Military families and veterans have access to a variety of financial support programs designed to ease the cost of living, support homeownership, and improve overall financial security. Resources such as VA home loans provide affordable, low-interest financing options, while grants and assistance programs can help cover unexpected expenses or housing costs. Nonprofit organizations also offer programs to support the needs of military spouses and children during deployments and numerous businesses offer discounts to thank members of the military and their families for their sacrifices.
Military and Veteran Benefits and Discounts
From shopping discounts to free educational resources, military service members, veterans, and their families can take advantage of numerous perks offered by retailers, restaurants, and other businesses. Many brands honor military service with reduced prices on essential goods and services, travel discounts, and even exclusive offers on larger purchases like vehicles or electronics. It's worth exploring these benefits to make day-to-day life more affordable.
- Veterans Affairs Benefits: The VFW outlines the types of benefits available to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs on this page.
- National Park Entrance Passes: The National Park Service offers America the Beautiful passes to military members, veterans, and their families that include free admission to federally managed recreational areas, including national parks and forests.
- Free Tax Help From the IRS: The Internal Revenue Service Free File program and MilTax can both help military members to file their taxes.
- Allen Edmonds Shoe Discounts: Allen Edmonds offers a 15% discount to veterans and active military members.
- MotoSport Military Discount: MotoSport offers discounts on motocross parts and gear to past and present members of the military.
- Discounts on Clothing From Alpha: You can save 15% on your Alpha purchase if you're a military member, reservist, or veteran.
- Berklee Online Tuition Discount: Service members and their families can save 30% on tuition when they further their education with Berklee Online.
- WeSalute Discounts at Harry & David: Harry & David offers a military benefit through the WeSalute program, which provides discounts to members of the military community.
- Universal Studios Hollywood Military Discounts: Universal Studios Hollywood offers special discounts on tickets for active and retired U.S. military personnel.
- Blue Force Gear Military Discounts: Get tactical gear for yourself or your unit and save 10% with Blue Force Gear.
- Shop Purple's Military Discount: Members of the military can rest easier at night with a discount on mattresses through Purple.
- Van's Aircraft: Van's Aircraft, a well-known manufacturer of kit planes, has a discount program specifically aimed at U.S. military personnel and veterans.
- WeSalute: WeSalute is a program that works with retailers to provide benefits and discounts to military members and their families.
Housing, Moving, and Relocation Assistance
Frequent moves are a reality for many military families, but there are programs to make each transition smoother. The government provides housing allowances to cover rent or mortgage expenses, as well as reimbursement for moving costs through the Military OneSource program. Additionally, discounts on the costs of settling into a new home and relocation grants can help families adjust to new locations with less financial stress.
Support for Military Children and Families
Military life can be especially challenging for children and spouses, so many organizations are dedicated to providing family support, whether it's through recreational programs or emotional health resources. Programs such as Operation Purple Camp offer a sense of community and resilience-building experiences tailored to young people, helping them feel supported and connected during times of change, while organizations like the American Red Cross and the Small Business Administration can help military spouses to hold down the fort during a deployment.
- Military Discount for Keystone Online Education: The Keystone School offers tuition discounts for families of active-duty military members looking to complete their K-12 education online.
- Military Child Education Coalition Support Services: Repeated moves can take a toll on a child's academic performance and social adaptation, but this organization can help military children to keep their education on track and give them emotional support.
- United Through Reading: United Through Reading is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting military families through the shared experience of reading together, even when they are physically apart.
- USO Special Delivery: When parents-to-be are separated by a deployment, the USO can step in to provide baby showers as well as welcome support.
- Operation Teammate: Operation Teammate is an initiative designed to support military children who experience emotional strain due to family separations, particularly during deployments. This program connects these children with athletic organizations that can make them honorary team members.
- Our Military Kids: This program offers financial assistance for extracurricular activities for children of deployed or combat-injured parents.
- Operation Purple Camp: Military children can go to summer camp for a week for free through this program.
- Resources for Military Spouse Businesses: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides resources and support specifically tailored for military spouses looking to start or grow their own businesses.
- American Red Cross Financial Assistance: Military families can seek help with emergency expenses through the Red Cross Hero Care Center.
- MilSpouse Money Mission: Launched by the Department of Defense, this platform aims to provide trusted financial education resources for military families.
- Operation Homefront: Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to military families and veterans.
- Camp Corral: Camp Corral is a free summer camp specifically designed for children of wounded, ill, injured, or fallen military members.
- FOCUS Resilience Training for Military Families: This program focuses on teaching practical skills that help families navigate the unique challenges associated with military life, such as deployments and trauma.