Veteran Finances

After leaving active duty, veterans may find it hard to translate the skills they learned in the military to civilian society. This struggle causes financial hardships. However, numerous federal agencies and nonprofit organizations have resources veterans can rely on for financial support.

The financial struggles that active-duty military and veterans face are genuine: 30 percent of military families cannot pay their bills on time, and 10 percent have debt currently in collections.

Military service impacts the entire family, and life in the military can be unstable. Between traveling for deployment and relocating for training purposes, it is hard for military spouses to have a career. Many military families must try to survive off of one income.
In some cases, the financial struggles of veterans become dire. Estimates show that when the sun goes down each night, there are approximately 40,000 veterans facing homelessness on the streets.

One big question is, why? Why do veterans, active-duty military and their families struggle to keep their heads above water when it comes to finances? What help is available for struggling veterans?

Active-duty military members serve the country every day. They deserve financial help when they return to civilian life. Below are some of the most significant economic struggles that former service members and their families face, along with an overview of available resources.

Why do veterans and their families suffer financially?

When service members finish their time in the military, many find it challenging to transfer the skills they learned in the military to civilian society. Veterans face financial hardships that most civilians do not have to overcome.

Trouble Finding a Job

Time spent in the military is valuable, but employers do not always see it that way. Throughout military training and deployment, veterans gain a multitude of skills, such as:

Project management
Leadership
Teamwork
The ability to work under pressure
Technical skills

While these skills are transferable to almost any field of work, U.S. employers often brush off military service when they interview candidates for a job. However, research conducted by 69 companies has shown that hiring veterans is one of the best moves an employer can make.

Military spouses often struggle to find work as well. Notably, many employers fear that a transfer will uproot the spouse and their family. And in the areas around military bases, there is often a scarcity of jobs. These factors make it difficult for many spouses of service members to find stable employment or advance in their careers.

Struggles with Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Due to the stress that service members face in combat, mental health and substance use disorders are highly prevalent among veterans. Some studies have shown that, among homeless veterans, approximately 50 percent experience significant mental illness, and 70 percent report substance use problems.

Mental illness can significantly impact veterans’ job opportunities. For example, many veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder, which causes anxiety, depression, irritation and other symptoms.

A study in Mental Health Services Research showed that veterans with PTSD are 50 percent more likely to be unemployed. Other difficulties, such as substance abuse, make finding work even harder.

Last Date Modified

April 2, 2024

A member of the Pennsylvania Bar and formerly a partner of a law firm, where he handled a diverse case load, Kevin is the editor of Veterans Guide’s content. He meticulously researches the accuracy of all the information provided by the Veterans Guide website.

On This Page

Why Do Veterans And Their Families Suffer Financially?
What Financial Benefits Can Veterans Receive?
Financial Resources For Veterans
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What financial benefits can veterans receive?

Congress has established various benefits veterans can use to lessen their financial burdens. Below are some of the most common financial resources provided to veterans.

Veterans Disability Compensation

If a service member becomes disabled as a result of their time spent in the military, they are eligible for disability compensation. Some of the most common disabilities include the following:

Hearing loss and tinnitus
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Lumbar and cervical strains
Migraines
Limited joint mobility

When veterans leave active duty, the VA evaluates them and gives them a disability rating between 0 and 100 percent. This rating will determine how much disability compensation they will receive each month.

For example, as of 2022, if a veteran has a 10 percent disability rating, they will receive monthly compensation of $152.64. Veterans who have dependents will receive a larger amount to account for their higher financial needs.

Low-Cost Medical Care

If a veteran faces medical treatment related to an injury caused by their time in the military, or if they simply lack the funds to pay for medical treatment, they are likely eligible for free VA health care.

Health care through the VA covers a significant amount of treatment. VA benefits should cover nearly any treatment related to a service injury. Some other covered procedures may include the following:

General health exams
Immunizations (including flu shots)
Surgeries
Kidney dialysis
Short-term treatment for a severe illness or injury
Organ transplants
Mental health treatment
Care for psychological and physical conditions
Care for traumatic injuries
Counseling on genetic diseases
Prescriptions approved by a VA doctor

Health benefits are extremely valuable for veterans and can save former service members a lot of money in the long run.

Veterans Pensions

If they meet certain conditions, veterans who are 65 years or older may be eligible for pensions. Veterans under the age of 65 may still be eligible if they are permanently disabled.

The amount of a VA pension will depend on specific circumstances, such as the veteran’s yearly income, whether they have any valuable assets and whether they have dependents.

Education Programs

The GI Bill provides veterans and active-duty military members with funds that they can use toward higher education. The VA states that there are several requirements that service members must meet to qualify for the GI Bill.

The GI Bill provides the following to qualifying service members and veterans:

Full tuition and fees for any state university
Partial tuition and fees for private universities
A monthly housing allowance
A $1,000 stipend for textbooks and supplies
Vocational or technical training fees
Apprenticeship program fees

Higher education is extremely costly in the United States; therefore, the GI Bill significantly reduces service members’ burdens of paying for education or training after their time in the military.

Small Business Loans

Research gathered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) shows that veterans own and operate nearly 2.52 million small businesses, which bring in a yearly revenue of approximately $1.22 trillion.

Veterans considering opening a small business have to consider where they will get the funds to do so. If they do not have the cash on hand, they may need to search for a small business loan. Fortunately, the SBA and other pro-veteran groups offer fair and reasonable business loans to veterans who are starting small businesses.

Financial Resources for Veterans

Because many veterans struggle financially, countless organizations exist to support veterans in any way they can. Below are some resources veterans can use if they find themselves in financial trouble.

Dixon Center

The Dixon Center provides female veterans with grants if they face financial hardships. These grants may cover necessary living expenses, such as rent, groceries or vehicle maintenance.

Modest Needs Foundation

Modest Needs Foundation has created a program called the Homecoming Heroes Grant. This grant can provide veterans with rental assistance or cover emergency expenses.

Veterans Inc.

Veterans Inc.battles veteran homelessness. This nonprofit organization helps veterans find housing and provides them with other valuable resources so that they do not end up on the streets.

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