hospital or completion of recuperation, which may last up to one year. For reservists and National Guard members returning from initial active duty for training, the application period is 31 days instead of 90.

Unemployment Compensation

The purpose of unemployment compensation for ex-servicemembers is to provide a weekly income for a limited period of time to help them meet basic needs while searching for employment. The amount and duration of payments are governed by state laws, which vary considerably. Benefits are paid from federal funds. Ex-servicemembers should apply immediately after leaving military service at their nearest state employment office, and present copy 4 of their military discharge form (DD-214) to determine their eligibility.

Affirmative Action

Federal legislation prohibits employers with federal contracts or subcontracts of $10,000 or more from discriminating in employment against Vietnam-Era and "special disabled" veterans. Special disabled veterans, covered throughout their working lives, are those veterans entitled to compensation -- or veterans who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation -- who are rated under laws administered by VA for disability at 30 percent or more, or rated at 10 or 20 percent in the case of a veteran who has been determined to have a serious employment handicap, or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. Federal legislation requires these contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment Vietnam-Era and special disabled veterans. Vietnam-Era veterans are covered by this program through 1994. Legislative requirements are administered by the U.S. Labor Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Complaints must be filed at an OFCCP regional office of the Labor Department.

Job Training Partnership Act

The Job Training Partnership Act provides for a national job training program conducted by the Department of Labor. The Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training, Labor Department, is responsible for administering a training program specifically for disabled, Vietnam Era and recently separated veterans. Veterans should inquire about the availability of such programs at the nearest state employment office. Veterans programs may be conducted through public agencies and private nonprofit organizations.

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program

Administered by the Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training of the Department of Labor, this program provides funds for use in states to locate disabled veterans and help them find jobs, especially veterans of the Vietnam Era. Staff members performing these outreach duties are usually disabled veterans themselves who work closely with VA, veterans organizations and other community groups. Most staff members are located in offices of the state employment service but may be stationed in VA's regional offices, psychological and readjustment counseling centers, and other VA facilities.

Employment in the Federal Government

The Vietnam-Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 enacted into law the Veterans Readjustment Appointment (VRA) authority, which provides for the U.S. policy of promoting maximum job opportunities within the federal government for qualified disabled veterans. The VRA authority allows agencies to make noncompetitive appointments, at their discretion, to federal jobs for Vietnam-Era and post-Vietnam-Era veterans. Such appointments lead to conversion to career or career-conditional employment upon satisfactory completion of two years of service. Veterans seeking VRA appointments should apply directly to the agency where they wish to work, The Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program (DVAAP) is administered by the Office of Personnel Management. All federal departments and agencies are required to establish action plans to facilitate the recruitment, employment and advancement of disabled veterans. OPM reviews agencies' DVAAP action plans to determine if they meet requirements.

Eligible veterans may receive veterans' preference in federal employment, which provides for additional points added to passing scores in examinations, first consideration for certain jobs, and preference for retention in reductions in force. Preference also is provided for: (1) unremarried widows and widowers of deceased veterans and mothers of military personnel who died in service; (2) spouses of service-connected disabled veterans who are no longer able to work in their usual occupations; and (3) mothers of veterans who have permanent and total service-connected disabilities.

Individuals interested in these benefits and other federal employment opportunities may contact the personnel offices of the federal agencies in which they wish to be employed. Information also may be obtained by contacting the Federal Employment Information Centers of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The centers are listed in telephone books under U.S. Government. Veterans also may obtain a nationwide listing of the Federal Employment Information Centers by writing to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employment Information Center, 1900 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20415.

Transition Assistance Program

The Labor Department has established the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to assist servicemembers who are scheduled for separation from active duty. The program establishes a partnership with the Defense Department, Department of Veterans Affairs and Labor Department to provide employment and training information to servicemembers within 180 days of separation. Three-day workshops to assist in civilian employment are conducted at military installations throughout the nation. Additional counseling is available to disabled servicemembers. For information, contact VETS, Labor Department, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Room S1313, Washington, DC 20210, or call 202-219-5573.

Credit For Farms and Homes

Loans and guaranties can be provided by Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) to qualified individuals to buy, improve or operate farms. Loans and guaranties are available for housing in towns generally up to 10,000 population. In some circumstances the town population can be as large as 20,000. For individual loans, applications from eligible veterans have preference for processing. For further information contact FmHA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250, or apply at local FmHA offices, usually located in county seats.

FHA Home Mortgage Insurance

HUD administers the Federal Housing Administration Home Mortgage Insurance Program for Veterans. These home loans require less downpayment than other FHA programs. Veterans on active duty are eligible who originally enlisted before Sept. 8, 1980, or who entered on active duty before Oct. 14, 1982, and who were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions with at least 90 days service. Veterans with enlisted service after Sept. 7, 1980, or who entered on active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have served at least 24 months unless discharged for hardship or disability. Active duty for training is qualifying service. Submit VA Form 26-8261a, available at any VA office, to VA for a Certificate of Veteran Status. This certificate is submitted by the lender to FHA.

Naturalization Preference

Aliens with honorable service in the U.S. Armed Forces during periods in which the United States was engaged in conflicts or hostilities may be naturalized without having to comply with the general requirements for naturalization. Such aliens must have either been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence or been inducted, enlisted, re-enlisted or extended an enlistment in the Armed Forces while within the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, the Canal Zone or American Samoa. Hostilities must be periods declared by the President.

Aliens with honorable service in the U.S. Armed Forces for three years or more during periods not considered a conflict or hostility by Executive Order may be naturalized provided they have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. Applications must be made while serving in the Armed Forces or within six months of discharge.

Aliens who have served honorably for at least 12 years may also be granted special immigrant status. To be eligible for this benefit the person must have enlisted outside the United States pursuant to a treaty or agreement between the United States and the Philippines, the Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The service must have occurred after Oct.15, 1978.

In addition, Filipinos with active duty service during World War II in the Philippine Scouts, Commonwealth Army of the Philippines or a recognized guerrilla unit may be naturalized without having been admitted for lawful permanent residence or having enlisted or reenlisted in the United States. Such persons must submit their applications to the Immigration and Naturalization Service by Feb. 2, 1995.

Aliens who died as a result of wounds incurred or disease contracted during periods of hostilities declared by the President may receive recognition as U.S. citizens. An application may be submitted by the person's next of kin, or other authorized representative. This posthumous citizenship is honorary only and does not confer any other benefits to the person's surviving relatives. Contact the nearest office of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Justice Department, for assistance.

Small Business Administration

The SBA has a number of programs designed to help foster and encourage small business enterprise, including businesses owned or operated by veterans. Help available from the SBA includes: business training, conferences, one-on-one counseling, advocacy, surety bonding, government procurement and financial management assistance. Most SBA loans are made under its Loan Guaranty Program. The loan amount is advanced by the bank or other lending institution, with SBA guaranteeing up to 90 percent of the total amount. Since 1983, the SBA has administered a direct loan program for Vietnam-Era and disabled veterans. A Vietnam-Era or disabled veteran who meets SBA's credit criteria may qualify for a direct loan if unable to obtain financing from commercial or other lenders. In each SBA field office there is a veterans affairs officer who is designated as the contact person to assist veterans in dealings with the SBA. Information on any of SBA's programs is available without charge from any of its approximately 100 field offices. Veterans should check the U.S. Government section of their local phone book for the address of the nearest SBA office. The SBA maintains a national toll-free number: 1-800-827-5722 (1-800-U-ASK-SBA).

Social Security

Monthly retirement, disability, and survivor benefits under Social Security are payable to a veteran and dependents if the veteran has earned enough work credits under the program. A lump-sum death payment of $255 also is made upon the veteran's death and can be paid only to the veteran's eligible spouse or child entitled to benefits. In addition, the veteran may qualify at age 65 for Medicare's hospital insurance and medical insurance. Medicare protection also is available to people who have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months and to insured people and their dependents with permanent kidney failure who need dialysis or kidney transplants.

Active duty or active duty for training in the U.S. uniformed services has counted toward Social Security since January 1957, when taxes were first withheld from a serviceperson's basic pay. Service personnel and veterans receive an extra $300 credit for each quarter in which they received any basic pay for active duty or active duty for training after 1956 and before 1978. After 1977, a credit of $100 is granted for each $300 of reported wages up to a maximum credit of $1,200 if reported wages are $3,600 or more. No additional Social Security taxes are withheld from pay for these extra credits. Also, noncontributory Social Security credits of $160 a month may be granted to veterans who served after Sept. 15, 1940, and before 1957.

Further information about Social Security credits and benefits is available from any of the more than 1,300 Social Security offices. For the address and phone number, look in the telephone directory under Social Security Administration or U.S. Government. A toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, also is available.

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments for those age 65 or older, or who are blind or otherwise disabled, if they have little or no income or resources. States may supplement the federal payments to eligible persons and may disregard additional amounts of income. Although VA compensation and pension benefits are counted in determining income for SSI purposes, certain types or amounts of income do not count. Also, not all resources count in determining eligibility. For example, the person's home and the land it is on do not count, regardless of value. Personal effects or household goods, automobiles and life insurance may not count, depending on their value. Information and assistance in making application for this program may be obtained at any Social Security office or by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.

Passports to Visit Overseas Cemeteries

"No-fee" or "fee-free" passports are available for family members visiting overseas grave sites of veterans. Those eligible for such passports include widows, parents, children, sister, brothers and guardians of the deceased who are buried or commemorated in permanent American military cemeteries on foreign soil. For additional information, please write to the American Battle Monuments Commission, Room 5127, Pulaski Building, 20 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20314.

Military Medals

Medals awarded while in active service will be issued by the appropriate service if requested by veterans or, if deceased, their next of kin. Requests for medals pertaining to service in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard should be sent to the Navy Liaison Office, Room 3475, N-314. 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100. Requests for medals pertaining to service in the Army should be sent to Army Commander, U.S. Army Reserve Personnel Center, ATTN: DARPPAS-EAW, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100. Requests for medals pertaining to service in the Air Force should be sent to the National Personnel Records Center (Military Personnel Records), 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.

The veteran's full name should be printed or typed, so that it can be read clearly, but the request must also contain the signature of the veteran or the signature of the next of kin if the veteran is deceased. Include the veteran's branch of service, service number or Social Security number, whichever is appropriate, and dates of service, or at least the approximate years. If a copy of the discharge/separation document is available (WDAGO Form 53-55 or DD Form 214), please include it. If possible, send the request on Standard Form 180, "Request Pertaining To Military Records." These forms are generally available from VA offices or veterans organizations.

Commissary and Exchange Privileges

Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 100 percent, unremarried surviving spouses of members or retired members of the Armed Forces, recipients of the Medal of Honor, eligible dependents of the foregoing categories, and eligible orphans are entitled to unlimited exchange and commissary store privileges in the United States. Certain reservists and dependents also are eligible. Entitlement to these privileges overseas is governed by international law, and privileges are available only to the extent agreed upon by the foreign governments concerned. Certification of total disability will be given by VA. Assistance in completing DD Form 1172 (Application for Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card) may be provided by VA.

Review of Discharges

Each of the military services maintains a Discharge Review Board with authority to change, correct, or modify discharges or dismissals that are NOT issued by a sentence of a general court martial. The board has NO authority to address medical discharges. The veteran or -- if deceased or incompetent -- the surviving spouse, next of kin or legal representative may apply for a review of discharge by writing to the military department concerned using Department of Defense Form 293 (DD-293), which may be obtained at any VA office. If more than 15 years have passed since discharge, DD Form 149 should be used for applications to the Board for the Correction of Military Records.

Service discharge review boards conduct hearings by established boards in Washington, D.C. Traveling review boards also visit selected cities to hear cases based on demand as evidenced by the number of applicants who have submitted a DD Form 293. In addition, the Army sends teams to locations to videotape an applicant's testimony. This tape is reviewed by a regularly constituted board in Washington, D.C.

Under Public Law 95-126, discharges awarded as a result of unauthorized absence in excess of 180 days make persons ineligible for receipt of VA benefits regardless of action taken by discharge review boards unless VA determines there were compelling circumstances for the absences. In addition, boards for the correction of military records may consider such cases. Applications to these boards are made on DD Form 149.

Veterans with disabilities incurred or aggravated during active military service in line of duty may qualify for medical or related benefits regardless of separation and characterization of service. Veterans separated administratively under other than honorable conditions may request that their discharges be reviewed for possible recharacterization, provided they file their appeal within 15 years from the date of separation. Questions regarding discharge review may be addressed to the appropriate discharge review board at the following addresses:

Army -- Army Discharge Review Board, Attention: SFMR-RBB, Room 200A, 1941 Jefferson
Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202-4504. 
Navy and USMC -- Navy Discharge Review Board, 801 N. Randolph St., Suite 905, Arlington,
VA 22203. 
Air Force -- Air Force Military Personnel Center, Attention: DPMDOA1, Randolph AFB, TX
78150-6001. 
Coast Guard -- Coast Guard, Attention: GPE1, Washington, DC 20593. 

Military Records

A veteran and spouse should be aware of the location of the veteran's discharge and separation papers. If the veteran cannot locate discharge and separation papers, duplicate copies may be obtained by contacting the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100. Specify that a duplicate separation document or discharge is needed. The veteran's full name should be printed or typed so that it can be read clearly, but the request must also contain the signature of the veteran or the signature of the next of kin, if the veteran is deceased. Include the veteran's branch of service, service number or Social Security number, whichever is appropriate, and exact dates or approximate years of service. If possible, use the Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining To Military Records. These forms are available from VA offices and veterans organizations.

In case of a medical emergency, information from a veteran's records may be obtained by phoning the National Personnel Records Center: Air Force (314) 538-4243; Army (314) 538-4261; Navy/Marine Corps/Coast Guard (314) 538-4141.

Correction of Military Records

The secretary of a military department, acting through a board for correction of military records, has authority to correct any military record when necessary to correct an error or remove an injustice. Applications for correction of a military record, including review of discharges issued by courts martial, may be considered by a correction board.

Generally, a request for correction must be filed by the veteran, survivor or legal representative within three years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice. The board may excuse failure to file within the prescribed time, however, if it finds it would be in the interest of justice to do so. It is the responsibility of the applicant to show why the filing of the application was delayed and why it would be in the interest of justice for the board to consider the application despite the delay.

To justify any correction, it is necessary to show to the satisfaction of the board that the alleged entry or omission in the records was in error or unjust. Applications should include all evidence which may be available, such as signed statements of witnesses or a brief of arguments supporting the requested correction. Application must be made on DD Form 149, which may be obtained at any VA office. Send completed application to the address indicated on the form.

Death Gratuity

Military services provide death gratuities of $6,000 to a deceased servicemember's spouse or children. Parents, brothers or sisters may be provided the gratuity, if designated by the deceased. This is paid as soon as possible by the last military command unit of the deceased. If not received within a reasonable time, application may be made to the service concerned. The death gratuity is payable in case of any death in active service, or any death within 120 days thereafter from causes related to active service. The gratuity reveals to $3,000 by law 180 days after the Persian Gulf Conflict is declared officially ended.

Armed Forces Retirement Homes

Certain veterans are eligible for residence in two retirement homes run by an independent federal agency, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and managed locally by advisory boards. For information, write to the Admissions Office, U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home, Washington, D.C. 20317, or phone 1-800-422-9988; or to U.S. Naval Home, 1800 Beach Dr., Gulfport, Miss. 39507, or phone 1-800-332-3527