Women are the fastest growing demographic in the U.S. military and Veteran populations, and VA stands ready to provide resources.
There are currently more than 2 million women Veterans—and that number continues to rise, according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics. In fact, women are expected to make up more than 16% of the U.S. Veteran population by 2043.
Women have served the country in many capacities throughout history, However, they did not receive VA benefits until Congress passed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act in 1948. That act granted them permanent presence in the military, entitling them to VA benefits.
VA benefits are a vital part of economic stability. In fiscal year 2020, more than 4,900 women Veterans learned about benefits at nationwide woman-focused outreach events. More than 196,000 women Veterans used education benefits and more than 555,000 women Veterans received $10.7 billion in disability compensation. Hundreds of thousands also engaged VA with pension, home loans, insurance, employment and memorial benefits.
Support available
In FY 2020, more than 23,500 transitioning service women, including members of the Reserve component, learned about VA benefits as part of the VA Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The program’s VA Benefits and Services course, led by VA Benefits Advisors, helps transitioning service members navigate VA and its benefits. Transitioning service women have an array of gender-focused services.
In addition to TAP, both transitioning service women and women Veterans can take the online, self-paced Women’s Health Transition Training anytime, anywhere at TAPevents.org/courses. This course educates transitioning service women about VA women’s health care services, benefits, eligibility requirements and VA’s organization and culture. It also helps connect them with other women Veterans and networks. All women Veterans should use VA transition services and take the Women’s Health Transition Training to learn more about benefits.
Learn more about the training at https://www.va.gov/womenvet/whtt/.
Additional resources
Women Veteran Coordinators (WVCs) are located at every VA regional office. WVCs provide specific information and comprehensive assistance to women Veterans, their dependents and beneficiaries concerning both VA benefits and related non-VA benefits.
To learn more about the programs, resources and benefits available, visit https://www.va.gov/womenvet/index.asp.
Call or chat with the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636).
Article from VA: Office of Transition & Economic Development | By VA | Original article here.