Women Veterans Representative Committee - April
As veterans, we know when we raise our right hands, and swear to uphold the constitution of our great United States, that this is us all writing a blank check, that can include up to our life. We know this, and many (if not all of us), would gladly do it again.
But what about those that keep the home fires burning for us while we are away? What about those that are hit the hardest when one of our fellow brothers and sisters in arms, pays the ultimate price?
Gold Star Spouse Day is April 5th, 2024. This day recognizes those that have had to suffer the ultimate sacrifice for out nations freedom. Those that have to move forward with their lives, honoring the sacrifice that was made on our nations behalf.
During World War I, Americans hung blue stars in their windows for every family member serving in the military. If a loved one died in service, a gold star replaced the blue one. Since then, the Gold Star has symbolized the spouses and family members of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
We, as our nations first line of education and assistance need to recognize the survivor(s) of a fallen Veteran or service member, and let them know, “you are not forgotten”. VA provides a variety of benefits that can help them navigate life after their loss.
Available benefits
- Education and training. Survivor’s and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program may be able to help you pay for school or job training through a GI Bill program.
- VA home loan guaranty. You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to help you buy, build, repair or refinance a home. You may also qualify for a VA-backed home loan if you are having trouble paying your mortgage.
- Life insurance. You may be able to convert a spousal Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance policy to an individual policy within 120 days from the date of your loved one’s passing.
- Pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery. VA can help you plan ahead to make the burial process easier for your family at that time.
- Burial benefits and memorial items. You can apply for help paying burial costs, request memorial items or learn about grief counseling and transition support.
- Survivors Pension. Survivors Pension offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress.
- Compensation for surviving spouses and dependents. You may qualify for a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). Visit https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/ to learn more about the documents you will need to apply for VA DIC.
There are some specific eligibility requirements for each of these benefits, so be sure to check out the full list of family member benefits to find out which benefits they may qualify for and how to access them.
VA recognizes the sacrifices Gold Star spouses have made for their country. To honor the legacy of their loved one, VA continues to ensure that they and their family receive the benefits and services they have earned.