Essential Resources and Support for Veterans Facing Financial Difficulties

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can bring about numerous significant changes in a veteran's life. While in service, the military meets the basic needs of active duty members, but easing back into everyday life changes all that, and many may face difficulties in taking care of every mundane aspect.

Finances are one of the factors that determine the quality of life for veterans after service, followed closely by health, employment, and social relationships. If any of these pillars are unstable, uncertainty will make transitioning back more complicated than it needs to be. Even if service members and veterans share many similarities with civilians in terms of financial stability and preparedness, military life can amplify and exacerbate existing problems, including financial ones. Consequently, severe emotional distress and mental health crises are disproportionately prevalent among former military members; this is especially true for veterans who may already be dealing with:

• PTSD
• depression
• physical injuries
• health care
• feeling disconnected after military service

Financial stress only exacerbates the situation, and it can be a very hazardous one for many. According to statistics, veterans have faced increased financial difficulties since 2021, with more than 6 in 10 veterans reporting they didn't have enough money to cover monthly expenses at some point in 2022. Furthermore, financial difficulties can be extensive and lead to:

• anxiety
• difficulty concentrating
• challenged sleep

Post-deployment is a critical period for veterans, and there's a significant connection between financial problems and post-service adjustment issues, including:

• homelessness
• incarceration
• drug or alcohol abuse
• physical aggression
• anger management issues
• suicidal ideation

Lack of income to cover basic needs exacerbates these challenges, especially in cases of diagnoses such as:

• PTSD
• MDD
• TBI

Generally, people tend to avoid discussing money problems, but sharing these concerns isn't something to be embarrassed about. Among veterans, financial struggles are often a silent battle, an added hurdle to the other visible aspects of post-service life. They go beyond unpaid bills or limited resources, creating feelings of:

• helplessness
• shame
• isolation

Financial struggles often lead to veterans skipping doctor visits and interrupting medications or treatments due to cost. When financial challenges start to impact their health, it's vital to know of the critical services available with the VA:

• disability compensation
• pension
• health care
• insurance
• burial

Eligibility for most VA benefits is mainly tied to veterans meeting basic service requirements. While general service requirements, like discharge type and length of service, apply to all VA benefits, each program has unique requirements. For accurate information, veterans should visit the VA website or call the VA benefits hotline at 800-827-1000.

VA Programs That Help Veterans Find Jobs and Stable Housing

In addition to healthcare, disability compensation, and education, the VA offers other programs to help veterans secure employment and stable housing. It's a much-needed relief because it acknowledges that every homeless veteran's story is unique, and assistance should be tailored to meet their specific needs, helping them regain permanent and stable housing.

Unfortunately, many Americans now require assistance navigating financial challenges and securing new employment, as layoffs have affected workers nationwide, including veterans. VA supports veterans facing job loss by connecting them with resources and employment services provided by the VA and other government agencies. Those in need can apply for:

• Housing Assistance: the US Department of Housing and Urban Development partnership and the VA Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH) provide permanent, supportive housing and services such as health care, mental health treatment, and other support necessary for homeless veterans and their families. HUD gives rental assistance vouchers for privately owned housing to veterans who are homeless. Veterans seeking housing support should call the free and confidential National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838, staffed 24/7 with trained counselors.
• VA Homeless Program: veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness should contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for assistance.
• Employment Assistance: VA's employment and training programs allow homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness to return to healthy and productive lifestyles within their communities.
• Homeless Veterans Community Employment Services (HVCES) provides vocational assistance, job development and placement, and ongoing support to foster employment outcomes among homeless and at-risk homeless veterans. The staff consists of formerly homeless veterans trained as Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists (VRSs) to provide these services efficiently.
• The compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program is the VA's national vocational program, which includes three unique programs assisting homeless veterans in returning to competitive employment: Sheltered Workshop, Transitional Work, and Supported Employment. Veterans in CWT receive at least the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher.
• The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for suitable jobs and assists them in finding and retaining such employment. It includes services like comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation, employment services, assistance finding and keeping a job, On-the-job Training (OJT), and apprenticeship. Veterans should call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline at 1-877-4AID-VET for information about possible employment services in their area.
• Foreclosure Assistance: veterans who have a VA loan but are having trouble making mortgage payments should take measures to avoid foreclosure. Even with all possible efforts, sometimes all attempts may be in vain. In cases where foreclosure is imminent, the VA may be able to help. Veterans in this situation should contact a loan technician at 877-827-3702. VA loan counselors can assist:
• veterans or the surviving spouse, even if the loan isn't VA-guaranteed.
• veterans with a VA-guaranteed loan.
• veterans with VA-guaranteed loans that are 61 days past due.

Moreover, each VA Regional Office has a Homeless Veterans Outreach Coordinator to inform veterans about what benefits they qualify for, assist them with applying for those benefits, and refer them to other organizations and resources to help any veteran get back on his feet. To locate a Homeless Veterans Outreach Coordinator, visit the nearest VA Regional Office or call the VA's National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838).

Veterans Can Also Apply for Disability Benefits

In addition to employment and housing support, former service members may also apply for disability benefits through the VA. They could also be eligible to file toxic exposure claims through legal action for financial compensation, depending on their diagnosis. These claims can cover conditions linked to in-service exposure to hazardous materials, like:

• asbestos
• PFAS
• AFFF

Given the many eligibility requirements for each financial benefit, veterans are strongly advised to seek exact information by contacting the VA counseling to determine which is best suited for their needs.

We Offer Assistance for Navy Veterans to Receive the Compensation They Are Eligible For

If you served in the US Navy from the 1930s to the late 1970s, you should closely observe any changes in your health. Seeking medical help when specific symptoms persist is vital, regardless of how inconsequential they may seem.

Veterans exposed to asbestos during military service and who developed cancer linked to their exposure can apply for compensation through legal action if they can prove their asbestos exposure and have a documented diagnosis of their malignant disease.

Many former naval personnel may have only recently discovered information about the asbestos hazards on ships built before the 1980s and the health risks associated with inhaling or ingesting toxic asbestos particles. We can help by connecting them with attorneys experienced in asbestos claims.