Veterans who find themselves facing incarceration undoubtedly will be concerned about their eligibility for VA benefits or losing what benefits they may already received. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs provides VA assistance for incarcerated and justice-involved Veterans to ease some of their concerns and help them reintegrate back into the community when they are released.
The Health Care for Re-Entry Veterans Program provides incarcerated Veterans information that prepares and helps them plan their re-entrance back into society. The program’s primary objective is helping incarcerated Veterans avoid homelessness when they are released. Another VA program, the Veteran Justice Outreach Initiative, provides assistance for justice-involved Veterans with mental health issues. The program strives to ensure that eligible Veterans receive access to mental health and substance use services, which will help them avoid criminalization of mental illness and extended incarceration.
The VA’s website has more information on both of these programs, or you can contact your regional VA office for more information. Many elder law attorneys also specialize in Veterans benefits and may have information about these and other benefits for special VA groups.
