Retiree Benefits

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 medical appointments, and companionship. Free for the veteran. Particularly active for WWII, Korean War,

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. Medicare pays first; Tricare For Life pays the Medicare deductible, coinsurance, and most Medicare cost-

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. Premiums vary by plan and family size — typically $35-$120/month dental + $5-$20/m

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. Replaces the dollar-for-dollar VA disability offset that historically reduced retirement pay. For combat-related disabilities (combat, hazardous

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. Before CRDP, every dollar of VA disability reduced retirement pay dollar-for

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). At exactly 20 years, that's 50% (Legacy) or 40% (BRS) of average base pa

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.

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.

VA Burial Allowance

Tax-free monetary benefit covering portion of burial + funeral costs for eligible veterans. Higher rate for service-connected death.

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.

Headstone / marker / medallion (NCA)

Free government headstone, marker, or medallion for the grave of any eligible veteran — even in private cemeteries.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

Engraved paper certificate signed by the sitting President honoring the memory of an honorably discharged deceased veteran. Free, multiple copies available.