Human Services

This handbook serves as your guide, offering insight and information as you travel along your route.

Military Book 

Many benefits are available to advance the education and skills of Veterans and Servicemembers. Spouses and family members may also be eligible for education and training assistance. Visit our education page to get an in depth look at the different programs Veterans or dependents may be eligible for.

Education Benefits

SSVF Grants provide deposit and rent assistance to eligible homeless or at risk of homelessness veterans. Grants are issued through the Veterans Resource Center and the Homeless Services Center. Emergency Housing (HCHV 90-Day Program) The Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program has a 90-day emergency housing program for eligible homeless veterans. During their stay, veterans learn to access VA resources are helped in transitioning into permanent housing. Grant and Per Diem (Transitional Housing- Up to 2 years) The Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program offers up to 2 years of transitional housing resources to homeless and at risk of being homeless veterans and their families. HUD-VASH The HUD-VASH Program is a partnership between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and many local Public Housing Authorities (PHA). The program combines the Housing Choice Voucher providing rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the VA. The Housing Choice Voucher can be used at the the rental of their choosing.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal function of the brain that may happen from a blow or jolt to the head or an object penetrating the brain. When the brain is injured, the person can experience a change in consciousness that can range from becoming disoriented and confused to slipping into a coma. TBI frequently occurs in combination with other disabling conditions such as amputation, burns, auditory/visual damage, spinal cord injury, PTSD, and other medical conditions. The combination of severe injuries to more than one organ is referred to as polytrauma. ‍ The Palo Alto Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC) is one of 5 facilities in the country designed to provide intensive rehabilitative care to Veterans and Servicemembers who experienced severe injuries (including brain injuries) to more than one organ system. Palo Alto also houses a Polytrauma Network Site (PNS)- one of 23 facilities designed to provide long-term rehabilitative care designed to provide long-term rehabilitative care.

VA TBI Information

The DoD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

DoD SkillBridge

SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance) SGLI provides low cost term life insurance coverage to eligible Service members. Coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to $400,000. Covered members will receive 120 days of free coverage from their date of separation and can be extended up to 2 years if the Service member is totally disabled at separation. VGLI (Veterans' Group Life Insurance) VGLI provides life insurance coverage to veterans after separation from service. Coverage can be provided for lifetime as long as premiums are paid. Coverage is limited to the maximum SGLI the veteran was covered for upon separation, but can be decreased in increments of $10,000. Once enrolled in VGLI, there is the opportunity to increase coverage by $25,000 every 5 years until the maximum of $400,000 until age 60. In order to be eligible, Veteran MUST enroll within 1 year and 120 days from date of separation. If applied for within 240 days of date of separation, veteran does not need to answer health questions. S-DVI (Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance S-DVI is a program to meet the insurance needs of certain veterans with service-connected disabilities. S-DVI is available in a variety of permanent plans as well as term insurance. Policies are issued for a maximum face amount of $10,000.

VA Life Insurance