By the Numbers: 23 December 2019
1,814
The number of "benefits available to the military community nationwide," according to a study from the Center for a New American Security -- From Sea to Shining Sea: State-Level Benefits for Veterans.
A vast array of benefits, programs, and services supporting veterans, service members, their families, and survivors has emerged in the post-9/11 era: a “sea of goodwill” that includes players in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. While many veterans are aware that there are services offered by nonprofit organizations and federal agencies, benefits at the state level remain little known within the veteran community. These state-level benefits, though extensive, vary widely and can be difficult to identify, compare, and access. This report is unique in analyzing all benefits offered at the state level to allow a range of stakeholders to explore the array and distribution of those benefits.
The study reports that:
- The number of benefits offered by states varies from a low of 22 to a high of 60.
- States in the Midwest and Northeast provide a larger number of benefits, on average, than those in the South and West.
- Employment and education were the two most prevalent categories of benefits.
- Eligibility for benefits also varies significantly, though many benefits echo federal restrictions by type of discharge status.
According to the study, "Identifying and applying for state-level benefits is often challenging."
- No state lists every benefit available to Veterans on a single website.
- Many state websites have inadequate information on how to apply for benefits and contain broken links.
1,814
The number of "benefits available to the military community nationwide," according to a study from the Center for a New American Security -- From Sea to Shining Sea: State-Level Benefits for Veterans.
A vast array of benefits, programs, and services supporting veterans, service members, their families, and survivors has emerged in the post-9/11 era: a “sea of goodwill” that includes players in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. While many veterans are aware that there are services offered by nonprofit organizations and federal agencies, benefits at the state level remain little known within the veteran community. These state-level benefits, though extensive, vary widely and can be difficult to identify, compare, and access. This report is unique in analyzing all benefits offered at the state level to allow a range of stakeholders to explore the array and distribution of those benefits.
The study reports that:
- The number of benefits offered by states varies from a low of 22 to a high of 60.
- States in the Midwest and Northeast provide a larger number of benefits, on average, than those in the South and West.
- Employment and education were the two most prevalent categories of benefits.
- Eligibility for benefits also varies significantly, though many benefits echo federal restrictions by type of discharge status.
According to the study, "Identifying and applying for state-level benefits is often challenging."
- No state lists every benefit available to Veterans on a single website.
- Many state websites have inadequate information on how to apply for benefits and contain broken links.