VA benefits with extra money in April: New confirmed payment of $3,600

VA benefits with extra money in April: New confirmed payment of $3,600 New round of $3,600 in VA benefits to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
In April, the VA will send a new round of VA benefits of $3,600 to veterans and their families. This check will come with a 3.2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) plus extra money.

However, not all veterans will receive this same amount. VA benefits vary based on the severity of the disability, meaning that those with more severe disabilities will receive more payments.

VA benefits are intended to help veterans manage long-term healthcare costs and purchase monthly necessities. Many veterans have difficulty adjusting to civilian life and finding employment that accommodates their disability.

COLAs are similar to Social Security benefits and help offset inflation. The 3.2% increase this year is particularly significant as the cost of consumer goods and other expenses continues to rise.

VA benefits are very important to veterans. For many, they are the main source of income. The COLA increase will help ensure that veterans can live a quality life.

VA benefits impact on veterans financial well-being

VA benefits and veterans’ financial well-being
VA benefits have a profound impact on the financial well-being of veterans and their families. These benefits provide a variety of services and supports that help veterans transition to civilian life and lead a quality life.

Some of the main components of VA benefits include:

Health Care: The VA provides a wide range of health care services to veterans and their families, including free or low-cost treatment at VA hospitals and clinics.
Disability Compensation: Veterans who have a service-connected disability may be eligible for VA Disability Pay, a tax-free monthly payment.
Education and Training: VA provides financial assistance to veterans for education and training, including education loans, tuition assistance, and scholarships.
Housing Expenses: VA provides assistance to veterans with housing expenses, including home loans, home improvement assistance and rent assistance.
Eligibility for VA benefits

Eligibility for VA benefits depends on factors such as the veteran’s length of service, type of discharge, and severity of disability.

VA Disability Wage

VA disability pay is one of the most important VA benefits for veterans. It is a tax-free monthly payment paid to veterans with a service-connected disability.

To be eligible for VA disability pay, veterans must:

Must have received an “other than dishonorable” discharge.
Must have a service-connected disability.
Must complete a disability evaluation as determined by the VA.

Veterans Affairs Disability Payment Schedule for 2024

DVA releases a disability payment schedule each year so veterans can plan their monthly budget. VA benefits are paid on the first working day of the following month for a particular month. If the first day of the month is a non-working day, the payment will be made on the last working day of the previous month.

The VA Disability Payment Schedule for 2024 is as follows:

VA Benefits: Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a tax-free financial assistance paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Its purpose is to provide additional financial assistance to veterans with severe service-connected disabilities and their families.

To be eligible for SMC, veterans or their family members must meet one of the following criteria:

Loss or loss of use of limbs: This includes absence or numbness of arms, legs, fingers, toes, sides or feet.
Blindness in one or both eyes: includes partial or complete loss of vision.
Certain neurological conditions: include conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Serious respiratory conditions: Includes conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and severe asthma.
Needing help with activities of daily living: Veterans who need help eating, dressing, bathing, or using the toilet may be eligible for SMC.
The amount of SMC payment varies depending on the severity of the disability and the size of the veteran’s family.

To apply for SMC, veterans can fill out VA Form 21-526EZ, “Application for Special Monthly Compensation.” The form can be downloaded from the VA website or obtained from a VA regional office.