Veterans and their spouses are eligible to receive benefits as the result of a disabling injury incurred during or after military service. The Veteran's Association offers benefits including monthly payments and college tuition. The U.S. Federal Government grants these rights to veterans and their families in all 50 states. Individual states also grant a variety of additional special benefits and privileges.
Pension
A veteran declared totally disabled because of a non-service injury or illness is eligible for a pension benefit. Those already receiving disability compensation from injuries incurred during military service cannot collect both payments. Veterans receive the greater payment. The determination of disability is handled by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Disability due to the veteran's willful misconduct do not apply, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Ready Reserve Personnel
Ready reserve personnel and their spouse are eligible for disability benefits. The military personnel in question must be injured during "active duty, annual training, active-duty support, military personnel appropriation funded active duty tour, active duty for training, including travel to and from, or inactive duty training" according to the Air Reserve Personal Center. The spouse may receive benefits if she has been married to the veteran for a minimum of one year or they have children together. A spouse is also eligible for the disability benefit if she marries a veteran within 15 years of his release from the military due to the incurred disability. These veteran's benefits do not start automatically; the veteran spouse needs to must apply for them. Local chapters of agencies like the Red Cross and organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars may be able to help.
Property Tax Exemption
The benefits extended to disabled veterans and their spouses varies from state to state. The State of Oklahoma offers a 100-percent disabled veteran property tax exemption. This exemption is based on the full fair cash value of the property. Qualifying veterans must currently receive disability compensation at the 100-percent rate. Eligible veterans may apply by going to their Oklahoma county assessor's office and complete an OTC Form 998. Surviving spouses may also take advantage of this property tax exemption benefit.
Tuition Fee Waivers
Spouses of service-connected disabled veterans can receive a waiver on their tuition and fees at any State of California community college or state university. The veteran must be totally disabled; the spouse must meet the criteria for admission. Registered domestic partners and children under the age of 27 may qualify as well. Eligible individuals may apply for this benefit through the County Veterans Service Office or the admissions office of the university.
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