Browse → Retiree Benefits

Retiree Benefits

Browse benefits specific to military retirees. Placeholder copy not final.

19 benefits

Hero's Bridge

Hero's Bridge: Battle Buddy Program for Older Veterans

Hero's Bridge runs the Battle Buddy Program, pairs trained volunteers with isolated older veterans (typically 65+) for regular check-in visits, phone calls, transportation to…
Free for the veteran
Retiree
Official program
Tricare For Life

Tricare For Life (TFL): Free Medicare Wraparound for Retirees 65+

Once a military retiree (or eligible family member) turns 65 and enrolls in Medicare Part A + Part B, Tricare For Life kicks in as automatic wraparound coverage at NO premium.
$200-$400
VeteranActive DutyRetiree
Federal .gov
FEDVIP

FEDVIP: Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance for Retirees

When the Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) ended, retirees moved to FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program) which offers 12+ dental plan options + 5+ vision plan options.
$35-$120
Retiree
Federal .gov
CRSC

CRSC: Combat-Related Special Compensation (Tax-Free)

Combat-Related Special Compensation is a TAX-FREE monthly payment to combat-disabled retirees in addition to their full retirement pay.
FREE
VeteranActive DutyRetiree
Federal .gov
CRDP

CRDP: Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) lets retirees with a VA disability rating of 50% or higher receive BOTH full retirement pay AND full VA disability compensation simultaneously, no offset.
free
VeteranActive DutyRetiree
Federal .gov
20-Year Active Pension

20-Year Active Pension: 50% High-3 Base Pay For Life

Service members who complete 20 years of active service receive a pension equal to 2.5% × years of service × highest 36 months average base pay (Legacy / High-3 system) OR 2.0% × years × High-3 (BRS system).
VeteranActive DutyRetiree
Federal .gov
VA Aid & Attendance

VA Aid & Attendance (elderly/disabled veterans + surviving spouses)

Tax-free monthly stipend on top of VA pension for veterans (or surviving spouses) who need help with daily living. Substantial, often $2K+/month.
free
VeteranDependent
Federal .gov
Tricare Retired

Tricare Retired Reserve

TRICARE plan specifically for Gray-area retirees of the Reserve (retired-but-not-yet-60). Premium-based, fills the gap until age-60 retiree TRICARE kicks in.
RetireeActive DutyVeteran
Federal .gov
VA Burial Allowance

VA Burial Allowance

Tax-free monetary benefit covering portion of burial + funeral costs for eligible veterans. Higher rate for service-connected death.
free
VeteranDependent
Federal .gov
National Cemetery interment

National Cemetery interment (NCA)

Free interment at any of 155 VA national cemeteries, opening/closing grave, perpetual care, headstone/marker, burial flag, all included. Spouses/dependents also eligible.
Free
VeteranDependent
Federal .gov
Headstone / marker / medallion

Headstone / marker / medallion (NCA)

Free government headstone, marker, or medallion for the grave of any eligible veteran, even in private cemeteries.
Free
VeteranDependent
Federal .gov
Presidential Memorial Certificate

Presidential Memorial Certificate

Engraved paper certificate signed by the sitting President honoring the memory of an honorably discharged deceased veteran. Free, multiple copies available.
Free
Dependent
Federal .gov
Alaska Military Retirement Credit

Alaska Military Retirement Credit: State Service Credited Toward State Retirement

Alaska public employees who are also veterans can count certain periods of active-duty military service toward their state retirement system credits.
VeteranRetiree
Federal .gov
Retired Military Specialty License Plate

Retired Military Specialty License Plate

Veterans who served 20 or more years and received an honorable discharge can get a Retired Military specialty plate for a one-time $10 fee.
Retiree
State source

Idaho Military Retirement Income Tax Deduction for Retirees Under 62

Military retirees under age 62 who are employed during the year and earn enough income to be required to file a federal return may also qualify for a partial Idaho state income…
Retiree
Federal .gov
Maryland Service Credit Toward State Employee Retirement

Maryland Service Credit Toward State Employee Retirement

Maryland state employees who are veterans receive credit toward their state retirement for up to five years of prior military service.
Veteran
State source
NC State Retirement Credit for Military Service

NC State Retirement Credit for Military Service

State employees and teachers participating in the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS) who left to serve in the Armed Forces and returned to NC government…
free
Veteran
Federal .gov
Kentucky Retirement Credit for Military Service

Kentucky Retirement Credit for Military Service

Former service members and reserve component service members can receive credit toward Kentucky state retirement for time spent in the military, which can increase their eventual pension benefit.
VeteranActive Duty
State source
State Employee Active Duty Military Service Buyback

State Employee Active Duty Military Service Buyback: Pension Credit

Massachusetts state employees can "buy back" up to four years of active military service and count it toward their state pension.
VeteranActive Duty
State source