Enhanced VA Mortgage Options Now Available for Veterans

Of Potential Benefit to Those in Financial Distress

WASHINGTON -- Veterans with conventional home loans now have new options for refinancing to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan.  These new options are available as a result of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which the President signed into law on October 10, 2008.

“These changes will allow VA to assist a substantial number of veterans with subprime mortgages refinance into a safer, more affordable, VA guaranteed loan,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake.  “Veterans in financial distress due to high rate subprime mortgages are potentially the greatest beneficiaries.”

VA to Take Applications for New Family Caregiver Program

VA Implementing Enhancements to Existing Services for Veterans and Their Caregivers

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published the interim final rule for implementing the Family Caregiver Program of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act 2010. This new rule will provide additional support to eligible post-9/11 Veterans who elect to receive their care in a home setting from a primary Family Caregiver.

“We at VA know that every day is a challenge for our most seriously injured Veterans and their Family Caregivers,” said VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki.   “I know many Veterans and their Family Caregivers have been waiting anxiously for this day and I urge them to get their applications in as soon as possible so they can receive the additional support they have earned.” 

On May 9, staff in VA’s Office of Care Management and Social Work will open the application process for eligible post-9/11 Veterans and Servicemembers to designate their Family Caregivers.

Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act

April 21, 2010, the House of Representatives passed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act, giving severely wounded warriors and the family members who care for them some much-needed support to ensure the warriors receive the highest quality of care available and remain out of nursing homes, by unanimous approval.

Click on the Read more...  for a complete summary of the legislation.

Benefits for Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities

(Separate from Vocational Rehabilitation)

Eligibility

• At least 10% service-related disability
• Discharged under other than dishonorable conditions

Social Security Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors

Military service members and veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security.  Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application.

For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website. (http://www.ssa.gov/woundedwarriors/ )

Traumatic Serviceman's Group Life Insurance (TSGLI)

Many WW's do not know about applying for TSGLI payments. This should be done through the SFAC. If there are any questions concerning eligibility for TSGLI or any related TSGLI questions, call the TSGLI Office at 1-800-237-1336 (Army); 1-800-368-3202 (Navy); 877-216-0825 (Marine Corps) or email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .