ANCILLARY BENEFITS

ANCILLARY BENEFITS

ANCILLARY BENEFITS Ancillary benefits are: Secondary benefits that are contingent on a veteran’s eligibility for compensation or a dependent’s eligibility for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Eligibility for ancillary benefits is based on the type of disability entitlement the veteran has or the circumstances of the veteran’s death. 2

ANCILLARY BENEFITS Ancillary benefits are controlled by different areas of VA depending on their application. Being aware of the forms number will aid you in correctly submitting a claim for ancillary benefits Forms beginning with 21 are VBA related Forms beginning with 10 are VHA related Forms beginning with 26 are VBA related through the appropriate Regional Loan Center 3

AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE 38 CFR 3.808 Financial assistance in the purchase of a new or used automobile or other conveyance may be made to a veteran with specific disabilities up to once every 10 years Prior to January 5, 2023, veterans were only entitled to one auto allowance in their lifetime. If a veteran had already received an automobile allowance prior to 1/05/2023, they may apply immediately for a new auto allowance if more than 30 years have elapsed since they received their most recent auto allowance. Beginning on January 5, 2023, veterans may apply for an additional auto allowance once 10 years have passed since their previous auto allowance was awarded. 4

AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE 38 CFR 3.808 Financial assistance, in the form of a grant, is available to purchase a new or used automobile (or other conveyance) to accommodate a veteran or servicemember with certain service-connected disabilities. The grant may also be paid if disabilities are a result of medical treatment, examination, vocational rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy provided by the VA. The grant is paid directly to the seller of the automobile for the total price (up to 24,115.12) of the automobile. 5

AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE A veteran or servicemember must have one of the following disabilities to qualify for the automobile grant: Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands Impairment of vision 20/200 or less in better eye with correction or peripheral field less than 20 degrees Severe burns causing contracture which limits motion of limbs Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 6

AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE The VA Form 21-4502 “Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment” is used to apply for an automobile allowance. Only Sections I and II are to be completed when initially submitting the claim, Section III will be completed by VA and then the form is returned to the veteran. Once the veteran receives the 21-4502 back from VA they can fill out Section IV and purchase their new or used vehicle. Once purchased, the seller will need to submit the completed 21-4502 to VA in order to receive payment. 7

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT ALLOWANCE 38 CFR 3.808(e) That equipment which must be part of or added to a vehicle to make it safe for use by the claimant and to assist in meeting the applicable standards of licensure of the proper licensing authority. 38 CFR 17.158 Adaptive equipment may be certified for the initial vehicle purchased or for subsequent vehicles. This is not a one-time allowance. 8

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT ALLOWANCE Adaptive equipment includes, but not limited to, power steering, power windows, power seats, and special equipment necessary to assist the eligible person into and out of the vehicle. Contact should be made with the local VA medical center’s Prosthetic Department prior to purchasing any equipment. The adaptive equipment grant may be paid more than once and it may be paid to either the seller or the veteran. 9

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT ALLOWANCE The VA Form 10-1394 “Application For Adaptive Equipment Motor Vehicle” is used when applying for adaptive equipment only. If filing for both an automobile grant and adaptive equipment, only the 21-4502 needs to be completed. 10

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT ELIGIBILITY A veteran or servicemember must have one of the following disabilities to qualify for adaptive equipment: Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands Impairment of vision 20/200 or less in better eye with correction or peripheral field less than 20 degrees, Severe burns causing contracture which limits motion of limbs, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Ankyloses of one or both knees or one or both hips 11

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT ELIGIBILITY A disability which is acquired as a result of treatment in a VA medical facility (38 USC 1151) or as a result of training under 38 USC Chapter 31 (compensated work therapy), even though compensation is payable, does not qualify a veteran for these benefits. Even though compensation may be payable under 38 CFR 3.383, claimants do not qualify for adaptive equipment based on a loss of paired SC and NSC organs or extremities. (38 USC 1160) 12

SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program offers grants to servicemembers and veterans with severe service-connected disabilities to assist them in building, remodeling, or purchasing an adapted home. 13

SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING 38 CFR 3.809 An eligible person may receive a grant of not more than 50 percent of the cost of a specially adapted house. SAH maximum is currently 101,754. The grant can be awarded three times not to exceed the maximum dollar amount allowable. 14

SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING SAH grants can be used in one of the following ways: Construct a specially adapted home on land to be acquired Build a home on land already owned if it is suitable for specially adapted housing Remodel an existing home if it can be made suitable for specially adapted housing Use the grant to help pay the unpaid principal mortgage balance of an adapted home already acquired without the assistance of a VA grant 15

SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING ELIGIBILITY The SAH grant is available to veterans and servicemembers who are entitled to VA disability compensation due to: Loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair Blindness in both eyes, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity Loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with either residuals of organic disease or injury or the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity, affecting balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair Loss or loss of use of both upper extremities at or above the elbows A severe burn injury 16

SPECIAL HOME ADAPTATION An eligible person may receive a grant for the actual cost to adapt a house or for the appraised market value of the necessary features already in a house when it was purchased. 17

SPECIAL HOME ADAPTATION 38 CFR 3.809a The SHA grant is available to veterans and servicemembers who are entitled to disability compensation due to: Blindness in both eyes with 20/200 visual acuity or less in the better eye with the use of a standard correcting lens The anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands or extremities below the elbow, A severe burn injury. Certain severe respiratory conditions Current SHA maximum is 20,387 The grant can be awarded three times not to exceed the maximum dollar amount allowable 18

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE ASSISTANCE (TRA) GRANT Temporary grants may be made to those who are or will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member SAH maximum is 40,983 SHA maximum is 7,318 Temporary grants do count as one of the three usages of SAH/SHA 19

SAH, SHA, & TRA PROCEDURES VA Form 26-4555, “Veterans Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant” is used to apply for SAH, SHA, and TRA The VA Regional Loan Center is responsible for determining entitlement to, and payment of, SAH, SHA, and TRA. Conditional approval includes consideration of: disability requirements feasibility and suitability, and usage or dollar amounts of assistance available vs. any amounts previously paid. Final approval requires consideration of property requirements including details of proposed adaptations ownership certifications insurance geographic limits 20

SAH, SHA, & TRA PROCEDURES The veteran will be contacted by the Prosthetics department of VHA to determine: Prescription for need of adaptation Review of any required cost estimates 21

HOME IMPROVEMENT AND STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS (HISA) The HISA benefit provides home improvements and structural alterations necessary only to ensure the continuation of treatment and/or to provide access to the home or to essential lavatory and sanitary facilities authorized under 38 USC § 1717. Lifetime benefit up to 6,800 may be provided for: Veterans and Servicemembers who have a Service-connected condition that requires an adaptation Veteran rated 50% or more and requires an adaptation even if the condition requiring the adaptation is not S/C Lifetime benefit up to 2,000 may be provided for: Non-service-connected Veterans 22

HOME IMPROVEMENT AND STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS (HISA) SAH and SHA eligible Veterans will also likely be eligible for Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) HISA can provide additional funds for needed home modifications The HISA grant may be used in conjunction with either the SAH or SHA grants 23

HOME IMPROVEMENT AND STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS (HISA) Commonly Approved COMMONLY DISAPPROVED New home construction Spa or Jacuzzi type tubs Exterior decking Any alterations or modifications that the property owner is required to furnish under the Americans with Disabilities Act due to commercial zoning Home Security Systems Elevators Pathways that lead to workshops and barns Regular home maintenance routine repairs (e.g. replacement of roofs, furnaces, or air conditioners) Commonly Disapproved COMMONLY APPROVED Permanent Ramps that allow entrance to or exit from the residence Access to kitchen or bathroom sinks or counters Entrance pathways or driveways Plumbing; Electrical systems/outlets Hardwood flooring Door latches Roll-in showers/ Walk-in bathtubs Widening doorways to essential lavatories or sanitary facilities Interior and exterior lighting Costs related to taxes, permits, inspections fees, which are required by local ordinances 24

WHAT IS NEEDED FOR HISA A prescription from a VA physician that includes: Beneficiary’s name, address and phone number Description of the prescribed improvement or structural alteration The diagnosis and medical justification for the prescribed improvement or structural alteration VA Form 10-0103-HISA application with advance payment request Homeowners notarized authorization (if applicant is a renter) Written itemized estimate of costs for labor, materials, permits, and inspections A color photograph of the unimproved area Incomplete applications: if missing documentation is not received within 30 days, VA will notify beneficiary and close application VA will conduct a pre-award inspection of site no later than 30 days after receiving a complete HISA package 25

CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 26

CLOTHING ALLOWANCE Veterans who utilize certain prosthetics are eligible for a yearly clothing allowance from VA to help replace articles of clothing that are worn out faster because of their prosthesis. 27

CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 38 CFR 3.810 Eligibility: The veteran must have been prescribed and use either of the following for a service connected disability: Prosthetic or orthopedic appliance, such as a wheelchair, crutches, braces, artificial limb, etc. (Note: soft and flexible devices, such as an elastic stocking or soft brace, are not included) Medication prescribed by a physician for a service-connected skin condition that causes permanent stains or otherwise damages outer garments 28

CLOTHING ALLOWANCE Applications are collected throughout the year and held until the closing date of August 1st. Applications are processed by the VA prosthetics department and veterans will receive payments between September 1st and October 31st. This is an annual payment and will only be made during this time frame. 29

CLOTHING ALLOWANCE As of December 16, 2011, Veterans became eligible to receive multiple clothing allowance benefits, with a limit of two (2) per garment affected and total maximum of four (4) clothing allowances. Annual clothing allowance benefit is currently 830.56 Approved Articles of Clothing: Skirts Pants Blouses Shirts Disapproved Articles of Clothing: Hats, Caps Underwear Socks, Stockings, Pantyhose Shoes Scarves, Ties, Gloves 30

CLOTHING ALLOWANCE How to Apply Have the veteran submit VA Form 10-8678, “Application for Annual Clothing Allowance” to the prosthetic representative at their local VA medical center. Applications must be submitted by August 1 in order to be processed for that year A new application must be submitted each year 31

VA HOME LOAN GUARANTY FUNDING FEES 32

VA HOME LOAN GUARANTY FUNDING FEES A veteran wanting to use the VA loan guaranty to purchase a house generally is subject to a funding fee based on the type of loan, their military category (NG, AD etc.) and if they have used their guaranty before. 33

VA HOME LOAN GUARANTY FUNDING FEES 38 CFR 36.4313(e)(5) The VA Loan Guaranty funding fee can be waived if: Veteran is receiving VA compensation Veteran would be entitled to receive compensation for a SC disability if he/she were not receiving retirement or active duty pay Surviving spouse of a veteran who died of a SC disability Veteran rated eligible to receive VA disability comp based on a pre-discharge rating and exam or a rating based on existing medical evidence. The veteran received a compensable memorandum rating from VR&E 34

VA HOME LOAN GUARANTY FUNDING FEES If a veteran indicates that they desire to utilize the VA Home Loan Guaranty, ensure that a disability claim is filed before the home closes if possible. (At least an ITF) If compensation is awarded after the loan closing but the effective date is prior to closing, the veteran can request reimbursement of the funding fee – the reimbursement is paid towards the principal loan balance Certificates of Eligibility can be obtained from E-benefits Married couples who both have eligibility cannot combine their benefit to raise the maximum amount of guaranty, though both are still eligible in their own right. However, if one veteran is not eligible to have the funding fee waived, VA requires that the borrowers pay half of the funding fee if both veterans are on the loan. 35

VETERANS’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE (VGLI) Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) allows veterans to continue life insurance coverage after service. VGLI provides lifetime coverage as long as the premiums are paid. Veterans may enroll for a maximum amount of coverage that is equal to the amount of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage they had when they separated from service. Once enrolled in VGLI, veterans can increase coverage by 25,000 every five years up to the legislated maximum of 500,000, until age 60. 36

VETERANS’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE (VGLI) 38 CFR Part 9 Enrollment Period Veterans have 1 year and 120 days from their date of separation to apply for VGLI. If they apply for coverage within 240 days from separation, no health questionnaire is needed. 37

VETERANS’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE (VGLI) Veterans are eligible to apply for VGLI, if they had SGLI, and are within 1 year and 120 days of the following events: release from active duty or active duty for training under a call or order to duty that does not specify a period of less than 31 days. separation, retirement or release from assignment from the Ready Reserves/National Guard assignment to the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR) of a branch of service or to the Inactive National Guard (ING).This includes members of the United States Public Health Service Inactive Reserve Corps (IRC) placement on the Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL) 38

VETERANS’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE (VGLI) Veterans are also eligible to apply for VGLI if they had part-time SGLI and while performing duty, suffered an injury or disability that rendered them uninsurable at standard premium rates. This includes travel directly to and from duty. If the veteran is totally disabled at the time of separation, they can apply for an SGLI Disability Extension which provides free coverage for up to two years from the date of separation. An extension of SGLI due to total disability is not automatic. At the end of the extension period, the veteran automatically becomes eligible for VGLI, subject to premium payments. 39

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS INSURANCE (S-DVI) S-DVI is an optional life insurance for service-connected veterans only that stopped taking applications after December 31, 2022. If a veteran was already enrolled in S-DVI they can keep it The basic S-DVI program insures eligible Veterans for up to 10,000 of coverage. Veterans who have the basic S-DVI coverage and are 100% P&T serviceconnected can have their premiums waived. If a premium waiver is granted, policyholders may apply for additional coverage of up to 30,000 under the Supplemental S-DVI program. Premiums for Supplemental S-DVI coverage cannot be waived. 40

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS INSURANCE (S-DVI) To be eligible for S-DVI the veteran must meet all of the following requirements: Released from service under other than dishonorable conditions on or after April 25, 1951 Must have a service-connected disability (even one rated 0%) Healthy except for the service-related disability Must apply within two years of being notified of a serviceconnected disability (can apply any time veteran receives a new disability award, even one rated 0%) 41

VETERANS AFFAIRS LIFE INSURANCE (VALIFE) In January 2023, VA launched Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife), which provides guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance coverage to service-connected veterans aged 80 and under. Some Veterans aged 81 and older may also be eligible. VALife offers guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance coverage that lasts for an individual’s entire life and provides the following benefits: All veterans aged 80 and under with 0-100% VA disability ratings are eligible. Fully automated online enrollment with instant approvals. Coverage comes in increments of 10,000, up to a maximum of 40,000 No medical requirements for enrollment. Cash value that builds over the life of the policy after the first two years of enrollment. 42

VETERANS AFFAIRS LIFE INSURANCE (VALIFE) Veterans who currently hold an S-DVI policy can either keep their current coverage or apply for VALife. Veterans can keep their S-DVI policy until the full coverage of VALife begins two years after enrollment as long as the application is received between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2025. 43

VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT (VR&E) 44

VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT (VR&E) Vocational rehabilitation and employment services, job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching are available to veterans with at least a 20% compensation rating or who have a 10% rating with a serious employment handicap. Other services may be provided to assist veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment. 45

VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT (VR&E) Basic period of eligibility: Ends 12 years from the date of notification of one of the following, whichever is later: Date of separation from active military service Date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating. The basic period of eligibility may be extended if a Counselor determines that a veteran has a Serious Employment Handicap and needs extra time. 46

VETERAN READINESS AND EMPLOYMENT (VR&E) How to apply: The veteran will have to submit the VA Form 28-1900 “Disabled Veterans Application For Vocational Rehabilitation” to VA and then will meet with a counselor to determine the best course of action and eligibility. If the veteran has not received a VA rating or has not yet been discharged (up to 6 months prior to discharge), they can still apply for VR&E; They will complete and submit the 28-1900 and the Notice to VA Veterans Service Center, located on the bottom of 28-0588. VA will review the available evidence and issue a memorandum rating determining eligibility 47

COMMISSARY AND EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES 48

COMMISSARY AND EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES As of January 1, 2020, all service-connected veterans, former POWs, and Purple Heart recipients have access to Commissary, Exchange, and MWR services on military installations. To gain access to the installation and use these services, veterans will need to enroll in the VA healthcare system and show their VA healthcare card at the military installation. Note: Even though DoD and VA authorize these benefits, the Base Commander has the ultimate say on who is allowed on the base. Veterans who are not eligible to enroll in VA health care, or who are enrolled in VA health care but do not possess a VA healthcare card will not have access to military installations for in-person commissary, exchange, and MWR privileges, but will have full access to online exchanges and American Forces Travel. 49

COMMISSARY AND EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES Though these benefits are provided by Department of Defense (DoD), VA does provide assistance in completing DD Form 1172, "Application for Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card." For detailed information, contact the nearest military installation. This application is only used for 100% P&T service-connected veterans As of November 11, 2017 all Honorably discharged veterans may shop the online exchange https://www.shopmyexchange.com/account/register 50

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