Programs and Services for Service Members and Veterans

Service members and veterans have access to a wide range of programs and services designed to support them and their families. This page provides an overview of key military programs, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and additional resources available to service members.

Military Programs

Personal Financial Management Programs (PFMP)

Available at military installations, PFMP offers financial education and counseling to help service members manage their finances effectively. Topics include budgeting, saving, debt management, and investment strategies. For more information, visit the Military OneSource PFMP.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

TAP provides resources and tools to help service members transition from military to civilian life. Services include job search assistance, resume writing workshops, and career counseling. More details can be found on the DoD TAP website.

Education and Training Programs

Tuition Assistance (TA)

TA programs cover tuition costs for service members pursuing higher education. This benefit can be used for degree programs, certifications, and vocational training. Visit your branch's education office or the DoD TA website for more information.

GI Bill

The GI Bill provides education benefits to veterans and their dependents. The most well-known is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers tuition and fees, provides a housing allowance, and supplies a stipend for books and supplies. For more information, visit the VA GI Bill website.

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

The MGIB provides education benefits to veterans and service members who have at least two years of active duty. Benefits can be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses. For more information, visit the Montgomery GI Bill page.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that helps cover out-of-state, private school, and graduate school tuition that exceeds the GI Bill cap. Participating schools contribute additional funds to cover tuition costs, and the VA matches those contributions. For more information, visit the Yellow Ribbon Program page.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)

DEA offers education and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. For more information, visit the DEA page.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

VR&E, also known as Chapter 31, helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable careers. Services include job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job-seeking skills coaching. For more details, visit the VA VR&E page.

Fry Scholarship

The Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Benefits include tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies. For more information, visit the Fry Scholarship page.

Health and Wellness Programs

TRICARE

TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. It offers comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and pharmacy services. More information can be found on the TRICARE website.

Mental Health Services

Service members have access to mental health services through military treatment facilities, TRICARE, and programs like the Military Crisis Line. These services offer counseling, therapy, and support for various mental health issues. For more information, visit Military OneSource Mental Health.

Family Support Programs

Family Readiness Groups (FRGs)

FRGs provide information, resources, and support to military families. They help families navigate the challenges of military life, including deployments and relocations. For more information, visit the Army FRG website.

Child and Youth Services

These programs provide child care, youth programs, and educational support to military families. Services include on-base child care centers, before and after school programs, and summer camps. For more information, visit Military OneSource Child and Youth Services.

Spouse Employment and Career Opportunities (SECO)

SECO offers resources and tools to help military spouses pursue their career and educational goals. Services include career coaching, resume assistance, and job search support. For more information, visit the Military OneSource SECO.

VA Benefits

Disability Compensation

The VA provides tax-free monthly benefits to veterans who have disabilities resulting from diseases or injuries incurred or aggravated during active military service. For more information, visit the VA Disability Compensation page.

Pension Programs

Veterans with limited income who are permanently and totally disabled or are 65 years and older may be eligible for the VA pension program. This program provides a monthly benefit payment. For more details, visit the VA Pension page.

Health Care

The VA offers a comprehensive medical benefits package to all enrolled veterans. This includes preventive care, primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and more. For more information, visit the VA Health Care page.

Home Loan Guarantee

The VA home loan program helps veterans, service members, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. VA home loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, and the VA guarantees a portion of the loan. For more information, visit the VA Home Loan page.

Life Insurance

The VA provides several life insurance options to service members and veterans, including:

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI): Provides low-cost term life insurance coverage to eligible service members. For more information, visit the SGLI page.
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI): Allows veterans to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable term insurance after leaving the military. For more information, visit the VGLI page.

Educational and Career Counseling (Chapter 36)

This program provides personalized counseling and support to help veterans and service members plan their education and career paths. Services include educational counseling, career planning, and assistance with applying for VA benefits. For more information, visit the VA Chapter 36 page.

Burial and Memorial Benefits

The VA provides burial and memorial benefits to honor the service of deceased veterans. These benefits include burial in a national cemetery, a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. For more information, visit the VA Burial Benefits page.

Veterans Cemeteries

Veterans and their eligible family members can be buried in a VA national cemetery. The VA maintains 155 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit the VA National Cemetery Administration.

Assisted Living and Long-Term Care

The VA provides various long-term care services for veterans, including nursing home care, assisted living, and home health care. These services are available through VA Community Living Centers, State Veterans Homes, and other VA-contracted facilities. For more information, visit the VA Long-Term Care page.

Relief Societies

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)

The NMCRS provides financial assistance, education, and support services to active duty and retired Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families. Services include interest-free loans and grants, budgeting assistance, and visiting nurse services. For more information, visit the NMCRS website.

Army Emergency Relief (AER)

AER offers financial assistance to soldiers and their families. Services include interest-free loans, grants, and scholarships for dependent children and spouses. For more information, visit the AER website.

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)

The AFAS provides emergency financial assistance, education grants, and community enhancement programs to Air Force members and# Programs and Services for Service Members

Introduction

Service members have access to a wide range of programs and services designed to support them and their families during and after their military careers. This page provides an overview of key military programs, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and additional resources available to service members.