Military life often feels like a new language, and navigating military dependent benefits can feel just as complex. Especially when you’re learning new routines, experiencing frequent moves, and a whole new world of acronyms. These benefits exist to recognize the vital role families play in supporting service members.
Understanding these benefits helps you build a secure future for your family. It also shows how much your sacrifices are appreciated. You’ll learn about the available military dependant benefits, who qualifies, and how to access resources designed to make your life easier.
Table of Contents:
Types of Military Dependent Benefits
Military dependent benefits are a comprehensive package. These benefits encompass various aspects of life to provide support and stability for families of active duty, retired, and deceased service members.
Financial Benefits
One of the primary concerns for military families is financial security. This is addressed through several avenues, starting with the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). This allowance is designed to cover a significant portion of a service member’s housing costs, depending on location and rank.
It’s important to remember that BAH is tied to the service member’s duty station, not where the family lives. Learn more about how BAH is calculated and if you’re eligible.
Besides BAH, families receive a Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) to help offset the cost of groceries. The amount for BAS varies based on rank and whether or not the service member has dependents. In the unfortunate circumstance where a service member dies in the line of duty, there is financial help.
The surviving spouse, children, or even parents could qualify for Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC). DIC is provided through the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The NVF can be a great resource for veterans seeking to navigate and apply for their benefits.
They strongly encourage working with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) during the application process for various reasons. A VSO can review the application to ensure it’s complete and includes everything the VA requires.
Healthcare
Military dependents have access to healthcare through TRICARE, a comprehensive health program for active-duty families. TRICARE works like traditional health insurance, with various plan options and coverage for medical expenses. Dental coverage is handled through United Concordia.
Each of the plans varies, and you can find more information here about TRICARE.
Education
Supporting the educational pursuits of dependents is another key part of military benefits. Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA), commonly referred to as Chapter 35, provides financial help for things like tuition, vocational training, and on-the-job apprenticeships.
DEA gives spouses and children the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. This can provide up to 36 months of full-time benefits. There are age requirements and time limits that vary depending on each unique situation, so be sure to consult with the VA. The VA’s website offers further information on the DEA program.
Another option for families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty on or after 9/11/01 is the Fry Scholarship. This allows spouses and children to access benefits similar to the DEA program.
Commissary and Exchange Privileges
The military offers on-base shopping experiences with commissaries and exchanges. They are designed to provide significant savings for families by operating much like regular grocery and department stores, but with reduced, tax-free prices.
This makes it easier for families to stretch their budgets further. The commissary is explained here so that families know what to expect when they go to the base for groceries and other items.
For larger items like appliances, furniture, and electronics the exchange is usually the best place to shop, as the products are often tax-free.
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Childcare
The military understands the challenges of finding reliable and affordable childcare, so they offer childcare benefits. Military families may be able to access on-base daycare facilities, with many using a sliding-scale fee structure based on the family’s overall income. This means more affordability for military families.
Waiting lists are often an issue. Because of this, you may want to consider exploring in-home daycare options or civilian daycare centers that partner with the military. Here’s a tutorial on how to start this process and find childcare that works for your needs.
Other Support Services
There are other support programs, many administered through Military OneSource. Some of the services provided include relocation help, financial counseling, spouse employment services, and deployment support. For emotional support or during a crisis, families can contact the Military Crisis Line, available 24/7 and free of charge.
For mental and emotional wellbeing, you may be able to find Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC). This program offers short-term, non-medical counseling to help service members and their families navigate the emotional roller coaster of military life.
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Accessing and Managing Your Benefits
Keeping track of your benefits is simplified with eBenefits, a user-friendly online portal for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. Through a secure online connection, you can access everything from applying for and managing VA and military benefits to updating your personal information.
The WDVA (Washington Department of Veteran Affairs) provides many helpful resources specifically tailored for military families in Washington. Check out their brochures, explore their state-specific benefit guides, and view informative videos.
The WDVA has everything you need to know to claim the benefits you’ve earned. You might also want to research top credit cards specifically tailored for military families. These often include rewards, perks, and benefits not available with other cards.
FAQs about military dependant benefits
Who Qualifies as a Military Dependent?
Typically, spouses and children qualify for military dependent benefits. In specific situations, other family members may qualify. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The best approach is always to consult the branch’s resources.
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You can also reach out to Military OneSource for help.
What Are Military Spouses Entitled to?
Military spouses have access to several military dependant benefits. These range from medical care (through TRICARE) to shopping privileges at military stores. Spouses may also be entitled to financial allowances like BAH, childcare help, and access to education opportunities through DEA or the Fry Scholarship.
Remember, all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.
Do You Get More Money For Having A Dependent In The Military?
Yes, typically you receive more money when you claim dependents. Certain allowances, like BAH and BAS, are higher when a service member has dependents. This is to help cover the associated costs of having a family. The exact amount you receive can change based on a combination of your rank, duty location, and the number of dependents you have.
What Benefits Do I Get If My Father Was A Veteran?
As the child of a veteran, there could be benefits available to you. This is especially true if your father was disabled due to their military service or passed away as a result of their military service. Some options you may be able to get are DEA educational benefits, access to health insurance, and even survivor benefits.
CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) is a health insurance program that may be available to you if your father was a veteran. It’s always a good idea to contact the VA to explore all possibilities, as eligibility criteria can be extensive.
A helpful guide to learn about veteran dependent benefits and how to claim them is available from the VA. It even includes links to locations for extra assistance and help.
Conclusion
Military dependent benefits provide valuable resources. These resources can enhance the quality of life for the families who make countless sacrifices alongside their service members. By understanding the range of military dependent benefits and seeking out accurate and personalized guidance, you can enjoy your benefits to the fullest. Taking advantage of these privileges can help you secure the bright future that you deserve.
