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Housing Barriers Fall as VA Revises Rules for Disabled
Plus how veteran-owned MAK Grills is smoking the competition.
Nick Kellermeyer
August 13, 2024
The Homefront Report brings you the best news and resources that U.S. military veterans need to know.
This week we cover:
Legal News: VA Breaks Housing Barrier for Disabled Veterans
Health & Wellness: NHL Boosts Veteran Support
Product Of The Week: MAK Grills
Finance: 5 VA Disability Filing Mistakes to Avoid
LEGAL NEWS
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a significant rule change on Thursday, August 8, 2024, that will allow veterans to receive federal housing subsidies regardless of their VA disability income. This change directly addresses a longstanding issue where some veterans were denied rental assistance because their disability checks exceeded income limits.
Under the new policy, veterans’ disability payments will not be counted against them when applying for "permanent supportive housing" based on income restrictions. Eligibility limits will be raised from 50% to 80% of the area median income.
The change comes after a federal court ruling in California that found the VA had discriminated against homeless veterans by disqualifying them from subsidized housing based on their disability income.
"For a very small percentage of homeless veterans, the amount of VA service-connected benefits received due to the severity of their disabilities results in the veteran being over the low-income limit"
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Army Captain Samantha Sullivan helped the U.S. women's rugby team secure their first Olympic medal in a stunning upset against Australia. Sullivan, who discovered rugby after being cut from West Point's soccer team, emphasizes how rugby mirrors the high-intensity decision-making required in military service.
Over 700 veterans and 80 lawmakers are urging the FDA to approve MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD treatment. The groundbreaking therapy, which combines the psychedelic drug with talk therapy, shows promise in helping veterans who have long suffered from PTSD.
The NHL has joined forces with the Warrior for Life Fund to promote mental health, physical wellness, and camaraderie among military personnel through hockey. Founded by a retired Navy SEAL, the program offers veterans a therapeutic outlet and has grown to include about 300 skaters, including those with disabilities.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
The Product: MAK Grills offers state-of-the-art pellet smokers that combine precision temperature control with a commitment to quality and community.
The Story: MAK Grills was founded by a family of lifelong backyard BBQ enthusiasts with over 50 years of precision sheet metal fabrication experience. Based in Dallas, Oregon, this veteran-owned company set out to revolutionize the pellet grill industry by addressing common shortcomings and listening closely to customer needs.
MAK Grills stands out for its commitment to quality and innovation. They exclusively use domestically sourced, rust-proof 304 stainless steel, ensuring their grills last for decades. As the first and only pellet grill manufacturer in the Made in the USA Hall of Fame, MAK Grills takes pride in supporting American manufacturing and providing fair-wage jobs in their community.
Service to country and community is at the heart of MAK Grills. The company is proud to be veteran-owned, with several veterans involved in its operations, including the founder, Bob Tucker, a United States Marine Corps veteran.
“At the end of the day, family is what matters. When you support American manufacturing and employment by buying a MAK, you join the MAK Family, where you can rest secure in the knowledge that we stand by our products and take care of our own.”
FINANCE
Veterans seeking disability benefits should be aware of these common mistakes that can delay or hinder their claims. Key errors include waiting too long to file, having incomplete medical records, and failing to show a clear connection between service and disability. By learning how to avoid these errors, veterans can ensure they receive the full support they are entitled to.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be."
Disclaimer: The Homefront Report, in association with HomefrontLaw.com, is an informational newsletter. The content of this email does not constitute legal, health, or financial advice.