Serving in the military is a profound commitment, and there is simply not enough we’re able to do for the men and women who served or are still serving our country to show our gratitude. Their sacrifices are, after all, too meaningful to ever appropriately compensate.
Still, there are many programs and perks that exist for veterans. Some of them fly a bit more under the radar, so we’ve highlighted them below to make sure every veteran has a chance to explore their options.
1. Free Tax Prep
Not only can veterans take advantage of property tax exemptions, but they can also reap a few other tax-related benefits. The IRS partners with the VA to offer free tax preparation services for veterans, and they take it a step further with free filing.
2. Disney World’s Shades of Green
Disney World has expanded its reach so much that it really does seem to be living up to its name. With so many resorts under its moniker, not everyone knows about Shades of Green — Disney’s resort that’s dedicated exclusively to military members and their families. Eligibility for the resort includes different tiers, but at its root, it exists as a place for veterans to enjoy a Disney vacation at a lower price point.
If you’re planning to take advantage of the resort’s discount rates, you’ll want to plan ahead, paying close attention to what offers are available. The resort’s “Salute to Our Veterans” promotion, for instance, allows any honorably discharged veterans to vacation at Shades of Green during January and September.
3. Free Space-A Travel
Veterans and their families can travel with Space-A flights – formally known as Military Airlift Command or MAC flights – to take advantage of cheaper flights. Military flights can be more unpredictable than standard commercial flights, but for travelers who have room for flexibility and a desire to save money, they are worth looking into.
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4. National Parks Pass
Current military members and their dependents, veterans, and Gold Star Families (family members of fallen soldiers who died in the line of duty) can get into national parks for free through the National Park Service’s Free Access Program. Eligible applicants can receive annual or lifetime passes.
Related: The 10 Best and Worst States for Military Retirees
5. Long-Term Care
Many veterans qualify for valuable long-term care benefits through the VA. These benefits can help with daily living activities, medical care, and support, whether needed at home, in a community setting, or in a nursing home. Depending on your needs and eligibility, options may include skilled home health care, adult day health programs, homebound meal delivery, or assistance with bathing, dressing, and medication management.
For veterans with service-connected disabilities, financial assistance may be available to cover some or all of these costs. Just remember that enrollment in VA healthcare is necessary to access most long-term care services.
Related: 12 Travel Benefits for Veterans and Service Members
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6. Mortgage Help
There are a variety of programs to help veterans secure a mortgage, and the cornerstone of this support is the VA Home Loan program. The program offers competitive rates, no down payment requirements, and waived insurance, making it significantly more accessible than traditional loans.
State and local programs, along with veterans service organizations, provide down payment grants, homebuyer education, and advocacy specific to veterans’ needs.
7. Airline Discounts on Baggage
Many airlines salute veterans by offering baggage fee discounts. Some carriers, like JetBlue and American Airlines, extend free checked bags for active duty personnel on official or personal travel, while others like United Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer special fares that include generous baggage allowances.
