The military veterans have given up so much for the freedom of our nation that it is essential that they receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. Most veterans are aware that they are eligible for some benefits but are unsure which ones. The other problem is that veterans who were injured during active duty or the loved ones that are left behind when military personnel dies on duty are entitled to different benefits.
What are military veteran benefits?
This is not a simple question to answer. Veteran benefits take on various forms, from discounts at grocery stores to tax deductions. There national veteran benefits and state-level benefits.
Veteran benefits in South Carolina
The housing benefit
South Carolina offers additional housing benefits to service men and women who were left disabled during their active duty. There are state veteran nursing homes available to veterans who were discharged honorably, in need of skilled or intermediate nursing care or who are South Carolina residents. The state has three nursing especially for the veterans: the E. Roy Stone Jr., Pavilion in Columbia, the Richard Michael Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson, and the Veterans’ Victory House in Walterboro.
If the veteran is not in need of specialized care, the state has alternative housing benefits for them. The Specially Adapted housing benefit, allows for veterans who lost the use of their limbs, such as being paralyzed or having a limb amputated, to be exempt from state, county, and municipal taxes. You can also qualify for these benefits if you have brain injuries that have left you paralyzed on one side of your body.
Tax benefits
Veterans are allowed to deduct $3,000 from their S.C. State tax returns up to the age of 65, and there after it is $10,000. However, if the veteran was left permanently disabled, there are more tax benefits to which veterans are entitled.
In South Carolina, federal taxes exempt any money that is received from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs whether it is for pension or compensation. The state also does not tax any disability pay from the Armed Forces.
State Employment and Educational Benefit
Veterans who are interested in state or public positions will be given preference. However, they must qualify for the job in terms of qualifications. They are also entitled to return to their previous positions if they are done with their military service.
Children of wartime veterans are allowed to be exempt from intuition fees if they choose to go to a state-funded institution. Wartime veterans are members who served during the Gulf War, Korean wars, Vietnam wars, WW1 and WW2.
Monetary Benefits for South Carolina veterans
If you were left at least 10% disabled due to an injury or illness during your service, then you are allowed to claim disability compensation. It is paid to you on a monthly basis and is tax-free. Disability compensation can be paid for physical conditions such as a chronic back injury or mental conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder.
The amount you will receive is based on the percentage of your disability. You can receive anything between 10% and 100%. If you have dependants and your combined disability is more than 30%, you are eligible for more benefits. However, the benefits that you are already receiving, such as disability severance pay, is offset against the additional benefit.
If you want to claim this benefits, there are certain documentation that is required. Medical evidence of your current state of health as well as evidence of the correlation between the injuries and your military service. It is advisable to retain the services on an attorney, to ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled.
Additional benefits in South Carolina
If you were injured during your service, received certain awards, are a Purple Heart recipient or were left permanently disabled, then you are entitled to special license plates. Keep in mind that with certain special license plates, such as a disability tag or Purple Heart Number plate, you are exempt from parking fees in the entire state. These number plates are available where small cost was they are even for free.
Veterans who are left permanently disabled are entitled to receive hunting and fishing permits for free and also entitled to enter state parks at a reduced admission fee.
The burial benefits are available to all veterans who are South Carolina residents and were discharged honorably. The cemetery is in Anderson, and include all funeral costs. During the funeral, the family of the veteran will be presented with a state flag by the State Adjutant General’s office.
Do I need to call my lawyer?
Most veterans are faced by a moral dilemma after they are discharged from military services. When you are left permanently disabled due to an injury or illness you suffered during active duty, your whole life changes. As well as that of your family. You are entitled to veteran benefits, and even more, if you were left disabled. You gave your life to the military, and it is their duty to support you. Unfortunately, sometimes veterans fall through the cracks of the system and are left behind. If you were injured, you know it is a very traumatic experience. You will need help to deal with all this, as well as help to your family.
It is understandable that you would not want to get your lawyer involved to help you claim benefits. But it is sometimes necessary. An experienced lawyer will put you and your family’s needs first, ensuring that all these needs are met.
It might happen that the military does not want to pay your benefit claim or you are denied additional deserved benefits, which is when an experienced lawyer that know how to navigate such situations is needed. A skilled attorney is familiar with all the laws and processes and will ensure that the correct route is followed. They also know when and where to appeal should the need arise.
Ensure your right to benefits; you are entitled to them.
