As a veteran, you have a lot of benefits available to you through the state of Alabama. These benefits include education assistance, healthcare, housing assistance, and more.
In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive look at the veteran benefits available in Alabama. We will also discuss how to access these benefits and what you need to do to qualify for them.
So whether you are a current resident of Alabama or just an ex-service person who is moving there, be sure to check out this guide!
Veteran Benefits in Alabama
Alabama veteran benefits cover a variety of services, from education to home loans and more.
The ADVA can help you with any issue regarding your veteran benefits or military affairs. They assist veterans with their VA disability claims and appeals. They also provide counseling services, and can help with education, employment, and housing. Some pages on their website also offer information on financial assistance and more.
Finances
The State of Alabama offers several programs to help veterans financially. For example, the state offers a lifetime hunting and fishing license to veterans who were honorably discharged.
The state also has special property tax exemptions for veterans that meet certain disability ratings. They also support those with service-related disabilities such as blindness, deafness, or loss of limb.
Housing
Veterans are also given preference for housing through the Alabama State Housing Authority. Assistance for veterans who may be facing homelessness is also available. Take a look at the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs website for more details on that.
Auto Insurance Discounts
Veterans may also be eligible for insurance discounts in Alabama. For example, USAA provides auto insurance at a discounted rate to those who served in the military.
Veterans can choose to add proof of military service to their Driver’s License should they wish to.
Employment
Alabama has several programs in place to help veterans find employment.
The Alabama Department of Labor offers a Veteran Employment Preference program. The program gives qualifying veterans priority for available jobs.
They also give businesses awards when they prioritize hiring veterans.
The state offers the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program. It is designed to provide training and education services to adults, dislocated workers, and youth. This program can help veterans receive the support they need while they find work.
Second Career Advice and Assistance for Alabama Veterans
Veteran affairs Alabama also offers a Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. It is designed to help veterans with service disabilities gain suitable employment. They aim to help ex-service personnel achieve independence in their lives.
The VR&E program aims to give eligible veterans the means to get vocational rehabilitation counseling. They also provide training, education, job placement assistance, and support services. That way veterans can access the support they may need toward securing a role and earning a livelihood.
Qualifying for the VR&E program requires that a veteran has at least a 20 percent service disability rating.
Career Coaching for Alabama Veterans
The VR&E program also provides career coaching services to veterans. It’s aimed at those who need help with job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. They can assist veterans in understanding the employment market.
These services may be provided in person or as a phone call from an accredited counselor assigned to assist the veteran.
A servicemember’s separation from active duty will determine their eligibility for the VR&E program.
Educational Military Benefits in Alabama
Alabama military personnel can study during their service. They can also access a range of educational opportunities when they retire from duty.
The State of Alabama has several different programs for veterans and their dependents to help with education costs. For example, the Montgomery GI Bill is given to all active-duty military members. It helps to cover higher education expenses such as tuition and books.
There are also special scholarships available for Alabama veterans and dependents. It is intended to help pay for education costs for children and spouses of service personnel.
Mental Health Support For Veterans in Alabama
Are you concerned about your mental health? Suicide rates for veterans are alarmingly high.
A study found 18% of those who died by suicide in Alabama were ex-military personnel. Male veterans were at more risk than civilian counterparts.
Furthermore, female veterans were at even more risk than male veterans.
We all must do our part in helping to support the mental health of our veterans.
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs provides services to help prevent suicide. They also provide support for those who have already attempted it.
They have a partnership with the Department of Mental Health to help veterans receive the care they need. The department offers a 24/hour crisis line the National Suicide Prevention Line. They also work together to offer mental health support groups for veterans and their families.
They provide individual counseling, medication management, and case management services.
Restaurants, Leisure, and Veteran Perks
Private companies also provide their veteran benefits and perks in Alabama. For example, the state has a Military Appreciation Month in May. During May businesses offer discounts to active-duty military members and veterans.
Several restaurants offer free food on Veterans Day (Friday, November 11th) as well as year-round. They do so to honor our servicemen and women.
Veterans can receive discounted admission tickets to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. All they need is a valid military ID or proof of service.
Veterans can also visit Gulf State Park for free on Veterans Day with a Veteran’s ID card or military discharge papers (DD214). They should bring it to the gatehouse before entering the park.
We Hope You Found This Alabama Veteran Guide Useful
Alabama state veteran benefits are extensive and can help veterans in a variety of ways. The Veteran’s Affairs (VA) department offers different programs to help veterans. These include education, job placement, mental health support, and more.
Private businesses also offer discounts and perks to honor our servicemen and women.
Continue to browse our website to learn more about opportunities for ex-service personnel.