As a parent, sibling, grandparent, fiancé, extended family member or friend of a service member, you feel pride for your loved one’s call to serve. You may also have questions about your service member’s military experience. We have answers for you.
MilTax preparation and e-filing software is available mid-January through mid-October. Powered by an industry-leading tax service provider, it’s designed to address situations specific to the military. This easy-to-use, self-paced tax software walks you through a series of questions to help you complete and electronically file your federal return and up to three state tax forms. Calculations are 100% accurate – guaranteed by the software provider.
Technology abuse — when one partner seeks to control how the other accesses or uses technology and the internet — is a common form of domestic abuse. This article shares 10 tips for safe and smart browsing based on best practices recommended for everyone’s cybersecurity.
Victims of abuse can feel isolated and discouraged. For the families of military service members, this isolation can be more intense when living far from extended family and close friends. If you’ve bravely decided to leave an abusive relationship, transitional compensation is a financial benefit that can help you move and get back on your feet.
This list can help you – whether you are a parent, sibling, friend, fiancé or extended family member – to get ready before your service member ships off to basic training, or boot camp.
Traditions are important as they can bind loved ones or groups of people together. The military is built on traditions, customs and manners, and as a result its members share a common experience. As a family member or friend of a service member, it can be valuable to learn about those traditions and customs your loved one participates in as a part the military community.
Everyone needs a wingman or battle buddy. Service members often refer to their unit as a “second family” who they can turn to for support, friendship, and even protection.
The military recently adopted a new retirement plan called the Blended Retirement System which extends benefits to a lot more service members than the old plan. The good news: the BRS can put your service member on the path to long-term financial security. And, the more a service member contributes to their own retirement, the more the Department of Defense matches it.
If your service member has recently entered the military, you may now lose the ability to claim them as a dependent. On top of that, this may be the first time your loved one has ever had to file a tax return.
Thinking about joining the military? Perhaps you’ve already signed up and are waiting to head to boot camp, or someone close to you has joined the military. Some of the common questions among new recruits and their loved ones relate to military uniforms.
As a member of your service member’s support network, you may have heard the good news that both active duty and reserve military personnel received a 3.1% military pay raise in 2020 – among the biggest in a decade. Beyond the salary bump, you’ll be glad to know that your loved one has several ways to be financially fit.
Person-center planning is a military-supported initiative to help individuals with disabilities direct their own lives — with options to plan housing, work, finances and more.
Communicating with friends and family is very important for service members; a phone call or care package can help them feel connected, boost spirits and improve focus. However, whether your service member is in boot camp, stationed far away or serving in a combat zone, it can be tough to get ahold of them sometimes.
Getting in shape for basic training starts at home. Find out how you can help your new recruit start off with strength and stamina.
The anticipation of a homecoming may come with many different feelings. It is understandable that you may be feeling anxious, excited, even worried all at once. As a family member or friend, you can be a key supporter for your service member as they return home from deployment – no matter if you live nearby or far away.
As a military family with special needs, you may face unique financial, medical and legal challenges caused, in part, by the demands of military service. Fortunately, you do not need to address these burdens alone; free, military department-provided support services exist to help overcome these challenges.
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