by Erik M. Dell

Created on: April 20, 2009

There are definitely more benefits after military service than while you are serving. The list is long and not every benefit applies to every veteran. To top that there are both federal and state benefits available to veterans. While there may be some argument on how well we are taking care of our most prized citizens there are many avenues a vet can take to get help.

First off, I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy. I served 6 years as a nuclear machinist mate. I have a disability rating of 10% due to hearing loss and tinnunitis from working in the engine room. I was also the veteran's representative at the University of Connecticut Avery Point for two semesters. I believe I have adequate knowledge of veteran's benefits.

The VA Home Loan is a great benefit to have outside of the service. Most home purchases require a down payment to get in the door. In case you don't know military members are not among the highest paid people in the work force. Scrounging up that down payment can be a hassle. The VA Loan all but guarantees the vet a house. Assuming the vet has landed a decent job and has a decent credit score the VA Loan is not actually a loan. Nope, it promises the bank that gives the loan that the federal government guarantees a portion of the loan in event of a default. Essentially that is the same thing a cash down payment does, it lessens the risk to the bank. All the vet needs is to be honorably discharged and a certificate of eligibility which can be certified at any VA office. Presto instant house.

The website www.homeloans.va.gov also has a slew of information to help the veteran get a home. At this website a veteran can find a listing of VA homes available for sale from other veterans. There is also a frequently asked questions section that provides information for every part of the loan process. Here you will find eligibility answers, both pre and post loan answers, and a plethora of information about construction and valuation of homes. These are all important questions as the VA has some strict requirements that veterans need to follow when purchasing a home using the VA home loan.

More importantly this page offers help to veterans who are in financial distress. The VA wants to keep veterans in their homes and by working directly with the VA home loan program a veteran can work out a restructured mortgage with the backing of the federal government. The VA is simply interested in providing our servicemen and women a means to buy a house. This is one of the best benefits available to an honorably discharged vet.

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