6 lesser-known benefits for veterans

6 lesser-known benefits for veterans

Veterans are distinguished individuals who have previously served in the military, naval, or air services. Consequently, they have earned a range of benefits to support them in leading civilian lives. These benefits could come in handy in the long run by helping with finances. However, not everyone may be aware of the available benefits that they are entitled to receive, thereby missing out on essential support. So, here are a few lesser-known veteran benefits:

1. Life insurance
Securing life insurance is an essential step that assures financial stability for loved ones. Veterans can get life insurance from the Department of Veteran Affairs or VA. A few options include the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI), and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI).

2. Mortgage assistance
Veterans can avail of the VA’s Home Loan Guaranty Benefit. Although provided by private lenders, the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which allows lenders to offer veterans more favorable terms for the loan. This benefit can be reused for purchases of primary residences and even for refinancing existing home loans.

3. Free tax preparation
As a veteran, one has access to certain resources that could simplify the tax preparation process and help them maximize their returns free of charge. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS initiative that offers free tax help to eligible people, which often includes veterans.

4. Educational assistance
Veterans can get education assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers more than just traditional four-year degree programs. The coverage extends to vocational and technical training programs, apprenticeships, flight training, correspondence training, and entrepreneurship training to help veterans find jobs.

5. Long-term care
Veterans are eligible for long-term care benefits from the VA. Those who qualify may receive perks such as adult day health care, home health care, respite care, hospice care, and nursing home care. The benefits usually extend to both the veterans and their families.

6. Caregiver support
Some veterans may require care due to service-connected injuries, illnesses, or aging. The VA’s Caregiver Support Program offers resources, including access to a Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC)—a licensed professional who can connect caregivers with a range of services to help them offer the best care for a veteran.

Previous Read

Here’s how charity can impact a community

Charitable work is overwhelming and exhausting, but it's undeniably fulfilling at the same time. Being able to give back to a community that helps shape your life and future is a definitive way to address several issues we face in society. Building a sense of belonging through empathy will go a long way in creating healthy safety nets for people. Let's look at how charity impacts the strength of a community. Creates a sense of fellowshipBeing involved in local activities and causes brings you closer to your community and creates a sense of security. These are your neighbors with whom you share a space, and wouldn't it be nice to interact and evolve with them? Charity events are a good place to socialize with like-minded people, ensuring that some of your interests are similar and creating a solid groundwork for a cordial relationship. Utilized for specific causesCharities work toward solving specific problems in the community. These causes could be issues like justice for all genders, free education for all, and shelter for the homeless. If your community is struggling with an issue, there may be people working towards solving that problem. Helping a cause with several people is much better than just one person trying to make a difference. Societal upliftmentWhile working with a charitable group, you will undoubtedly find the right people to connect with. Aligning your goals with theirs will help you uplift your community for the better! You all come with the same mindset and different skill sets, which can be extremely helpful. Charity in the form of donating your time and effort is also appreciated and not just money. Strengthens personal valuesAnother way charity impacts the community is by strengthening the personal values of people who are getting involved. Empathy, compassion, and understanding are some of the most human traits that can strengthen community service and charity work. Research also suggests that the feeling of social conscience is one of the biggest reasons people get involved in charitable activities. Such an act can feel like a moral duty toward society, and there's nothing wrong with giving back if you are in a position to do so! One can also help in other ways like making a donation to those in need. St Jude Children’s Research Hospital accepts donations for their cancer research. You can also donate a car through DonateCarUSA or UNICEF USA. The American Diabetes Association also takes donations to help end diabetes through research programs that work on efficient management and eradication of the condition.

Our Blogs

Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

Black Friday will be here soon, presenting pet parents an opportunity to stock up on food for their feline friends without spending a lot. There will be plenty of discounts from the top pet food brands, including Royal Canin and Purina. But if you cannot wait until then, check out these ten fantastic deals that are available right now. Take your time researching well and pick the healthiest options for your cat! Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Cat food This grain-free recipe ensures your pet gets the proper nourishment and maintains a healthy weight. Besides promoting weight control, it supports the muscles and improves digestive health. The product is already available at a discount of 7% on Chewy, but you can expect a better deal during the year-end sale. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Gravies Grain-free Variety Pack This variety pack makes mealtimes quick and easy. Created by nutritionists and veterinarians, the recipes are enriched with the finest ingredients to promote your cat’s well-being. Petco is offering a discount of 5%, but you can get it at an even lower price by opting for repeat delivery. Tiki Cat Queen Emma Luau Variety-pack Grain-free Canned Cat Food You can save 10% on this variety pack from Tiki Cat at Chewy.
Read More
20 Black Friday 2022 unmissable furniture deals

20 Black Friday 2022 unmissable furniture deals

If you’ve been waiting for Black Friday to make a big-ticket furniture purchase, now’s the time, especially if you’re searching for something, like a sofa or mattress. We’ve seen savings of up to 50% in recent years, so browsing the bargains may really help keep prices down, which is crucial, considering the cost of living. Also, remember to bookmark websites that offer information on the current Black Friday furniture bargains. Metal and wood platform bed frame On Amazon, the ZINUS Suzanne 37-inch Metal and Wood Platform Bed Frame could drop to $189 (was $220), a $31 savings. Bathroom vanity Last year, the Lark Manor Burchard 36′′ Single Bathroom Vanity Set was available for $549.99 (down from $724.99). Add this to your shopping list to save $175 at Wayfair. Floor lamp The AllModern Finton 60.25-Inch Tripod Floor Lamp might be available for $149, a 44% reduction. That’s a deal you don’t want to lose on. Queen-sized bed frame Last Black Friday, the Plank Beam PB312-002 Solid Wood Queen-Size Bed in White was on sale for $270.74 (down from $319). On Amazon, that is a 37% discount. Coffee table Cumka Coffee Table Teak Resin 23.6′′ is anticipated to retail at Walmart for $205.60, a 30% discount.
Read More
Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

A fitness tracker will be on many Black Friday shopping lists this year. While it is on November 25, multiple deals are expected to pop up from early September to late October. Whatever your fitness mantra, high-tech fitness trackers can help you achieve your goals. And getting them at a discounted price is the cherry on the cake! Let’s check out some amazing Black Friday fitness tracker deals for the year 2022. Fitbit Versa 3 Continuous heart-rate monitoring, SpO2, support for NFC payments, a microphone for taking phone calls, and Google/Alexa assistance are some of the many incredible features offered by this tracker. Plus, unlike its previous variants, Versa 3 provides a built-in GPS for navigation. During the sale season, you might also find it priced under $200. Fitbit Charge 5 Fitbit Charge 5 delivers many upgrades to cater to your needs. Many online platforms offer it for under $150 for a limited period. Its features, like the bright OLED screen, electrodermal activity sensors, contactless payments, notifications, sleep tracking, heart monitoring, and timers, make it one of the most highly dependable fitness trackers. Garmin FENIX 7 Series A week’s worth of battery, topographical maps, touch screen, military-grade standard, up to 10 ATM water resistance, insightful training guides and programs, solar charging, and astonishing real-time stamina feature are the traits that make the 7 series an absolute hit.
Read More
Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

When you have been diagnosed with a condition such as Crohn’s, it is vital to watch what you consume to avoid triggering or worsening symptoms. Although there is no specific meal plan for patients with this condition, it has been noticed that avoiding a few foods can help to manage the condition more effectively. However, these trigger items can vary from one person to another. Read on to learn about the foods to avoid during Crohn’s flare-up: Dairy products If you have Crohn’s disease, you might be lactose intolerant too. Lactose is a protein found in milk and dairy items such as cheese, and some people find it difficult to digest or process. Hence, consuming these items could trigger the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and lead to bloating, diarrhea, cramping, etc. However, dairy products are a rich source of vitamin D and calcium; if you are avoiding them, you would need to get these nutrients from other food sources. This can include green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals or juices. You might also need to talk to your doctor about taking supplements. Greasy and fried foods People with this condition should avoid items such as French fries and fried chicken.
Read More
10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

With Black Friday comes amazing deals on a variety of goods, right from appliances to furniture and home décor to dog foods. Even popular brands, such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science, Iams, and Blue Buffalo, offer hefty discounts during this time. Whether your dog loves dry food or wet food, you will find plenty of nutritious and delicious options at hard-to-miss prices. Check out the best Black Friday dog food deals given below. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food This dog food, originally priced at $67.99, is offered by Chewy at a discount of 10%. Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is specially designed for adult dogs. Your pet dog will love to eat this healthy meal made with protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science offers a variety of dog foods to nourish your furry friend who is prone to having an upset tummy. This dry dog food contains nourishing prebiotic fiber and real chicken and is gentle on the stomach. At Chewy, you can get this dog food for $77.99 and save 4%. Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food Get a 14% discount on Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food when you buy from Chewy.
Read More
Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Bronchitis is a lung condition in which the lining of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs, gets inflamed. The condition can be chronic or acute and can develop as a result of an underlying respiratory condition or a cold. Certain foods can also trigger the condition and cause the symptoms to worsen. Here are some foods to avoid when diagnosed with bronchitis. Dairy products People suffering from chronic bronchitis need to limit their intake of dairy products. When digested, these items release a compound known as casomorphin, which is known to elevate the amount of phlegm and mucus released by the body. This can lead to severe coughing, which could worsen wheezing and pain in patients suffering from the disease. Instead of dairy products, you can opt for alternatives such as almond or soy milk. Excess salt Excess salt can be extremely harmful to patients suffering from the disease because too much sodium can cause water retention in the body leading to difficulty breathing. To season your food, it is essential to opt for low-sodium salt alternatives, as suggested by a nutritionist, to counteract any harmful effects on the body. It is also essential to keep an eye on labels about the amount of salt present in snacks and processed foods.
Read More