What Happens to Veteran Benefits When an Individual is Incarcerated?
One of the most important factors to keep in mind when working with justice-involved individuals who are Veterans, is that that once released from incarceration, all Veterans are eligible for reinstatement of their benefits.
Above is a brief infographic breaking down the data and information regarding Veteran involvement in the justice system, as well as how involvement in the justice system may impact or effect Veteran benefits.
Rates of Incarcerated Veterans
- 8% of incarcerated populations are Veterans: 7% of the general population are Veterans.
- 13% of homeless populations are Veterans: Around 33,00 Veterans lack stable housing, and many are charged with misdemeanors regarding their homelessness.
- 11-20% of Veterans struggle with PTSD: People who struggle with PTSD are 60% more likely to be incarcerated.
- Almost 1/3 of American war Veterans have been arrested or booked into jail: this is double the rate of civilians.
Veteran Benefits Affected by Incarceration
VA Disability compensation payments are reduced if a Veteran is convicted of any felony and imprisoned for more than 90 days. Once incarcerated, Veterans rated 20% or more are limited to 10% disability rate, and for Veterans whose ratings are 10%, the payment is reduce by one-half.
Veterans in receipt of BA pensions will have payments terminated at the 61st day of incarceration.
Reinstatement of these benefits are available, as well as compensation for payments missed.
Each VA Regional Offices has a Homeless Outreach Coordinator who may assist justice-involved Veterans. The Homeless Outreach Coordinator is a direct point of contact to learn more about what beenfits a Veteran qualifies for, to assist with applying for those benefits, and to refer the Veteran to other organizations and resources that will help with specific needs.
Programs Assisting Incarcerated Veterans with Benefits
Health Care for Reentry Veterans (HCRV) Program: https://www.va.gov/homeless/rentry.asp
Veteran Justice Outreach initiative (VJO): https://www.va.gov/homeless/VJO.asp
This information is provided by Eyes on the Law, an initiative of LINC, Inc.