Disabled Veterans’ Benefits Bill Becomes Law

On June 15, President Bush signed the Veterans’ Housing Opportunity and Benefits Act of 2006 into law. One provision authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to make grants available to assist with housing adaptations at a family member’s home in which a severely disabled service member is temporarily residing. Previously, severely disabled veterans had to own their homes in order to qualify for this benefit. The grants range between $2,000 and $14,000. The act also will allow service members who have been legally determined to be totally disabled at the time of their separation from the service to have up to two years from their separation date to apply for premium-free Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage. In addition, the legislation will enable them to convert their coverage to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance, or an individual plan or policy, during the same two-year period.