Veterans and their families have access to a wide range of financial benefits, but many don't realize how impactful those resources can be. On this episode of Making Sense of Money, our host Tanis sits down with Joe Reiner from the Idaho Division of Veteran Services.
After serving 21 years in the United States Air Force, Joe now works as a State Services Officer, helping other Veterans access the benefits that they have earned. His work focuses on improving financial stability and wellness for Veterans and their families.
Understanding Veteran Benefits
The Idaho Division of Veteran Services offers a wide range of support for Veterans and their families. From long-term care through Veteran Homes and honoring service through Veteran cemeteries, to education and training programs, their team works to walk alongside Veterans, guiding them through complex systems and paperwork.
One of the primary roles of the Idaho Division of Veteran Services is to assist Veterans in filing their compensation claims. These claims, based on service-related injuries such as illness, exposures, or traumatic events, directly impact a Veteran's ability to earn income.
Joe shares that compensation is assigned based on a disability rating system ranging from 0% to 100%. Even with a lower rating, a Veteran can still receive monthly income and access to VA healthcare. With a higher rating, a Veteran may access more substantial financial support and additional family benefits.
“These benefits are designed to compensate for the loss of efficiency to earn an income,” Joe said. “How much does that injury reduce your ability to earn an income?” In short, benefits are tied directly to service and can be life-changing for the Veterans and their families.
Life Changing Financial Impact
For many families, these benefits can dramatically improve everyday finances. Joe says one of the most immediate impacts is an increase in monthly income, sometimes doubling or even tripling what a household receives from Social Security.
“Now they have some breathing room,” he said. “The Veteran gets VA healthcare, so now they can focus on taking care of their spouse and their family. Those are the kind of things where we literally change lives, every day.”
In addition to monthly compensation, there are programs that can significantly reduce financial strain and challenges. Housing grants can help Veterans modify their homes for accessibility, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Education (VR & E) programs can fund schooling, training, and career transitions.
“It’s huge,” Joe shared. “They’ll pay for your education, your supplies, whatever you need to get trained for a new career.”
More Help than You Might Expect
Many Veterans are surprised by the number of resources available to them. From home modification grants to education benefits and local support programs, assistance to those who served goes beyond what people initially assume.
Joe shares that his office helps with more than just claims. They often help connect Veterans to community resources, guide families through life transitions, and make home visits when needed.
“If you can’t leave your house, then we’ll come to you,” he said.
You’ve Earned It
Joe shares that Veterans often feel they don’t need or don’t deserve the benefits available to them. “Veterans are proud people,” he said. “They will say, ‘Give it to someone else who needs it,’. But it doesn’t work that way.”
He encourages people to know and truly believe that these benefits have been earned through their service. He urges people not to wait too long to access them, especially as records become more difficult to retrieve over time.
These benefits are more than just finances; it is about making sure Veterans and their families are supported long after their service ends. Whether it is access to healthcare, additional income, education, or housing, these resources can make a lasting difference in everyday life.
If you or someone you know has served, now is the perfect time to explore what is out there. To learn more about Joe’s role and what the Idaho Division of Veteran Services does for our Veterans, listen to the podcast here.
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