Dependents' Benefits and Services

A wide range of benefits and services are available for the dependents of living and deceased veterans.    We have included links to other federal agencies and organizations that offer related benefits and services to survivors and dependents.

• CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs) -- CHAMPVA is a federal health benefits program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  CHAMPVA is a Fee for Service (indemnity plan) program.    CHAMPVA provides reimbursement for most medical expenses - inpatient, outpatient, mental health, prescription medication, skilled nursing care, and durable medical equipment (DME).    There is a very limited adjunct dental benefit that requires pre-authorization.   CHAMPVA is available to certain veteran's family members who are not eligible for TRICARE.



• Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center - As the United States faces crises both at home and abroad, DVBIC continues to be the only organization committed to the effort to prevent, treat, and provide education on TBI for soldiers currently on active duty, national guard and reservists recently injured in the line of duty, their dependents, and retired military personnel.



• "Guide to Reserve Family Member Benefits" -- A Department of Defense guide for families.  This file is in PDF format.



• Fisher House - Fisher House Foundation, a Public / Private partnership, donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers to offer members of the military and their families a temporary place to stay while receiving specialized medical treatment.



• Coping with Trauma and Traumatic Events - A DOD web site devoted to assisting youth and their families restore their mental well-being after traumatic events.



• Navy - Marine Corps Relief Society - It is sponsored by the Department of the Navy and operates nearly 250 offices ashore and afloat at Navy and Marine Corps bases throughout the world.   The mission of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is to provide, in partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps, financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members, and survivors when in need; and to receive and manage funds to administer these programs.



• Air Force Crossroads Spouse Network - A U.S. Air Force web site containing a variety of topics affecting spouses and their families.



• Military Assistance Program (MAP) - A DOD web site that provides information and interactive resources for relocations, money management, and job searching.



• Military Spouse Resource Center (MSRC) -  A U.S. Department of Labor sponsored web site designed to assist the spouse of any active duty member of the U.S. Military or the reserves.   Provides easy access to information, resources, and opportunities related to education, training, and employment within the United States.



• Marine Corps Family Team Building(MCFTB) -  A Marine Corps web site that provides educational resources, services and a road map to the Corps lifestyle for Marine Corps families.



• Navy LIFELines  - A web-based quality of life network for Navy members and their families. This section contains information to assist spouses.



• Army Family Liaison Office -  An on-line news letter web site sponsored by the Army Well-Being Liaison Office.



• TRICARE Military Health System - The DOD web site for information on the TRICARE health system.



• Family Member ID Cards - Army Reserve and Guard component active duty extensions means family member ID cards must be updated.   Find the nearest office via Realtime Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS).



• VA Kids Home Page -- A new web site for children that explains what VA is all about and what it does for veterans.