The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 is an important piece of legislation that extends housing and education benefits for our nation's servicemembers. The act also expands the number of entrepreneurship courses that Veterans can take through their benefits.
VA Home Loans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a home loan guaranty program that allows eligible Veterans to purchase or refinance their homes at low interest rates without making a downpayment. These loans are made by mortgage companies, savings and loans, and banks, and are insured by VA for the full amount of the loan.
VET TEC
Another important employment-related provision of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004, is that veterans can qualify for a special computer training course designed to help them gain high-tech computer skills. This program has been successful in helping thousands of Veterans secure jobs in the technology industry.
Burial Services
The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 extends the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to States for establishing, expanding, and improving veteran's cemeteries. It also authorizes the Secretary to provide a $300 veterans' burial plot allowance to a State for the interment of a veteran who was discharged from the military or died during a period of wartime service.
Preference Eligible Employees
The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004 amends the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to extend the period during which employers must continue to provide health care coverage for employees who have performed military service. It also adds a requirement that employers must provide notice of USERRA rights, benefits and obligations to their covered employees.