Bureau Of Maine Veterans’ Services
Depending on the office it could be two or more weeks. However, we do have the ability to do Skype or phone appointments within two weeks. To protect your date of claim, please stop by one of our seven offices to complete a VA Form 21-0966 or call the VA directly at 800-827-1000 so potential benefits are not lost.
Meeting with a VSO will take roughly one hour. The VSO will discuss the claims process, assist in completing the necessary forms, review evidence provided, and advise what else may be required in support of the claim. Please bring a copy of the veterans DD Form 214, medical records including military service treatment records , private medical records , dependency information including previous marital information for veteran and spouse as well as childrenâs names, DOBs, SSNs, and places of birth, and banking information including name of financial institution as well as account and routing number.
The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services just might have a copy. If you separated from the military and listed Maine as your Home of Record , we should have received a copy of your DD 214. However, if Maine was not your HOR, or we do not have your DD 214 on file, we can help you obtain one through the Records Management Center or a request through the National Personnel Records Center .
VA disability ratings do not preclude you from applying for SSI.
Yes! Please call our main office at 430-6035 or email us at to discuss your specific request with us.
Were There When You Get Your First Job
Every time you change jobs, your employer verifies your Social Security number with us. Doing so helps reduce fraud and improves the accuracy of your earnings records, ensuring you get the benefits you have earned.
Employers collect FICA, or Federal Insurance Contributions Act withholdings, and report earnings electronically to us. This is how we track your earnings and is how you earn Social Security retirement, disability, spouses, and survivors coverage for you and your family. A worker earns up to four Social Security credits each year and needs 40 credits, or 10 years of work, to qualify for retirement benefits. Its vital that you work at least 10 years to qualify for Social Security benefits to be based on your own work record.
Opening a free allows you to verify your earnings history and see if you will get Social Security retirement benefits. A secure also lets you estimate future benefits.
How To Plan Your Estate
About Ryan Guina
Ryan Guina is The Military Wallet’s founder. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over six years on active duty in the USAF and is a current member of the Illinois Air National Guard.
Ryan started The Military Wallet in 2007 after separating from active duty military service and has been writing about financial, small business, and military benefits topics since then. He also writes about personal finance and investing at Cash Money Life.
Ryan uses Personal Capital to track and manage his finances. Personal Capital is a free software program that allows him to track his net worth, balance his investment portfolio, track his income and expenses, and much more. You can open a free Personal Capital account here.
Featured In: Ryan’s writing has been featured in the following publications: Forbes, Military.com, US News & World Report, Yahoo Finance, Reserve & National Guard Magazine , Military Influencer Magazine, Cash Money Life, The Military Guide, USAA, Go Banking Rates, and many other publications.
Also Check: Benefits For 100 Disabled Veterans In Texas
Your Dd 214 Will Prove Military Service
The easiest way to prove your military service without one of the above ID cards is with a DD Form 214, which is the document that serves as your service record. This is issued to all military members when they separate from military service .
Unfortunately, carrying around a letter-size document is inconvenient. One tip we have received from many veterans is to take your DD Form 214 to an office supply store such as Office Depot, Office Max, Fed-Ex/Kinkos, etc., and ask them to shrink the card to a wallet-size version and have it laminated. This will give you a wallet-sized document that will prove your service.
Note: Your DD Form 214 is one of the most important documents you will receive, so keep good care of it! Here are more details on the DD Form 214, including how to get a new DD 214.
If you do not have access to the above veterans ID card options, you may still be able to prove your military service in other ways.
Were There When You Get Married
Whether youre celebrating your anniversary or starting a new chapter alone or with a new spouse, a part of that new life may include a new name. If you legally change your name due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, let us know so you can get an updated Social Security card and so we can accurately keep track of your earnings. Theres no charge for a.
Don’t Miss: Flat Feet Va Disability Rating
New Hampshire Property Tax Credits And Exemptions For Veterans Spouses And Surviving Spouses:
Property owned and operated by certain Veterans’ organizations or departments, local chapters or posts shall be exempt from taxation
Certain wartime Veterans, their Spouses or Surviving Spouses may be eligible for a property tax credit shall be an amount from $51 up to $750.
The Surviving Spouse of a Veteran who was killed while on active duty in the military may be eligible for a tax credit of between $700 and $2000 on real estate or personal property.
There is a $700 tax credit on real estate occupied as principal place of abode by a permanently and totally disabled service-connected Veteran, double amputee or paraplegic or un-remarried Surviving Spouse. Cities and towns may vote to adopt a higher tax credit of up to $2000.
A permanently and totally disabled Veteran who is blind, paraplegic or a double amputee as a result of service connection and who owns a specially adapted homestead acquired with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or with proceeds from the sale of any previous homestead acquired with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, shall be exempt from all taxation on the homestead. The Veteran’s Surviving Spouse shall also be exempt from all taxation on the homestead.
Us Department Of Defense / Uniformed Services Sponsor Identification And Privilege Card
Resource link: Card Benefits: Military ID Cards provide access to many services and benefits such as Tricare, legal assistance, education benefits, use of Morale and Welfare Activities , commissaries, exchanges and of course discounts at many restaurants and stores. Also grants access to bases nationwide.Eligibility: Veteran their dependents.How to obtain ID: Do a web-search for base nearest to you with a DEERS office.Link to locating DEERS office nearest you: https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/Call the DEERS office ahead of time. Often hours are limited for Veterans ID cards.
- Example: Battle Creek Air National Guard Base only allows Veteran Military IDs to be produced on Wednesdays only.
Documents needed: Each DEERS office seems to have slightly different requirements, but this is a general list of what to expect.Veteran: Form of ID, Summary of Benefits Letter.Dependents: Bring Marriage license plus 2 forms of ID
Recommended Reading: Signs That You Lost Your Disability Hearing
County Court House Or Clerk Office Issued Veterans Cards
Some counties offer veteran ID cards. In addition, New York City offers a veterans designation on its city-issued ID cards. As with many such IDs, these cards cannot be used to access military bases or VA services. However, they are good for getting military discounts at businesses, parks and other attractions.
The Va Vic Program Is Now Live
On July 20, 2015, the president signed into law the Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015. This act allows Veterans to apply for an identification card directly from VA. The VA identification card will allow Veterans to demonstrate proof of service for discounts at private restaurants and businesses.
It should be noted that the identification card is different from a Veteran Health Identification card or a DoD Uniformed Services or retiree ID card. As such, the VA identification cards cannot be used as proof of eligibility to any federal benefits and does not grant access to military installations.
If you already have a photo ID issued by the Department of Defense or a Veterans Health ID, you dont need the new card. To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov, click on Sign In in the top right hand corner and establish an ID.me account. Once the Veteran verifies their identity they may request to Apply for the Veteran ID Card. Watch the video for more information.
You May Like: California State Disability Phone Number
Veterans Designation On A State
At this time, all 50 states and Puerto Rico offer a Veteran designation printed on state-issued drivers licenses or IDs. The type of Veteran designation may vary from state to state.If you have a Veterans designation, you may be able to get discounts offered to Veterans at many stores, businesses, and restaurants.
Most states ask you to provide a copy of your discharge papers . Some states may require additional documents.
Please check with your states Department of Motor Vehicles about what you need to apply for a Veterans designation for your state.
What Is Covered By Chapter 35 Benefits
Chapter 35 DEA benefits cover college or graduate degree programs, career training courses, career counseling, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Your monthly compensation depends on whether you go to school or train full-time or part-time. You can find the current monthly payment rates on the VAs website.
2018 update: How long you can use Chapter 35 benefits depends on when you start:
- If you begin using them before August 1, 2018: you can use Chapter 35 benefits for up to 45 months
- If you start on or After August 1, 2018: you can use Chapter 35 benefits for up to 36 months
You can learn more about this program and how to apply with our article Chapter 35 Education Benefits for Dependents.
Recommended Reading: Short Term Disability Insurance Individual
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness
As of 2018 to 2025-Veterans with P& T disability rating are eligible for student loan relief.Eligibility:
- You will need your FSA ID and Login information
- If you need help obtaining ID, contact the help team
- Once completed, submit to your Federal Loan Servicer
- You should receive a decision in about 1 Month.
- Watch your email for information from you Federal Loan Servicer
NOTE: The forgiven debt will not be treated as income.
Military Id Card Eligibility
Note: In general, you must be in the DEERS system to receive a new military ID card. This includes the servicemember and eligible dependents .
You are usually eligible to receive a military ID if you are currently serving in the military , or you are a military retiree. Qualified dependents are eligible for dependent ID cards as well.
Finally, certain veterans are eligible for a military ID card if they are a Medal of Honor recipient, have a 100% disability rating, or in certain other limited circumstances.
Here are some general rules regarding military ID card eligibility. Check with your local issuing base personnel office for more specific information.
Active Duty ID card.
- You must be on Active Duty military status and be in the DEERS system.
Guard/Reserve military ID card.
- You must be in the Guard or Reserves, which may include the Inactive Ready Reserves .
Retiree military ID card.
- You must qualify as a military retiree, which generally means 20 years of active military service, or 20 years in the Guard or Reserves . Medically retired servicemembers may also be eligible.
- Gray Area retirees will receive a different military ID card until they reach age 60.
Former military / no longer serving, not retired.
Military dependent ID card.
Veterans ID card.
More types of Uniformed Services ID Cards.
You May Like: Short Term Disability For Mental Health
State Issued Veterans Designation On Drivers Licenses Or Identification Cards
In most states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, you have the option of displaying veteran status on your state-issued drivers licenses and ID cards..
In most cases, proof of military service is required and you contact your states department or bureau of motor vehicles or equivalent to learn what the requirements and procedures are.
Some states may require a copy of DD Form 214, and many require supporting documentation.
Costs vary.. Fees may be waived if you were awarded a Purple Heart. Some states offer a free initial card with fees for renewal when it expires. More information on veterans ID cards provided by states can be found here.
If you reside in a state that currently offers veterans designation on a drivers license or ID card, this is the easiest and best option that government agencies and businesses accept.
States require varied proof of veterans status. Check with your states bureau or department of motor vehicles or equivalent for more details.
While many states only need your DD Form 214, some states require additional documentation. Costs can range, although the designation is free in some states. More information on veterans IDs provided by states can be found here.
Secondary Identity Source Document List
The secondary identity source document may be a form of ID from the list above, provided it is not the same type. For example, you cannot use two different passports from two different countries as your form of ID.
- U.S. social security card
- Birth certificate with official seal Must be an original or certified copy issued by a state, county, municipal authority, possession or outlying possession of the United States
- ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency or entity must have photograph
- Voters registration card
- Drivers license issued by a Canadian government entity
- Native American tribunal document
You May Like: My Personal Facebook Account Is Disabled
And We Will Be There For Years To Come
Social Security has two trust funds Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance . The OASI and DI Trust Funds have reached the brink of depletion of asset reserves in the past. However, in 1977 and 1983, Congress made substantial changes to the program that resulted in the $2.908 trillion asset reserves that existed as of December 31, 2020.
The Trustees of the Social Security trust funds currently project that the two trust funds combined will be able to pay all benefits in full and on time until 2034. Even if legislative changes are not made before 2034, well still be able to pay 78 percent of total benefits due in 2034. Social Security has always changed to meet the needs of the people we serve and will continue to help support you and your family. Whether you are about to retire, become a full time grandparent, or start a new chapter, Social Security can help you secure today and tomorrow. Social Security salutes all Veterans for their service and sacrifice.
What Is A Permanent And Total Disability Rating
A P& T rating is given to veterans whose disabilities are considered both permanent and total. The disability generally prevents them from being gainfully employed, and is reasonably certain to continue throughout the veterans life.
To be awarded a permanent and total VA disability rating, your VA rating must meet these three requirements:
Also Check: High Value Va Disability Claims
Total And Permanent Disability Va How To Check P& t Status
The only way to know for sure is to review your VA Rating Decision Letter, which is mailed to you in a yellow enveloped via regular US mail. You can also review your VA Benefit Summary letter by logging into your eBenefits account. Once logged in, click Manage across the top, then Documents and Records, then VA Letters, and finally Benefit Summary Veteran Benefits. Scroll down and check the section that says, You are considered to be totally and permanently disabled due solely to your service-connected disabilities. It will either say YES or NO in this block. This letter will also show if you are in receipt of Special Monthly Compensation due to the type and severity of your service connected disabilities.
Va Ratings For Cancer
Veterans service-connected for active cancer should automatically receive a 100 percent disability rating. This rating continues for as long as your cancer is active, and then for another six months following the successful completion of a treatment program, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. VA will then reevaluate based on residuals.
Read Also: Can You Get Disability For Arthritis In Your Back
What Are Some Of The Va 100 Percent Permanent And Total Disability Benefits
Here are some of the VA 100 permanent and total disability benefits.
#1. No Cost Healthcare and Prescription Medications and VA Co-Pay Reimbursement
Veteransare charged a copayment for nonservice-connected care provided directly by VAor through a community provider outside of VA. The copayment amount isbased on the type of health care service you receive and your financialsituation. Copayment rates for each service are listed below.
SomeVeterans may be exempt from paying copayments and may qualify for free healthcare and/or prescriptions based on special eligibility factors. You can exploreyour eligibility for VA health care benefits using the online Health BenefitsExplorer tool or by contacting VA at 877-222-VETS .
#2. Dependents Educational Assistance
If your disabilities are determined to be 100 Permanent and Total , the DEA allows your spouse and children to be eligible for certain educational benefits.
A child is authorized 45 months of accredited schooling. VApresently pays a monthly stipend of around $805.00 for a fulltime student,subject to change. They can receive guidance counseling, tutors, etc. If achild has been in school and then the veteran receives a retroactive benefitthat includes the school dates, then the student can file for reimbursement forthe months that he/she qualified on the retroactive date.
A dependent spouse can also qualify for schooling. The dependentstudent or spouse must handle all the necessary paperwork.
Phone: 733-8387