Veterans and their spouses can receive care at VA hospitals and healthcare clinics as long as they are both enrolled in the VA healthcare system (e.g., TRICARE or CHAMPVA). In some cases, spouses may receive care in the community (outside of the VA network) if they have CHAMPVA. 7 Does the VA Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment for Spouses?
Full Answer
What are the VA benefits for spouses?
Here are the VA benefits for spouses you can avail of under this program: You can get an education at a college in business, vocational and technical courses. You can use this benefit program to obtain a GED or high school diploma from anywhere within the United States.
How do I make an appointment with a VA mental health provider?
If you’re already using VA medical services, ask your primary care provider to help you make an appointment with a VA mental health provider. If you’re not already using VA medical services, contact your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center to talk about your needs.
Where can I get help with mental health and VA services?
They can provide information about mental health and VA services, as well as tips for how to begin the conversation about treatment with a loved one. To reach a licensed psychologist or social worker: Contact Coaching into Care online; Or call 888-823-7458, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
How do I get a VA loan for a deceased spouse?
If you are a surviving spouse of a Veteran, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss your eligibility and apply for the DIC program. Once enrolled, you can apply with a lender and attach your VA form 26-1817. You can also mail your VA Form 26-1817 and deceased veteran’s DD214 to VA’s loan eligibility center. 3.
Do VA hospitals treat spouses?
As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.
Can spouses of veterans go to the VA?
Qualifying spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents of veterans or currently serving military members may be eligible for one or more important VA benefits. These benefit areas will have varying requirements, application time frames, and benefit duration.
Can my spouse use the VA pharmacy?
Pharmacy Benefits: Spouses and surviving spouses who qualify for CHAMPVA can receive prescription benefits through their local pharmacy or the VA's Meds by Mail program.
Does the VA treat family members?
Family members are a key part of Veterans good health and support network. VA health care coverage is available for family members of certain Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or died serving our country and in some cases, Veterans with children who have Spina Bifida.
What does VA consider a spouse?
Q: Who is considered a spouse for purposes of VA benefits? A: VA recognizes a Veteran's marriage if the marriage was recognized under the law of the place where at least one of the parties resided when they were married or when the claimant became eligible for benefits.
Will the VA pay my wife to be my caregiver?
Spouses, unfortunately, cannot be paid to provide care, as their income is also considered when calculating a veteran's pension amount. However, other relatives, such as adult children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren, can be paid to be caregivers.
Do veterans get free healthcare for life?
You can get free VA health care for any illness or injury that we determine is related to your military service (called “service connected”). We also provide certain other services for free.
How much does the VA pay for a spouse?
The basic monthly rate of DIC is $1,340 for an eligible surviving spouse. The rate is increased for each dependent child, and also if the surviving spouse is housebound or in need of aid and attendance. VA also adds a transitional benefit of $332 to the surviving spouse's monthly DIC if there are children under age 18.
Can VA fill prescriptions from non VA doctors?
VA cannot fill prescriptions that are written by private physicians. Will the VA pay for a prescription filled at a non-VA pharmacy? No. VA is not responsible for payment of outside physician's fees or medication.
How do I add my wife to my VA benefits?
If you can't, or don't want to file online, you can file a claim for additional disability compensation by mail using these forms: For a spouse or a child under 18 years of age, you'll need to fill out an Application Request to Add and/or Remove Dependents (VA Form 21-686c).
Does the VA pay for nursing home care for spouse?
VA Aid and Attendance may be used to offset care costs as long as assistance with daily activities is provided by another person. This means veterans and widowed spouses in senior living facilities may receive financial assistance to pay for assisted living, memory care, home care, or nursing home care.
How Much Does VA health care cost per month?
The charge ranges from $5 to $11 for each 30 day or less supply of medications provided on an outpatient basis for nonservice-connected conditions. Outpatient – The copayments will be based on primary care visits ($15) and specialty care visits ($50).
What Benefits Do Spouses of Veterans Receive?
The VA serves more than 360,000 beneficiaries and provides VA benefits for spouses through its healthcare programs and other services for family members and dependents. Veteran spouse benefits depend on certain eligibility requirements.
Veterans Spouse Benefits Eligibility
Getting married is considered to be a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), meaning spouses are eligible for VA benefits immediately upon getting married. Spouses must apply for VA coverage within 90 days of the date of marriage. As for health insurance, spouses will qualify for either TRICARE or CHAMPVA.
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What Is the VA?
The US Department of Veterans Affairs, commonly referred to as the VA, is part of the executive branch of the US government. Their responsibility is to provide medical benefits to veterans from the US military and active service members.
How Do VA Medical Benefits Work for Spouses?
VA health benefits, specifically medical benefits, are available to veterans, of course. They are also available under certain circumstances to dependents of living veterans. This would include their spouse.
Understanding VA Ratings and Why It Matters
As the VA treats veterans, they have ratings they use to identify the illness and disability. The rating is significant because it assigns a percentage to the veteran’s disability.
What Does Surviving Spouse Mean?
If a veteran is deceased, a spouse can still qualify for some VA medical benefits. The VA uses the term surviving spouse. The VA has some requirements for the surviving spouse to qualify for benefits. These include:
VA Health Care Services
The VA offers comprehensive medical services to veterans and their qualifying spouses and dependents. Some of these benefits include:
VA Healthcare Benefits
The VA has several different health care programs available. Let’s take a closer look at these programs.
Where Could You Get Help Applying for VA Benefits?
The truth is there is an abundance of resources available for both qualifying veterans and their qualifying spouses. Yet, it can feel a little overwhelming getting to those services.
Why do military spouses get VA benefits?
Therefore, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers VA benefits for spouses to express gratitude and help balance the hardships that can be faced.
What is the military spouse preference program?
The Department of Defense Military Spouse Preference Program or MSP assists military spouses in securing the desired employment. Under this program, as a spouse, you will get preferential treatment for employment in placements positions open for a civilian in the Department of Defense (DOD).
What is VA claims insider?
VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. We’re here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. We also connect veteran s with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Independent Medical Opinions & Nexus Statements (Medical Nexus Letters) for a wide range of disability conditions.
What is DEA in VA?
The Survivor’s and Dependent’s Education Assistance or (DEA) is a program for spouses eligible for VA benefits. This program by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers assistance to all eligible spouses of Veterans with permanent and total VA disability ratings due to service-connected conditions.
What is myCAA for military spouses?
MyCAA – An education benefit or financing program for military spouses by the Department of Defense. There are numerous non-profit scholarships for spouses eligible for VA benefits such as Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), National Military Family Association (NMFA) etc. Other VA benefits for spouses may include:
How long does it take to convert a spouse's life insurance to an individual?
As military spouses who are eligible for VA benefits for spouses, you may be able to convert your spousal insurance coverage (FSGLI) into an individual plan with a private insurance provider within 120 days of the Veteran’s end of military services.
How long do you have to pay for a VA test?
Once VA categorizes you under spouses eligible for VA benefits, you have up to ten years for your eligibility date to apply for dependent benefits.
What is AVCC for spouse?
AVCC helps Veterans’ spouses find out what benefits they qualify for so that they can access them. We also connect Veterans and their family members with home care services and financial assistance . Contact us today if you would like us to help you determine which spouse benefits you qualify for.
What benefits do spouses get after spouse dies?
Spouses who have lost their partners in the line of duty are entitled to specific benefits to help them after their Veteran or service member spouse has died. These VA surviving spouse benefits include: Survivors Pension: You may be eligible for a VA Survivors Pension if your spouse served at least one day of active duty during a wartime period ...
What are the benefits of surviving spouse?
Spouses who have lost their partners in the line of duty are entitled to specific benefits to help them after their Veteran or service member spouse has died. These VA surviving spouse benefits include: 1 Survivors Pension: You may be eligible for a VA Survivors Pension if your spouse served at least one day of active duty during a wartime period and you meet specific income and net worth limits set by Congress. You will have to qualify and apply to receive these death pension benefits. 2 VA Home Loan Programs: You can apply to receive a certificate of eligibility (COE) that will allow you to build, buy, repair, or refinance a home. The VA also provides financial counseling for surviving spouses who struggle with mortgage payments and the risk of foreclosure. 3 Compensation for Surviving Spouse and Dependents (DIC): This program provides a tax-free monetary benefit to family members of service members who died of a service-related injury or illness. 4 Burial Benefits and Memorial Items: The VA can give you step-by-step guidance on planning a burial in a VA national cemetery or another Veterans cemetery. You can also apply for financial assistance for burial costs, access grief counseling and transition support, and request memorial items for the funeral or memorial service.
Can a spouse receive a prescription from the VA?
Pharmacy Benefits: Spouses and surviving spouses who qualify for CHAMPVA can receive prescription benefits through their local pharmacy or the VA’s Meds by Mail program.
What is the CHAMPVA program?
Under CHAMPVA, VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. Coverage under VA’s CHAMPVA program means you already satisfy the requirement to have health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, also known as ACA or health care reform.
Does the VA want to provide health care?
VA wants all Veterans and their families to receive health care that improves their health and wellbeing. Family members are a key part of Veterans good health and support network. VA health care coverage is available for family members of certain Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or died serving our country and in some cases, ...
Can dependents of OEF receive tricare?
has dependents who are not eligible for Department of Defense TRICARE benefits. In addition, primary caregivers of OEF/OIF Veterans may be eligible to receive CHAMPVA coverage if they are not already entitled to care or services under a health plan contract, including Medicare, Medicaid or workers compensation.
Can family members get VA health insurance?
Family members who are not enrolled in a VA health care program and who do not meet the health care law coverage standards should use the Marketplace to get coverage. They may get lower costs on monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs. They could be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program ...
How to access VA mental health services?
To access free VA mental health services right away: Call or walk in to any VA medical center —anytime, day or night. Find your nearest VA health facility. Call or walk in to any Vet Center during clinic hours. Find your nearest Vet Center. Call us at 877-222-8387.
How to contact the VA about homelessness?
Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A trained VA counselor will offer information about VA homelessness programs, health care, and other services in your area. The call is free and confidential.
How many hours a day does the VA provide mental health care?
This includes: Emergency mental health care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through VA medical centers and some local, non-VA hospitals. The Veterans Crisis Line, which offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends. Learn more about VA mental health services.
What is the VA mental health number?
We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-877-8339. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care. Learn more about accessing VA mental health services. To connect with other resources for Veterans and transitioning service members:
How to update VA health insurance?
Once you have established your eligibility for VA health care benefits, you will need to fill out Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR to apply for benefits. These forms are also used to update your current information if anything has changed. There are several ways you can fill out or update the 10-10EZ: online, by phone, by mail, or in-person at a VA medical facility. Here is the info you need: 1 Online: Visit this link and fill out the form. 2 Phone: Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EST. A VA rep will send you a completed form via mail. You will need to verify and sign the form, then return it to the VA. 3 Mail: Complete Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR and mail it to Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647. 4 In person: Visit any VA Medical Center or clinic. Here is the VA Directory.
What are the eligibility factors for VA health care?
VA health care eligibility factors: VA health care eligibility is based on many issues, including active duty military service, type of military discharge, service-connected disabilities, medical conditions incurred while in the service, location of service, and more. You can be eligible based on your service dates, deployments you served on, ...
Can veterans use VA medical centers?
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating can use VA medical centers, but health care benefits aren’t only limited to those individuals. Let’s dispel some of the myths about VA health care eligibility, see who is eligible, and learn how you can apply for VA health care benefits.
Can you get VA health care if you are on active duty?
Members of the National Guard and Reserves may be eligible for VA health care benefits if they were called to active duty on a Federal Executive Order (this generally excludes active duty for training purposes). Other groups of servicemembers may also be eligible for VA medical care.
Can you visit a VA clinic?
Each case is unique, and final benefits decisions rest with the VA. VA health care eligibility only means you can visit VA medical centers and clinics for health care. It does not necessarily mean all health care is 100% free (some medical care may be free, however, many veterans may be required to pay a co-pay).
Do you need a service connected disability rating to be eligible for VA health care?
Misconceptions about VA health care eligibility: It is not a requirement to have served in combat or in a war zone. You do not need a service-connected disability rating. You did not need to be injured or wounded while in the service.
Do you have to pay co-pays for VA?
There may be limitations on the type of health care you may be eligible for, and some medical care may require a co-pay or other associated cost, depending on your VA Priority Group, the nature of your coverage, and the medical care you receive.
How to contact VA social worker?
To find out how to access these services, contact your VA social worker. Or, call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you’re not currently in the VA health care program, you can apply for benefits now. Apply now.
Can a veteran get assisted living?
VA nursing homes, assisted living, and home health care. As a Veteran, you may be able to get assisted living, residential (live-in), or home health care through VA. Find out how to access these long-term care services.
Is Geripact for veterans?
Geriatric syndromes (like frailty, falls, incontinence, memory loss, taking many medicines, or being 65 years or older) Caregiver burden (the stress and strain that can come from caring for someone with complex needs) Note: GeriPACT is not for Veterans with untreated substance abuse.
Can you use VA benefits to help pay for extra services?
And you may be able to use VA benefits to help pay for extra services (like visits from a VA health care provider). Learn more about: Medical foster homes Private homes where a few people live together and get care. Adult family homes (or adult foster homes) Private homes with rooms to rent for 6 or fewer people.