The benefits service members earn while serving in the military can last a lifetime. However, the specific benefits and how long they last depends on factors like the length of service, discharge status, injuries incurred while serving, and more.
Healthcare Benefits
Military members who serve at least 20 years and retire from active duty are eligible for lifetime TRICARE health insurance for themselves and eligible family members. TRICARE provides comprehensive coverage similar to many civilian plans. Retirees generally have to pay annual enrollment fees and copays.
Those who serve fewer than 20 years may qualify for transitional TRICARE plans after separation. The coverage length depends on when they separated. For example, veterans who separate after January 1, 2018 can get transitional coverage for up to 36 months.
VA Healthcare
All veterans can qualify for healthcare through the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. There is usually no premium cost for using VA care. Veterans may have to pay copays for medications and services.
Veterans must enroll in VA healthcare to use it. Priority for VA care is based on income level, service-connected disabilities, and other factors.
Education Benefits
Education benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill can help veterans and service members pay for college, graduate school, or training programs. These benefits have time limits based on length of service. For example:
- Those who serve at least 36 months on active duty get full GI Bill benefits, which currently allow up to 36 months of education benefits.
- Those who serve fewer than 36 months on active duty get prorated education benefits.
Veterans generally have 15 years after leaving active duty to use GI Bill benefits. So while the benefits themselves aren’t lifetime, there is an extended period to use them.
VA Home Loans
The VA home loan program helps veterans and service members buy a home without needing a downpayment in most cases. VA loans are provided by private lenders but guaranteed by the VA. Veterans do not lose eligibility for VA loans over time. As long as they have full entitlement available, they can use the program more than once to purchase or refinance a home.
Disability Compensation
Veterans with a service-connected disability that is at least 10% disabling can receive monthly tax-free compensation from the VA. How much they receive depends on their disability rating. For example:
| Disability Rating | Monthly Compensation Rate |
| 10% | $164.14 |
| 30% | $440.04 |
| 50% | $957.13 |
| 100% | $3,332.06 |
Disability compensation continues as long as the VA deems the veteran still has a service-connected disability. There are no time limits on this benefit.
Pension
Veterans with low incomes who are permanently and totally disabled, or are over age 65, may qualify for a VA pension. Pension provides supplemental income to help cover basic needs. Veterans must have at least 90 days of active service, with at least one day during a wartime period. Pension benefits continue for life and have income limits.
Commissary & Exchange Privileges
Military commissaries and exchanges provide quality groceries and retail goods at discounted prices. Veterans and service members have unlimited access to shop at these facilities. After leaving service, veterans retain commissary and exchange privileges for life.
Burial Benefits
The VA provides several burial benefits for eligible veterans and family members. These include:
- Burial in a VA national cemetery
- Headstone, marker, or medallion
- Burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and service members who die while on active duty or in training generally qualify for VA burial benefits. Spouses and dependents can also be eligible.
Conclusion
In summary, many military benefits last for life or an extended period, while others expire after transitioning out of service. Healthcare, disability pay, pension, home loans, exchange shopping, and burial benefits can continue indefinitely for eligible veterans. Education benefits have time limits but provide many years to use them. Benefits tied to active service, like TRICARE coverage, eventually expire after separating from the military.