10 Key Benefits Spouses Receive by Being Married to a Veteran
Introduction
Marriage to a veteran can offer more than emotional support, pride, and shared life experiences. In many countries (especially the U.S.), spouses of veterans (and surviving spouses) are eligible for a range of benefits—financial, medical, educational, and more. In this post, we’ll walk through the top benefits, how they work, and some eligibility tips to help spouses access what they’ve earned through their partner’s service.
1. Health Care and Medical Benefits
One of the most important benefits is health care coverage for spouses.
TRICARE & Military Health System: For current or retired service members, spouses may be covered through TRICARE, which offers health plans, dental coverage, mental health services, and more.
CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program VA): If the veteran is permanently and totally disabled or has died from a service-connected cause, spouses (or surviving spouses) may qualify for CHAMPVA, which shares the cost of care with VA-approved providers.
Aid & Attendance / Housebound Benefits: For spouses who require daily assistance (bathing, dressing, etc.) or are confined to home, there may be supplementary benefits added onto basic pension or survivor benefits.
2. Survivor Benefits & Pensions
When a veteran passes away, their spouse may be eligible for ongoing financial support.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): A tax-free monthly payment for eligible surviving spouses, children, or parents of a veteran who died in the line of duty or from service-connected causes.
Survivors’ Pension (Death Pension): For spouses of wartime veterans whose income is below certain thresholds. This is means-tested (i.e. income and net worth limits apply).
Accrued Benefits, Housebound, and Aid & Attendance enhancements: Surviving spouses may qualify for extra amounts if they are housebound or require care.
3. Education & Training Support
Many veterans can transfer or extend educational benefits to their spouses or offer special programs for families.
Transfer of GI Bill benefits: In some cases, a veteran can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse or children, giving the spouse the ability to attend school with reduced or no tuition costs.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35): Surviving spouses and children of veterans who died or became totally disabled from a service-connected cause may use this for college, certificate, or vocational training.
Career counseling / job training: Many VA or military family support programs offer counseling, resume help, or job readiness services to spouses.
4. Home & Mortgage Advantages
Spouses may gain access or eligibility for favorable housing options.
VA Home Loan Guaranty for surviving spouses: Surviving spouses (in certain cases) can use the VA home loan program to buy, refinance, or improve a home.
Exemption from down payment or private mortgage insurance: Some VA loans require no down payment and waive PMI (private mortgage insurance), lowering upfront costs.
Special home adaption grants: In cases of disability, spouses or surviving spouses may qualify for housing grants or home modifications under VA or other veteran-family programs.
5. Preference in Federal Hiring (Derived Preference)
Spouses and surviving spouses sometimes have advantage when applying for federal jobs.
Derived Preference: If a veteran cannot use their veterans’ preference due to a service-connected disability, the spouse may be eligible for a 10-point “XP” preference when applying for federal positions.
Widow(er) preference: Surviving spouses who meet eligibility (e.g. not remarried, or remarriage annulled) may also qualify for preference in federal hiring.
6. Burial, Memorial & Survivor Services
Honoring service includes ensuring dignified burial and memorial options for spouses.
Burial in Veterans National Cemeteries: Eligible spouses can be buried alongside their veteran spouse in VA national cemeteries (with no cost for opening/closing, headstone, etc.).
Survivor funeral benefits / burial allowances: In certain cases, the VA may help reimburse funeral or burial costs.
Pre-need eligibility determinations: Spouses may apply ahead of time to establish eligibility for VA burial benefits.
7. Financial Counseling & Support Services
Veteran and family support organizations often provide non-monetary services that can significantly help spouses.
Financial management & counseling: Assistance with budgeting, debt reduction, and preparing for retirement.
Grief support & bereavement counseling: For surviving spouses, many VA or nonprofit programs offer emotional support and counseling.
Legal and benefits advocacy: Accredited veteran service organizations or VA benefit offices can help spouses with navigating the VA claims process, appeals, and eligibility.
8. Eligibility Tips & Common Pitfalls
To maximize benefit access, spouses should keep in mind the following:
Marriage timing matters: Often, you must have been married to the veteran before certain key dates (e.g. before death, before benefits cutoff).
Remarriage may affect eligibility: For surviving spouse benefits (like DIC), remarrying before a certain age or before certain dates can terminate eligibility.
Income & net worth limits: Many survivor and pension benefits are means-tested; your income/asset thresholds may disqualify or reduce payment.
VA discharge status matters: The veteran must normally have an honorable or general discharge (i.e. not dishonorable) for many benefits to apply.
Documentation is key: Marriage certificate, veteran’s DD214, service records, death certificate, medical records, etc., are often required in claims.
Some benefits may expire: Educational benefits or time-limited programs may have deadlines, so check with the VA or benefit office for current rules.
9. Why These Benefits Matter
Acknowledgement of sacrifice: Spouse support is a major part of military life; these benefits help honor that shared sacrifice.
Financial security: Between pensions, survivor benefits, and favorable home loans, spouses gain more stability in uncertain times.
Access to health care: Medical, mental health, and long-term care support can greatly improve quality of life.
Educational & career advancement: Being able to use or receive transferred educational benefits or job training helps spouses build their own careers.
Peace of mind: Knowing support is there in the event of disability or loss offers emotional relief during service.
10. How to Apply & Where to Learn More
Visit the VA’s official site for family and caregiver benefits to see what programs are available.
Complete the necessary VA forms (e.g. for DIC, survivors pension, accrued benefits).
Work with accredited veteran service organizations (VSOs) or VA benefit offices to help navigate claims, appeals, and documentation.
Stay current with laws and eligibility rules, as many benefit programs change over time.
Conclusion
Being married to a veteran grants spouses access to a suite of benefits that go beyond sentimental value—they translate into tangible support: health care, education, financial stability, homeownership, and more. If you or someone you know is a spouse of a veteran, it pays to research, file claims, and advocate for those earned benefits.
