An Overview of Veterans Affairs Benefits for Family Members
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not only provide benefits to military veterans. Veterans ' spouses, children, and parents can benefit from the resources that the VA provides.
Many of these benefit programs have specific eligibility requirements for claimants. For example, certain healthcare and educational benefits are only available to dependents of permanently-disabled veterans.
If you are a spouse, child, or parent of a veteran, you could be eligible for some of these benefits. If you are unsure about whether you qualify, contact your local VA office to speak with a representative who can explain to you exactly which benefits you are eligible to receive.
Healthcare
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The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides healthcare benefits for the spouses and children of permanently disabled veterans. For a veteran 's child to qualify, he or she must be under the age of eighteen or under the age of twenty-three and attending school full time and may not be married. If the veteran 's child was permanently disabled before the age of eighteen or has a mental disability that prevents him or her from providing for him or herself, he or she may continue to receive CHAMPVA benefits into adulthood.
Benefits for children of Vietnam veterans who suffer from birth defects. There are two programs in place for individuals born to Vietnam veterans who are suffering from birth defects. One is the VA 's Spina Bifida Healthcare Program, which provides coverage for expenses incurred for medical services and supplies to treat spina bifida. The other is the CWVV, Children of Women Vietnam Veterans, which provides coverage for individuals suffering from certain condition. To qualify, an individual must have been conceived by female Vietnam War veteran during her deployment.
Caregiver Benefits. Family members who are full-time caregivers for disabled veterans can receive stipends through the VA to cover certain expenses that accompany the care giving.
Education