National Veterans and Military Families Month Spotlight: 3 AARP Benefits for You
National Veterans and Military Families Month Spotlight: 3 AARP Benefits for You
AARP is committed to supporting veterans and military families through all stages of life. In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, we are highlighting three invaluable resources that AARP provides to veterans and their families year-round – available to both members and non-members alike.
With nearly 6 million AARP members who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military, AARP offers a range of free and valuable resources to help veterans and military families navigate life’s transitions. “If it matters to them, it matters to us,” says Juanita Jiménez-Soto, AARP National Veterans and Military Families Manager.
Ø New Military Caregiving Guide
Ø Fraud Prevention Information
Ø Veteran’s Resources
New Military Caregiving Guide
There are 6.5 million veteran and military caregivers in the U.S., contributing an estimated $14 billion in unpaid labor each year. AARP data shows that family and others who provide care for veterans on average bear higher out-of-pocket expenses compared to other caregivers.
“For a veteran caregiver they will spend about $11,500 of their personal income – we’re talking out of pocket,” said Jiménez-Soto. “That is compared to about 7,200 for the civilian caregiver.”
As a result, veteran caregivers spend 1.5 times more each year on caregiving. This burden is sometimes compounded by a lack of knowledge about available resources. AARP is focused on ensuring veteran caregivers have the resources they need. Check out the new Military Caregiving Guide for valuable resources and information.
Fraud Prevention Information
As scams become increasingly sophisticated, veterans are often a prime target for these criminals.
“Anytime there is a new scam targeting veterans, we try and get that out there as much as we can because they lose more money than the regular civilian person,” says Jiménez-Soto.
A 2021 survey by AARP shows that 80% of veterans are targeted by scammers, and 40% end up losing money. Many of these criminals prey on veterans' lack of awareness regarding the PACT Act benefits, offering fake promises of high payoffs in exchange for supposed help with filing.
To combat this, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network provides a variety of free resources and has partnered with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) to launch the Operation Protect Veterans program. This initiative proactively identifies scams and delivers helpful guidance from fraud specialists.
Learn how to spot and avoid scams that target veterans at AARP’s Veterans Fraud Center.
Veterans Resources
AARP provides a broad range of resources, including support for health, caregiving, fraud prevention, and employment for retired and active-duty military and their families.
Some of the most popular guides include the Home Modifications Benefits Guide which connects veterans and military families with financial assistance and programs to modify their homes. Jiménez-Soto explains that this allows those who qualify, "to modify their homes so they can age in place," enabling greater independence and comfort as they grow older.
The Veterans Burial Benefits Guide is another popular resource, offering tips on eligibility for end-of-life and survivors’ benefits.
You can access all of AARP’s Veterans Benefits Guides and Handbooks as a non-member.
In honor of our Veterans and Military men and women, AARP offers a special promotion for Veterans, Military and their families all year long. To take advantage of our up to 43% membership discount and free gift, visit www.aarp.org/veterans. You've worked so hard to protect and serve; now let us "do what we do best … fight to protect and defend the benefits you have worked so hard for.”
