According to data from the Pew Research Center, there are approximately 18 million military veterans living in the United States. As a military veteran, you have earned access to a wide range of different benefits—including educational benefits and employment benefits. Unfortunately, too many veterans struggle to get what they earned. The claims process can be complicated. At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, we put veterans first. Within this article, our Phoenix VA benefits attorney provides a comprehensive guide to veteran education and employment benefits.
An Overview of Veterans’ Education Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill
The GI Bill is a long-standing federal benefit for veterans. As explained by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Post-9/11 GI Bill “helps you pay for school or cover expenses while you’re training for a job.” It is a comprehensive educational benefit that is specifically designed for people who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. Notably, it offers eligible veterans, service members, and their dependents support for tuition, housing, books, and other expenses. One of the key features is the “Yellow Ribbon Program,” which can help cover costs beyond public in-state tuition at private or out-of-state schools. Another key benefit is that, in many cases, Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are transferable to spouses or children.
The Montgomery GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill is another educational benefit targeted at former U.S. service members. It provides educational assistance to those who served in the U.S. Armed ForcesȔprimarily before the Post-9/11 GI Bill era. There are two main programs—Active Duty (MGIB-AD) and Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)—each with specific eligibility requirements. Typically, qualifying service members contribute to their MGIB fund from their pay and, in return, receive monthly education benefit payments. Unlike the Post-9/11 GI Bill, MGIB benefits are often based on a fixed monthly amount rather than covering full tuition costs. Still, these funds can be applied to degrees, certifications, vocational training, and more. Some veterans can use Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
As explained simply by My Army Benefits, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) provides education and training benefits for eligible spouses, children, and other dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled due to service or who died in the line of duty. The program can assist in covering tuition, fees, books, and housing for various programs, including degree courses, vocational training, apprenticeships, and certification tests. The central goal of DEA benefits is to help family members of disabled or deceased veterans establish a stable future by allowing them to pursue academic and professional goals. With DEA support, survivors and dependents can access valuable financial resources.
An Overview of Veterans’ Employment Benefits
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) was previously called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. It is a type of benefit that is designed to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment. Obviously, a veteran who has a significant service-connected disability will face some challenges trying to re-enter the workforce. With that being said, they may be suitable for certain types of employment—especially so if they are able to access the proper readiness and job training.
Notably, the program offers personalized counseling, career planning, and job placement services. Beyond that, VR&E offers support for training, licensing, and certification. Eligible disabled military veterans can receive tailored guidance that is designed to enable them to leverage their strengths and interests while addressing any disability-related challenges. VR&E may cover tuition, fees, supplies, and other expenses as veterans pursue education or vocational training. If you have any questions about VR&E benefits, our Phoenix VA disability claims lawyer can help.
Veterans Preference (Federal Employment)
Broadly explained, veteran preference is a federal policy that is designed to ensure that veterans receive priority consideration when applying for competitive service positions within the government. Qualified veterans earn additional points on their job applications—thereby improving their ranking and increasing their chances of being hired for a particular job. It is an approach that reflects a commitment to honoring those who served by helping them secure meaningful civilian employment. The policy also extends to certain family members of deceased or disabled veterans. By giving veterans a hiring advantage, veterans’ preference acknowledges the skills, leadership, and dedication of military service members and the potential challenges that they face when transitioning back to the civilian workforce.
Employer Incentives
Another employment benefit for veterans is that there are some employer-based tax regulations that provide businesses and organizations with a financial incentive to hire veterans. For example, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) offers reductions in federal tax liability for businesses employing eligible veterans. Beyond that, many states have similar tax incentives. It is another indirect job benefit for military service veterans that exists to help them obtain gainful employment as they transition back to civilian life.
Why Trust Phoenix VA Benefits Lawyer Paul J. Dombeck
Military veterans have done so much to protect our country. When they need services, it is imperative that they are able to get access to all available VA benefits. At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, we put the rights and interests of veterans first. Our team is prepared to help you and your family unlock all available opportunities—including those related to education and employment. An initial consultation with a Phoenix VA claims lawyer is free and confidential.
Contact Our Phoenix VA Benefits Lawyer Today
At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, our Phoenix veterans’ disability lawyer is committed to helping people and families fight for all available benefits, including education and employment. If you have any specific questions or concerns about VA benefits, please do not hesitate to contact our personal injury law firm for a no-cost, no-strings-attached case review. From our office in Phoenix, we handle VA disability claims in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona.
