Veterans of the 31st Infantry Regiment and their families can draw on a wide set of financial programs — federal, state, and private. The programs differ in eligibility, application timelines, and how they interact with each other, so getting a clear picture of what exists saves time and prevents missed benefits.
Federal VA Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) runs the largest collection of programs. Disability compensation pays a monthly, tax-free benefit to veterans whose injuries or conditions connect to their service. The VA rates disabilities from 10% to 100% in 10-point increments, with payments increasing at each level. Veterans who served during wartime and meet income thresholds may also qualify for VA pension — a separate non-service-connected benefit that doesn’t require a disability rating.
Surviving spouses and dependent children of veterans who died from a service-connected condition can apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). This monthly payment is also tax-free and doesn’t offset other VA benefits the family receives.
Education funding through the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition and fees at public in-state schools, provides a monthly housing allowance, and adds up to $1,000 per year for books. In some cases, veterans can transfer unused benefits to their dependents. Several states layer their own tuition waivers on top of federal coverage.
VA home loans let qualified veterans buy property with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance requirement. Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty may also qualify for this benefit.
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program addresses veterans with service-connected disabilities who want to train for civilian careers. It covers tuition, books, fees, and a monthly subsistence allowance for the duration of training.
State-Level Programs
Every state runs its own veterans benefits, and they vary considerably. Arkansas, California, New York, Oklahoma, and Georgia — each linked to different chapters of the regiment’s active-duty history — all maintain separate programs through their state departments of veterans affairs. Applications go directly to those departments, not to the VA.
Across most states, veterans can find several recurring types of support:
- property tax exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities;
- tuition waivers for dependents of veterans who died or were permanently disabled in service;
- free or reduced hunting and fishing licenses;
- preference in state government hiring.
These programs run independently of federal benefits, so veterans can receive both without one affecting the other. The state with the most favorable terms for a particular situation often depends on the type of disability and residency status.
Nonprofit and Emergency Resources
The American Legion and VFW maintain emergency financial assistance funds through their local posts. Both organizations can move faster than federal agencies when a family faces an immediate housing or utility shortfall. Any veteran who qualifies for membership can apply.
Fisher House Foundation operates comfort homes at major military and VA medical centers across the country. Families of veterans receiving inpatient treatment stay free of charge — a benefit that removes hotel costs during long treatment periods that can stretch across weeks.
For veterans carrying debt they took on before active duty, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) caps interest rates at 6% on those loans during qualifying service. The cap covers mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans.
Health and Life Insurance
TRICARE covers active duty members, qualifying retirees, and their dependents. Veterans who don’t meet TRICARE eligibility can apply for VA health care, with priority based on service history, disability rating, and income.
Two VA life insurance programs cover different stages of service. Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) applies while on active duty. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) picks up after separation and offers coverage up to $500,000. Veterans who apply for VGLI within 240 days of leaving the military skip the medical exam entirely.
Navigating the Claims Process
VA claims routinely take months to process. Veterans Service Organizations — including the American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) — offer free representation through the claims and appeals process. A VSO-accredited representative can gather service records, prepare forms, and track claim status at no charge to the veteran.
The Benefits Delivery at Discharge program allows service members to file claims up to 180 days before separation. Starting early typically cuts the waiting period after leaving the military.
Veterans already receiving VA compensation or pension also have access to the VA’s financial counseling service. Counselors help set up direct deposit, resolve overpayments, and address debt owed back to the VA.