- Know Your Benefits -

Exploring Veterans' Benefits: Episode 1

Join us as we kick off our new video series diving deep into the world of 100% Permanent and Total Disability with the VA, state by state! In today's episode, we're shining a spotlight on Florida, often regarded as one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation. Discover the exclusive perks and benefits that come with 100% disability in the Sunshine State!

Today I'm starting a video series on what exactly it means and what benefits come with being 100% Permanent and Total with the VA, by state. Now what I mean by that is the 100% Permanent and Total Disability compensation amount is the same no matter what state you live in. However, the other benefits that come along with being 100%P&T are a little bit different per state. There's tax exemptions for vehicles, home ownership, there's VA home loan benefits, there’s education benefits for you and for your children and your spouses. So, you want to know the details and the specifics for your state and there's not a whole lot of information easily accessible out there. So, I'm trying to bring it to you easy here on YouTube. So I'm starting today with, by my research the number one veteran friendly state in the United States and that is Florida.

100% Disability in Florida what does that get you exactly?

The Monthly Disability Compensation payment is what most people know about and will start there. Now the 100% rate does not differ by state it is the same no matter what rank you were. How long you were in it's all the same based on a few different factors. Now it does make a difference in your monthly payment if you're married if you have children, if they're in college, if they're under 18 those specifics do make a difference but the 100%  rate currently in 2023 for a single person with no dependents is $3621.95 that is the low water line for 100% currently as of today.

Disabled Veterans in Florida may be eligible for a Property Tax Exemption on their primary residence only. If you have rental properties this does not cover those. The exemption can be up to $50,000 homestead for Veterans who are rated at 100% by the VA. You may qualify for some type of property tax exemption with other ratings you can be rated at 10% and still qualify for exemptions but to hit total exemption you have to be a 100% disabled.

Vehicle Tax Exemptions this exemption provides reduction or elimination of the annual license tax on a vehicle. The vehicle must be owned and registered in the veterans name. So, if it's in your spouse's name it will not qualify and it has to be used primarily for personal transportation. This cannot be a business vehicle, so you can't qualify for the exemption for a business exemption as well as a personal exemption for disability so you have to kind of pick one here. Now to claim this exemption you have to provide a copy of your VA disability rating letter showing 100% P&T along with proof of registration and a payment of license tax to the Local County Tax Collector's Office. The Veteran must submit an application for the exemption annually to continue to receive the credit. It is not a one and done. This is something you have to do every year. Make sure you bring this paperwork with you when you go to register your vehicle. It's important to note this exemption only applies to the annual license tax does not exempt other taxes and fees like registration fees or sales tax on the purchase of a vehicle.

Education Benefits this is where things start to add up. Now, Veterans who are 100% disabled by the VA qualify for a variety of educational benefits for themselves, including the Florida Veterans scholarship program providing scholarships to qualified Florida residents who are disabled. Florida also provides a four-year college education opportunity for dependent children and spouses of Veterans who died from a service-connected disability or who are currently 100% Permanent and Total. So, 100% Permanent and Total is a specific rating you can be a 100% not P&T. So make sure you have this designation on your decision letters. Again, this is Florida providing this four-year College you would have to go to school in Florida. Most states you will have to have your children go to school and stay in the state that you retired in or that you're currently receiving your benefits in.

Health Care Benefits 100% disabled Veterans in Florida are eligible for free or low-cost Health Care through the VA Health Care system. Now, this is also available to children through the ChamVA Program. This can include Medical Treatments prescriptions and other services that can help manage their health conditions. Make sure you apply online if you haven't already. You should qualify if you are a disabled Veteran. If you're not yet in the process of getting your disability, make sure you provide a copy of your DD214. If you do not have one yet you're in the process of getting out you can still apply online, get the process started and register for your account. Oftentimes with the VA, you can do community care referrals. If you're in a location that doesn't have a VA nearby or any kind of military installations nearby you can go to referrals in the community care.

VA Home Loans Veterans who are rated 100% disabled by the VA may be eligible for VA home loans. These loans can offer favorable terms and conditions including no down payment, no PMR private mortgage insurance and competitive interest rates. Disabled Veterans are exempt from the VA funding fee which is routinely two to three percent of the finance loan amount. You have to be disabled. You cannot just have a Veteran status but this is at any rating. You do not have to be 100% disabled to be exempt from the VA funding fee.

BLUF: Florida offers a range of benefits for Veterans, including no state income tax, a high quality VA Health Care system and a variety of employment and education opportunities. Florida also has a large Veteran population and a mild climate that can be interactive to retirees. Many consider Florida to be the most Veteran and Military friendly State because 1.5 million Veterans call Florida home. The governor himself is a Veteran right now and he's signed numerous bills in the last two years offering support to active duty military Veterans and their families. Information on veteran resources in Florida is readily available online.