Veterans, Active Duty and Military Families
Our mission at AARP is to empower people to choose how they live as they age, and a key part of that is supporting veterans and their families. We are committed to providing trusted information you can use when you need it. That’s why AARP offers free resources, community programming, and access to discounts to meet the unique needs of veterans and their loved ones.
When you’re a U.S. veteran with more than 40,000 organizations trying to help you across the country, it can be tough to find the right information. AARP’s Veterans and Military Families initiative brings together free, valuable resources and programs to help navigate life’s transitions.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this page for upcoming events!
New! Highlighted Resource
As we age, maintaining independence in the comfort of familiar surroundings often becomes a top priority. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other organizations offer valuable resources to veterans who face mobility challenges and require home adaptations to suit their individual needs.
VA grant programs offer more than $150 million in funding each year, but fewer than half of all eligible veterans take advantage of them.* VA officials emphasize that increased awareness of these programs could lead to greater funding allocation, directly improving the lives of veterans and their families.
Although navigating the specific eligibility criteria and application process might seem complex, understanding the benefits offered can empower veterans to access these programs. With the right information and guidance, claiming these well-deserved benefits can lead to better outcomes and an improved quality of life.
This guide is designed to help you:
- Assess how your health may affect your ability to live independently and determine which home modifications are applicable to your needs.
- Learn more about the many benefits offered from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other organizations that help veterans, or their families, purchase or construct an adapted home or modify an existing one.
- Understand how to apply for valuable home modification grants and related programs.
- Identify how to get (no-cost) help from certified veterans representatives with specific experience and knowledge of service benefits.
Useful tips:
- Be persistent. Criteria frequently change, so eligibility for certain benefits can change.
- Gather and organize your military service information. The VA and other agencies require physical documentation to determine the specific benefits you qualify for.
- Ask questions, seek help and reapply as information and your needs evolve.
- After submitting initial applications, remain engaged to stay informed of any potential issues and avoid missing deadlines.
Download AARP's Home Modification Benefits Guide here or click on the image above.
Resources and Discounts
AARP Veterans and Military Discount
Save up to 43% when you join AARP
AARP and Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Mental & emotional support for military caregivers
AARP Veterans Health Benefits Navigator
Explore benefits from VA, DoD, Medicare, Medicaid
AARP Veterans Fraud Center
According to an AARP survey, one in three military/veteran adults reported losing money to scams that are specifically trying to take advantage of the trust they have in the military community. Visit the AARP Veterans Fraud Center for information and resources about common scams targeting veterans and identify how to avoid them.
Upcoming Programs and Events
Revamp & Revive: Home Modification Benefits
We know that transitioning from military service can be challenging, and making your house a home is important! That’s why we’ve teamed up with our partners at AARP to bring you a virtual town hall focusing on making home modifications so your house is comfortable.
Date: Thursday, September 26
Time: 3:00 - 3:45 pm
Location: Online
Register to join with this link!
Heroes and Huddles: Veterans Tailgate for Army-Navy Game Day
Enjoy football-themed fun and camaraderie with classic tailgate games, a chance to win prizes and swag. Veterans will receive a drink on us!
Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET
Location: Lansing, MI
Click here to RSVP and mark your calendar for Game Day!
Past Programs and Events available on-demand
Options for Health Care Open Enrollment
Experts from the VA, Department of Defense and the Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program joined us virtually on November 21st to share information about different healthcare programs and how they work together. Learn about the variety of options available so you may make the best decisions for you during these open enrollment periods with this link.