Va Aid And Attendance Program
The VA Aid and Attendance program is a VA Pension Benefit that helps cover the costs of daily living for housebound veterans and/or those in nursing homes. Aid and Attendance benefits are a form of Special Monthly Compensation added to the amount of a monthly VA Pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If the Veteran requires help with daily activities or he/she is housebound, click HERE now to learn more.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability Benefits
VA Total Disability Individual Unemployability, sometimes referred to as TDIU, Individual Unemployability, or just IU, is an extra scheduler benefit for qualifying disabled veterans to be paid at the 100% VA disability rate, even if they are rated below 100 percent. Generally, you must be unable to maintain substantially gainful employment to qualify for TDIU. Click HERE to read more about VA TDIU eligibility and Frequently Asked Questions.Pro Tip: Did you know you might be able to qualify for TDIU at any VA disability rating?
Education For Children Ff Deceased Or Disabled Florida Veterans
Florida provides four-year college educational opportunities for dependent children and spouses of veterans who died from a service connected disability or who are 100% percent service-connected totally and permanently disabled veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
For more information, call toll free 827-2004. Dependent children of service members Missing In Action or Prisoners Of War may also be eligible for tuition benefits. Or, you can email osfa@fldoe.org for more information.
Florida also offers a Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans Scholarship Program. This program is available to eligible dependents and qualified veterans. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs presented CSDDV Overview which provides further information.
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Florida Residents Deployed Out
Early Renewals: If your license is scheduled to expire when you are deployed or stationed outside Florida, the department encourages you to renew before you deploy or move. Florida drivers may renew a license up to 18 months prior to the expiration date printed on the license.
Online Renewals: You may renew your license online at MyDMV Portal. In addition, you may order a replacement license at any time if you lose your license or if your address changes.
Once you have completed an online renewal, you can find out when your license is printed and mailed by viewing our DL/ID Card Tracking System. Enter your driver license number to track the issuance. Please allow 7 to 10 days to receive the license in the mail.
Extensions: If you are not eligible to renew your Class E driver license online, the department can issue a military extension card that extends your driving privilege continuously each year until: 90 days after you are discharged from military service, you return to Florida to reside, or you obtain a new driver license or ID card from Florida or another state.
To receive the military extension, you must complete the Military Personnel and Dependents Affidavit certifying active duty status in the U.S. Armed Forces while stationed outside of Florida and provide a copy of the members current military orders.
Please note: Military extension cards may not be accepted in some countries when serving overseas.
Florida Veterans Employment Program
The Florida Veterans Employment Program helps veterans and spouses seek employment throughout the state. Local CareerSource centers across the state are staffed with Veterans Employment Representatives to provide veterans with priority service to find jobs, acquire skills and education, plan a career, attend workshops, and take advantage of many other resources. Specialists can help you translate your military job skills to civilian terms and connect you with federal contractors and other employers committed to hiring veterans.
Job seekers can find a list of job openings and programs available for veterans with Employ Florida.
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We Are With Those Who Need A Helping Hand
The Supplemental Security Income program is a program that provides income support to people with disabilities, people age 65 or older, or blind, who have low income and resources. U.S. Treasury general funds, not the Social Security trust funds, pay for SSI.
If you or someone you know may be eligible for SSI, visit to learn more and apply.
Veterans’ Preference For State Hiring
Veterans and their spouses are sometimes eligible for preference in hiring for government jobs in Florida. This preference is given to:
- veterans with a service-connected disability
- spouses of veterans who are totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability or injury
- veterans who served during wartime and received an honorable discharge
- surviving spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected illness or injury, so long as they have not remarried, or
- veterans who served in a “qualifying campaign” or had service for which a campaign badge was issued.
Preference is not a guarantee that you will get the job. You must have the qualifications and skills required for the position. To learn more, call 319-7462.
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Federal Veterans Educational Benefits
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, which took effect in 2009, provides the most generous roster of education perks, and they are administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It offers financial support for college and training for veterans, active-duty service men and women, and in some instances, their family members too.
Additional federal programs providing educational benefits for veterans include the Montgomery GI Bill, the Rural Benefit and Yellow Ribbon programs, and the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship.
Disabled Veteran Student Loan Forgiveness Program
The new Disabled Veteran Student Loan Forgiveness Program discharges the Federal Student Loan Debt of veterans who are Totally and Permanently Disabled with a 100% P& T VA Rating OR have a 100 percent Total Disability Individual Unemployability status. Its officially called the Total and Permanent Disability discharge program and has been a huge success to date. And guess what else? A little-known fact is that if youre a veteran with a 100 percent scheduler VA disability rating , youre also eligible for Disabled Veteran Student Loan Forgiveness! Weve seen hundreds of fellow disabled veterans get their student loans COMPLETELEY discharged in under 30 daysthis NEW benefit is EPIC! Apply now if you qualify.
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Percent Disabled Veteran Student Loan Forgiveness Program
The Disabled Veteran Student Loan Forgiveness Program discharges the Federal Student Loan Debt of 100 percent disabled veterans. Its officially called the Total and Permanent Disability discharge program and has been a huge success to date. And guess what else? A little-known fact is that if youre a veteran with a 100 percent scheduler VA disability rating , youre also eligible for federal Disabled Veteran Student Loan Forgiveness! Weve seen hundreds of fellow disabled veterans get their student loans COMPLETELEY discharged in under 30 days Literally hundreds of thousands of dollars wiped clean overnight. Apply right now if you qualify!
Florida Colleges And Universities Support Veterans
Three Florida schools were among the top 25 in Military Times 2016 Best for Vets Colleges rankingUniversity of South Florida, St. Petersburg College and Florida State University. These higher learning institutions incorporate a variety of benefits that help student vets succeed, from Veterans Offices to academic support services and extracurricular activities that give veterans a sense of purpose and camaraderie similar to what they experienced during their military service.
Florida makes it easy for veterans to get the education and training they need to develop a career.
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Hunting And Fishing License
Active-duty and retired military Florida residents can get a Military Gold Sportsman’s License for $20. The license covers hunting, freshwater and saltwater fishing and a variety of associated permits at a greatly reduced cost.
100% permanently and totally disabled service-connected veterans are entitled to a free five year hunting and fishing license.
Visit the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on any of these programs.
Direct Award Educational Scholarships For Dependents Of 100% Disabled Veterans
The Folds of Honor foundation offers two exceptional educational scholarship programs for the dependents of disabled veterans. The Childrens Fund Scholarship serves K-12 students while the Higher Education Scholarship serves those seeking a first bachelors degree or a certification at a post-secondary institution. Both types of the Folds of Honor academic scholarships are based on unmet need as determined by documentation submitted by the awardee and can be valued up to $5,000 per dependent per school year. The funds can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, room and board, uniforms, etc. Click HERE to learn more about Folds of Honor scholarship eligibility requirements.
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Employment And Job Training: Veterans Preference
All honorably discharged Veterans can have 5 points added to any state employment examination scores. Those with a VA service-connected disability will get 10 points added to their score. Veterans names of all the preference-eligible applicants shall be placed on all employment lists, beginning with Veterans who have a disability rating of 30% or more. Followed by all other preference-eligible applicants in the order of their augmented ratings. A Veteran can file a complaint with the FDVA when a non-preference applicant has been employed instead of an equally qualified Veteran.
Florida 100 Percent Disabled Veteran Id Card
If youre a 100 percent disabled veteran, Florida makes it easy to prove eligibility for the many state benefits you qualify for by adding a 100 percent disabled veteran endorsement to your drivers license.
To apply for Florida veteran benefits through the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, bring your DD214 to a local service center near you.
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Tuition Assistance For Florida National Guard Members
Members of the Florida National Guard could receive up to $6,900 per year to cover the cost of tuition and fees to pay for a college degree, vocational or technical school, or professional license. This benefit provides tuition and fees up to the highest Florida public college in-state tuition rate, currently based on the New College of Florida.
The EDD program offers tuition assistance for a masters degree. Florida National Guard members can even use tuition assistance for approved private institutions in Florida.
You must be at least 17 years old in good standing with the Florida National Guard to qualify.
To apply for tuition assistance, sign up for an account through Floridas Virtual Education Center.
Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program
Veterans Florida, a non-profit corporation created by the State of Florida in 2014, has spearheaded an innovative entrepreneurship program that teaches veterans how to launch and operate their own business.
The program is now accepting applications. In December, 2015, four state universities signed on to teach the curriculumthe University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, FL and the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL. And in January, 2016 an esteemed community college joined these universities in offering the programHillsborough Community College in Plant City, FL.
To provide comprehensive support to veterans, the entrepreneurship program incorporates three phases extending from basic instruction to mentorship.
Phase I: A seven week online phase teaching the basics of entrepreneurship.Phase II: Six-days of in-class training to be held on weekends at one of five participating institutions of higher education will prepare participants for all elements of entrepreneurship.Phase III: Six-months of mentorship and follow-up support to help the veterans launch and run their business.
This education will empower the next generation of great veteran entrepreneurs to make lasting contributions to the states economy, says Bobby Carbonell, Veterans Florida Executive Director.
For more information or to apply for the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program
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Priority Group 1 For Health Care
When you sign up for VA health care, you will be assigned a priority group. These priority groups are numbered 1 through 8 and each group is used to help make sure that veterans who need to be seen right away, will be able to be signed up quickly. Each priority group can affect each veteran differently. The priority group you are assigned to may affect how soon you are signed up for health care and how much you will need to pay for the cost of your care.
Veterans who are already service connected, are assigned the highest priority. You may be assigned to Priority Group 1 if you have been rated at 50 percent combined rating or more or have a service-connected disability that they have concluded makes you unemployable or have received the Medal of Honor .
As a veteran who is rated at the 100 percent rate, it is likely, you will be assigned to Priority Group 1 for VA health care purposes. To learn more about the different priority groups and who you can contact if you have any questions, please click this link.
Florida State Park Discounts
Florida wants to help you spend more time enjoying the outdoors! If you have a service-connected VA disability rating, youre eligible for a free lifetime military entrance pass into Florida State Parks. Surviving spouses of service members killed in combat and Gold Star parents are also eligible for free lifetime entrance passes.
The state also offers a 25 percent discount on annual passes to Florida State Parks for all honorably discharged veterans and service members.
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Property Tax Exemption For 100 Percent Disabled Veterans
One of the top 100 percent VA disability benefits available is PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS! While many states offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, did you know there are 18 states with full property tax exemptions for 100 percent disabled veterans? While not all 50 states offer the same tax breaks for disabled veterans, and the criteria to qualify for a waiver differs from state to state, its in your best interest to check with your state county tax assessors office to see if you qualify. You may be eligible to save thousands of dollars each year with this incredible state benefit due to reduced or no property taxes owed on your primary residence.
Florida Veteran Employment Benefits
Like many other states, Florida offers hiring preference to veterans, with special emphasis on those who served during wartime, those who have VA-rated service connected disabilities, and qualifying surviving spouses of deceased veterans.
Florida Occupational License Fee Waivers For Veterans
Disabled veterans with wartime service, and who are permanent Florida residents who cannot perform manual labor will be exempt from Occupational license fees up to a specified amount. Surviving spouses of deceased disabled veterans may also qualify for this exemption under certain circumstances.
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Florida County and Municipal Fee Exemptions For Disabled Veterans
Veterans who are VA-rated with a 100% disability are exempt from building license and permit fees designed to make a residence habitable and safe. Certain restrictions may apply.
Florida Business Fee Waivers For Veterans
Florida waives the initial business licensing fee, application fee, and initial unlicensed business activity fee for qualifying veterans and spouses who submit applications within the first 60 months after an honorable discharge. There is also a fee waiver program for veterans and spouses who seek qualifying health care licensing, agriculture, and consumer service licensure.
Certification For Florida Veteran-Owned Businesses
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Free Space A Travel For Disabled Veterans
With the passage of the Disabled Veterans Access to Space-A Travel Act, disabled veterans with a service-connected 100% permanent and total disability rating can jump on any scheduled or unscheduled military flight within the continental United States under Category 6 operated by Air Mobility Command , subject to availability. Click HERE for the AMC official Space A travel page.
Veteran Benefits For Florida
The state of Florida offers many veteran benefits for service members and Veterans that have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. These benefits include income and property tax exemptions, financial exemptions, education and training programs, hunting and fishing licenses, vehicle registrations, and assistance with employment. Your residency, military career, and disability status may result in certain differences in what benefits you may be eligible for. The following are benefits for the state of Florida.
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Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation And Employment Program
The Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, also known as Voc Rehab, is designed to assist veterans with service-connected disabilities to obtain suitable employment and/or achieve independent living goals. It consists of several application phases, involving tasks for both VR& E staff and Veterans to complete. A full list of Voc Rehab coordinators can be found HERE. Veterans can also get started with the VR& E process by contacting your local VA Regional Office.
State Of Florida Benefits:
The Legislature of Florida has granted veterans who are 100% PT some unique benefits. Here are the following benefits you’re entitled to and who to contact to take advantage.
Exemption from Property Taxation :
Any real estate owned by a 100% PT disabled veteran is exempt from taxation provided the following conditions are met:
it is used as your homestead, and
you have legal title to the home on January 1 .
To apply contact The Pasco County Property Appraiser at 352-521-4433 or 727-847-8151.
NOTE: The Governor recently signed legislation that expands this benefit for eligible veterans. Under the new law, if you owned a home in Florida and you subsequently acquire title to another home in Florida between January 1 and November 1– you may be entitled to a refund of the property tax for that year.
No-Cost Hunting and Fishing License
100% PT disabled veterans are eligible for The Resident Persons with Disabilities License which includes Saltwater Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, and Hunting licenses and Deer, Wildlife Management Area, Archery, Muzzleloading Gun, Crossbow, Turkey, Florida Waterfowl, Snook, and Lobster permits. The license is valid for five years.
The veteran can obtain this license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by contacting the Pasco County Tax Collector, Mike Fasano, at: 352-521-4338, 727-847-8032, or 813-235-6076.
State of Florida ID Card:
The veteran can obtain this card by contacting the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs at: 319-7440.
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