Women Veteran’s Benefits and Structure

Although women face considerable challenges during and after their military service, it is important that they understand that they are not alone. While access might be less obvious or more difficult, women veterans are entitled to the same veterans benefits as men, as well as some that are tailored to their particular needs. Here is a partial overview of those benefits, and information about how to access them.

Transitioning to Civilian Life

Many veterans' services are concerned with the transition of active duty solider to veteran. For six months after their discharge, veterans are entitled to this Transition Assistance Program, which is administered by the Department of Labor and the Department of Defense. Here are some of the services and benefits:

  • Pre-separation Counseling: This component is mandatory for all recent veterans. It helps vets learn about employment opportunities and the array of benefits they are entitled to.
  • Transition Assistance Program Employment Workshops: The Department of Labor runs these clinics which help vets get up to date on the ins and outs of the job hunting process.
  • Veterans Benefits Briefings: The Veterans Affairs Office offers these meetings which provide vets with an overview of benefits open to them.
  • Disabled Transition Assistance Program: Service members with an injury, illness, or disability that resulted from their service can participate in this program to help them transition to civilian life.

The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs

The VA office is the main department administrating veteran’s benefits after the 6 month transition to civilian life. This department operates a network of VA hospitals and clinics, gives out compensation to disabled vets, provides vocational training, administers educational funding, and more. The VA is a giant bureaucracy, however, and it is notoriously slow is responding to claims and providing entitled benefits. Its services were designed with male vets in mind, and while services for women are growing, they are still known to be male-centric.

Applying for and Receiving Benefits

Veterans must apply for their benefits; the benefits a vet can receive depend on the length and nature of their service and the character of their military discharge. General benefits can be applied for here, and VA health care benefits here.

Women veterans may contact a women veterans coordinator at one of the four regional VA offices to help them with their applications or if they have special needs or concerns. These coordinators have been specially trained in women veterans' issues such as military sexual trauma, PTSD, and other gender-specific problems.

More Information About Benefits

Sources:

California’s Women Veterans. (2009) California Research Bureau.

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