Military

What Type of Military Discharge Qualifies for VA Benefits?

Updated April 29 2024: The Department of Veterans Affairs has updated its approval policies to cover other-than honorable discharges and similar military discharges that previously did not qualify for VA healthcare benefits. If you applied in the past but were denied benefits due to the nature of your military discharge, apply for benefits again as…

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Retiree and Annuitant Pay 2023

When will Retirees and Annuitants get paid in 2023? If you are on active duty, you get paid on the 1st and 15th of every month. You can see the list of Military Pay Dates here. However, what about if you are a retiree or an annuitant? And who gets that type of pay? Retirement…

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VA Education benefits

VA Education Benefits Under The National Call-To-Service Program

Have you performed a period of national service by joining the military under the VA National Call To Service program or NCS? You may qualify for VA education benefits through NCS. This program is intended for those who need an alternative to the Montgomery GI Bill, and is offered under specific qualifying circumstances, as we’ll…

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GI BILL

Cost-of-Living Increases For Montgomery GI Bill, Dependent Education Benefits

If you are attending classes on the Montgomery GI Bill or the VA Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, you will see an increase in your monthly payments starting in October 2022, thanks to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment or COLA. COLA changes for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are already in effect, those…

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TSP Retirement Fund

How to Maximize Your TSP Retirement Fund

Maximizing Your Thrift Savings Plan Retirement Fund All government employees are uniquely positioned to set themselves up for a great retirement. How? Through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations provide their employees under their 401-K plans. (Learn the full ins and…

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military pay dates

List of Military Pay Dates 2024 [updated]

2024 List of Military Pay Dates Typically while serving in the military you are paid on the 1st and 15th of every month. However, due to weekends and holidays, the actual military pay dates may vary. Paydays can fall on any day of the week, depending on the month. Check closely to know when you…

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thrift savings plan

Thrift Savings Plan: Everything You Need to Know

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees. The plan is also available for members of the uniformed services, including the Ready Reserve. The Thrift Savings Plan was established by Congress in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986.  The TSP offers the same type of savings…

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blended retirement system

Blended Retirement System (BRS): An Overview

The Blended Retirement System (BRS) was created with the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. What is the Blended Retirement System? The BRS is a new military retirement system. The new system blends the traditional legacy retirement pension with a defined contribution benefit. This benefit is applied to the service member’s Thrift Savings Plan…

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