What is Military Affiliation: What You Need to Know

Being part of the military is a responsibility and an honor, but certain benefits also trickle down to people related service members. Having a relationship with the Armed Forces has its perks, but what does it mean to be affiliated with the military? We’ll discuss the concept and the benefits of this status.

Defining Military Affiliation

Military affiliation is a term used to refer to people with a relationship to the military. Military-affiliated individuals include those who are directly serving in the military and those who aren’t. An individual affiliated with the military can be a service member in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, or Space Force. It can also mean someone from the National Guard or reservists in any military branch.

This term also encompasses veterans and people related to the individuals mentioned above. It is a very broad term, but proof of military affiliation is required to obtain the perks of military affiliation.

Who Qualifies as Military Affiliated?

Military-affiliated individuals include parents, spouses of active-duty service members, and their children. Military-affiliated students can be active duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and children of those serving the nation.

Military-affiliated individuals aren’t limited to those currently rendering military service. Veterans, their spouses, and children are also considered affiliated with the military.

The Benefits of Being an Active Duty Service Member

Military life can be challenging, but it does have its privileges. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers plenty of impressive benefits that encourage people to render military service. These benefits include in-state tuition forgiveness or stipend for university expenditures, insurance, affordable home loan plans, mental health resources, and healthcare.

In addition to the perks granted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, military members are granted protections mandated by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Through the SCRA, an active duty service member can get protection from eviction, delay civil proceedings, break contracts without penalty, limit their interest rates for pre-active duty debt, and more.

Select SCRA protections are extended to dependents, including military-affiliated students. For example, children of service members are protected from eviction due to non-payment as long they can show evidence that the service member is actively serving the nation. They can also break contracts, like gym memberships and internet service, without paying penalties.

What Military Affiliated Students Can Get?

Military-affiliated students pursuing their degree in a university can get plenty of benefits from the military. The Armed Forces have several programs that lower students’ financial responsibilities while pursuing tertiary education. Select programs apply for specific niches only, while others are more flexible.

Select universities and programs also offer special discounts and payment programs for veterans’ children, making college education more accessible to military-affiliated students. Military bases also have resources to help students find the best path after finishing their education.

While the benefits provided to military children may be limited compared to active duty members, they can still make a huge difference, especially for those who couldn’t pursue higher education without help.

Conclusion

Being military-affiliated can be beneficial, but you need proof of this affiliation. While you can present military orders, discharge papers, or a letter from a commanding officer, some of this evidence may not be readily available.

SCRACVS can help you provide proof you’re military-affiliated in as fast as one business day. Click here to sign up at SCRAVS and verify the active duty status.

FAQs

What does affiliation mean in the military?

Being affiliated with the military may mean that a person is working or has worked for the Armed Forces. This term also includes spouses and children of those who’ve worked in the military.

How does military affiliation affect education benefits?

Only select education benefits, such as the GI Bill, can be transferred to a service member’s spouse or children. Some benefits are exclusively available to active-duty service members.

How do I prove my military affiliation?

You must show proof that you, your spouse, or your parent is or has worked for the Armed Forces. You can present military orders, discharge papers, a letter from a commanding officer, or an affidavit by a trusted service like SCRACVS.

Are family members of veterans considered military-affiliated?

Yes, direct family members of veterans are considered military-affiliated individuals. As long as they remain unmarried, these people may be entitled to certain perks.