Benefits
Answer a few questions and see the benefits that fit you, with what each is worth, how to claim it, and the official source. Check them off as you go.
Step 1 · About you
Step 2 · Your list
Tax-free monthly housing allowance
Paid when you don't live in government housing. The rate depends on your duty station ZIP, pay grade, and whether you have dependents.
Who: Active duty, and Guard/Reserve on qualifying active orders.
2026: $476.95/mo enlisted, $328.48/mo officer
A tax-free monthly allowance for food. Enlisted members on a meal card may have it reduced or not receive it.
Who: Active duty, and Guard/Reserve on qualifying active orders.
Up to 5% of base pay added by the government
BRS members get an automatic 1% of base pay (starting after 60 days of service) plus matching of up to 4% more when they contribute 5% themselves. Contributing less than 5% leaves free money on the table.
Who: Service members covered by the Blended Retirement System (most who joined since 2018).
Interest on pre-service debt capped at 6%
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act caps interest at 6% on loans and credit cards you took out before entering active duty, and adds protections for leases and foreclosures.
Who: Active duty, and Guard/Reserve on federal active orders.
36% cap on most consumer credit
Most consumer loans and credit cards for service members and their dependents can't exceed a 36% military annual percentage rate, and many card issuers waive fees on top of that.
Who: Active duty members and their dependents.
Free federal and state tax software and consultants
Free tax prep built for military situations like moves, deployments, and multiple states, plus free consultations with tax experts.
Who: Service members, Guard/Reserve, recently separated, and their families.
Pay earned in a combat zone can be tax-free
Enlisted members exclude all military pay for each month in a designated combat zone from federal income tax; officers can exclude up to the highest enlisted pay plus imminent danger pay each month.
Who: Members serving in a designated combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area.
Up to $250 per semester hour, $4,500 per fiscal year
The Department of the Air Force pays tuition for college courses while you serve, up to the per-credit and annual caps.
Who: Airmen and Guardians; Guard and Reserve rules vary by component.
Earn college credit for the cost of studying
CLEP and DSST exams can replace entire college courses, and DANTES can fund them for eligible service members.
Who: Eligible service members (check DANTES for current rules).
Up to 36 months of tuition, housing, and books
Covers tuition (up to in-state public rates, more with Yellow Ribbon schools), a monthly housing allowance based on BAH for an E-5 with dependents at the school's ZIP, and a books stipend.
Who: Members and veterans with qualifying active service after Sept. 10, 2001.
Health care for you and your family
Active-duty members get care at no cost; families choose a TRICARE plan with low or no costs, including dental options.
Who: Service members, families, and retirees.
Free non-medical counseling, 24/7
Military OneSource offers free, confidential non-medical counseling for stress, relationships, and life changes, plus financial counseling, by phone, video, or in person.
Who: Service members, Guard/Reserve, and their families.
Up to $500,000 of low-cost coverage
Group life insurance for service members, with optional family coverage (FSGLI) for spouses and children.
Who: Service members; spouses through FSGLI.
Tax-free monthly payment based on your rating
Paid for conditions caused or made worse by service, including secondary conditions linked to an already service-connected one. Tinnitus, for example, is rated at 10%.
Who: Veterans (and members within 180 days of separation through Benefits Delivery at Discharge).
No down payment and no PMI for eligible buyers
VA-backed mortgages usually need no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation don't pay the VA funding fee.
Who: Eligible service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses.
Free entry to national parks and federal lands
Current military and dependents get a free annual pass; veterans and Gold Star families get a free lifetime pass covering entrance and standard day-use fees.
Who: Current military and dependents, veterans, and Gold Star families.
Free seats on military flights when space allows
Fly on military aircraft for free when seats are open after mission needs. Eligibility and priority vary by status and leave.
Who: Active duty and families, retirees, and some veterans (rules vary).
Reviewed November 2026. Each benefit links its official source; rules and amounts change, so confirm details there or with your finance, education, or legal office. Wings Ready is unofficial. Your answers and checklist are saved only on this device. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
