April 2026 Basecamp Newsletter
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.”
Want to keep reading about how Joe and IDOVS are making an impact on the lives of Veterans? Click below to continue.
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