Vmf tips: key resources and perks for veterans and their families

FLORIDA: Veterans who are fully disabled can receive a free driver’s license by providing the DMV with VA documents that confirm their 100% disability. To add a veteran’s designation to your

ID, present your DD-214 showing your honorable discharge from active duty. OTHER ID CARDS FOR VETERANS Veteran ID Card (VIC): This free, digital photo ID lets you access discounts at many

stores, businesses, and restaurants. With a VIC, you don’t need to carry your military discharge papers or request another photo ID to prove your veteran status. Learn how to apply here.

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC): This option is better for VA health care patients. Not only can you use it to check in at VA medical centers, but it can also be used to scare

discounts at many stores, businesses, and restaurants. If you have a VHIC, there’s no need to get another ID to prove you’re a veteran, such as a VIC. Learn how to obtain your VHIC here.

FREE TAX SERVICES FOR VETERANS Filing taxes can be stressful, but veterans can access several free resources to make the process easier and more affordable. IRS FREE FILE: Veterans with an

adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less can file electronically through IRS Free File. Those earning more may use Free File Fillable forms to file independently. IRS DIRECT FILE: If

you live in one of the 25 participating states, use IRS Direct File to e-file your federal tax return directly with the IRS—completely free. IRS VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA):

Veterans with an AGI of $67,000 or less, as well as those with disabilities or language barriers, can receive free basic tax return preparation through VITA. Additionally, those who are 60

or older who have unique questions about pensions and retirement-related topics can utilize the IRS’ Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). A majority of TCE sites are operated by the AARP

FOUNDATION’S TAX-AIDE PROGRAM, the largest free volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program in the U.S. The nationwide program is aimed at people 50 and older or those with low to

moderate incomes, but Tax-Aide is open to anyone at no cost. You don’t need to be an AARP member to take advantage of Tax-Aide’s knowledgeable volunteers, nor will there be any sales pitch

for other services. MILITARY ONESOURCE: Recently separated or retired veterans can use MilTax software to file federal and state taxes free for up to 365 days post-service. MilTax offers tax

prep, e-filing, and expert consultations. ADDITIONAL FREE & DISCOUNTED SERVICES: * TAXSLAYER: Free federal e-filing for active-duty military. * TURBOTAX: Free filing for enlisted

active-duty military and Reservists; USAA members get special offers. FRAUD PROTECTION TIP: Watch out for scams—The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will never ask for your personal

information through text or phone calls. Federal agencies only contact individuals by phone if a request has been made. Find more ways to protect yourself from scams and fraud at AARP'S

VETERANS FRAUD CENTER.  FREE OR DISCOUNTED FISHING AND HUNTING LICENSES FOR VETERANS Most states offer free or discounted fishing and hunting licenses to veterans. Eligibility is often

based off a minimum Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating of at least 50% or higher. Other perks such as a lifetime hunting license may be available for Purple Heart

recipients and former prisoners of war. For example: * Wisconsin offers a $7 Disabled Veteran Recreation Card for fishing, small game hunting, and state park access. * Illinois provides

free Hunting and Fishing Privilege Cards for veterans with a VA disability rating as low as 10%. * Florida and California provide free and discounted fishing and hunting licenses to veterans

with a 50%  disability rating, while South Carolina offers free licenses for veterans with a 10% rating or more. * Some states, like Texas, offer free hunting and fishing licenses to

non-residents, in addition to state residents. Want to learn more? Contact your state’s wildlife agency or VA office to explore what’s available where you live. VA HEALTH CARE FOR MILITARY

CAREGIVERS Military caregivers may enroll in benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). Eligible caregivers must assist

veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who need help with one or more daily living activities, or require supervision due to neurological ailment or other impairment or injury. To find out if

you qualify, you’ll need to apply for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. VA GRANTS FOR HOME CONSTRUCTION OR MODIFICATIONS TO ELIGIBLE VETERANS As a veteran, you

may qualify for significant financial assistance to modify your home if you have a service-connected injury. These grants help disabled veterans create safer and more accessible homes

tailored to their specific mobility challenges. Not sure if you qualify? You or a caregiver can get no-cost help to determine your eligibility. For more information, contact a VA Specially

Adapted Housing staff member at [email protected] or 877-827-3702. Learn more with AARP’s Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide. PROPERTY TAX BREAKS FOR VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES

Many veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for significant tax reductions or full exemptions, but the potential savings vary widely from state to state. For example, many

states limit their exemption to veterans with certain types of 100% VA disability ratings. A few states reduce property taxes for all veterans regardless of medical condition but may

consider criteria like age or income. To see if you qualify, contact your state’s tax office or VA office for more information. Learn more about your state’s eligibility criteria. ONE-YEAR

LINKEDIN PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION AND EXPERT RESUME REVIEW Service members can receive one year of LinkedIn Premium for free, along with a complimentary expert résumé review. Veterans will also

get personalized recommendations to enhance their résumé and can access discounted writing packages for rewriting résumés, cover letters or LinkedIn profiles. Service history is verified

through ID.me.