Retired Reserve and National Guard benefits

These six benefits for retired National Guard and Reserve members can save you money and make life a little easier.

Most retired National Guard and Reserve members are aware of the pension and health care benefits that kick in at age 60 for most people. But some other, lesser-known perks are available before then. These can have a major impact on your finances — not to mention your next vacation.

Read on for some of the benefits you can access now if you know where to look and how to use them.

1. Fly for free with space-available flights.

Space-available, also called Space-A, flights are military flights on a mission. But if you're active duty, a member of the National Guard or Reserve, or a qualifying family member, you can hop on these restricted flights at little or no cost.

Here are a few points to keep in mind as you plan your next trip:

• When you sign up for a Space-A flight, you'll be assigned one of six categories. These categories range from "emergency leave unfunded travel" to "retired, dependents, Reserve, etc." Open seats are prioritized according to your category.
• The check-in rules can be complex. It's not as simple as getting a ticket and showing up before the boarding process begins. Familiarize yourself with terms and responsibilities so you'll know to listen when you hear instructions like "present," "roll call" and "show time."
• Travel isn't guaranteed. You might show up, bags in hand, just to be turned away due to a canceled flight or lack of seats for you and your family. Be prepared to cover commercial travel expenses if the flight schedule changes. This is especially true during permanent change of station season, when many flights are filled with active-duty members and their families traveling to and from overseas locations.
• Take note of intermediate stops. Let's say you're traveling to Japan from Travis Air Force Base in California, and your Space-A flight stops in Hawaii. If mission dictates, you could end up losing your seat in Hawaii.
• Space-A travel is normally free, but there can be a small fee for seats on the Department of Defense's commercial charter Patriot Express.
• Consider your comfort. If you're used to traveling first class, the back of a C-17 might not meet your expectations. With the exception of Patriot Express flights, military aircraft can be loud, cold and lacking in amenities like Wi-Fi. Pack your noise-canceling headset, as well as a blanket to make a long trip more manageable.

Ready to plan your trip? You can get more information about Space-A travel eligibility, category limitations and travel instructions from Air Mobility CommandOpens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}

2. Access great deals through Space-A lodging.

If you play your cards right, not only can you and your family fly for less, but you can also book inexpensive accommodations at your destination. Military room types vary, but may include traditional hotel rooms, small apartments and even homes in temporary lodging facilities.

Because there are numerous U.S. military bases around the country and world, it's often easier to arrange lodging at a military base than it is to secure a Space-A flight. Be sure to read the eligibility policy for each branch of service, but typically, eligible patrons can sponsor some guests, even if they don't have a Department of Defense identification card.

Retired National Guard and Reserve members often like to use Space-A lodging because the accommodations are clean and safe. Many rooms come with a kitchen and living room, and some even offer free laundry facilities.

A few things to know before you book your room:

• Space-A lodging isn't free, and you may be able to get a better rate through local hotels or vacation rental websites. When you compare costs, consider items like free breakfast in addition to the per-night cost. If a local hotel offers free breakfast, it might be less expensive overall when you consider the cost of taking your whole family to a restaurant.
• Rules vary from location to location on how far in advance you can book a room and how long you can stay. Some services let you book up to 120 days out, while others require you to book a few days in advance.
• Some travelers decide to book a local hotel as a backup. You can always cancel a hotel room, but you don't want to cancel your vacation because the Space-A lodging is full and you have no other options.
• If you aren't successful when you try to book in advance, consider trying again as your travel date nears. Military orders change all the time, which can free up rooms or allow you to prolong your stay if desired.

You can access military installation lodging and availability at DOD lodgingOpens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} But keep in mind that you won't always be able to book online. Many people who've used Space-A lodging agree that the best way to book a room is to call the front desk and talk to the local reps.

3. Take advantage of Veterans Affairs benefits.

VA disability isn't just for service members who have retired from active duty. If you have a current illness, injury or disease caused or worsened by your military service, you can file a claim for disability payOpens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Depending on your disability rating, you may receive a monthly VA disability check, which can help offset some of your costs.

4. Shop tax-free at the base exchange and commissary.

If you live near a military installation, don't miss the opportunity to shop at the post or base exchange, or commissary.

Within your installation's exchange, you'll usually find a barbershop, laundry and dry cleaning, department store-type retail, and even gas stations and convenience stores.

This benefit isn't just available to retired Reserve and National Guard members. If you're a surviving spouse of a service member and haven't remarried, or if you have a service-connected disability rating and were honorably discharged, you may be eligible.

And don't forget online access to the exchangesOpens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Regardless of your branch of service, you can take advantage of tax-free shopping. Even with online access to the exchange, it's still a good idea to shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal. If you order online and are charged a shipping fee, factor that into your price comparison.

5. Access morale, welfare and recreation, or MWR, programs.

As a retired National Guard or Reserve member, you have access to MWR benefits, which are free or discounted recreation programs that build resiliency and readiness for service members and their families.

MWR perks vary depending on the base, but facilities and programs often include things like arts and crafts, bowling, golf, travel, libraries and outdoor recreation. You can also often find discounted sporting event tickets.

And if you're planning your next vacation, look into MWR ticket discounts for resorts in destinations like Germany, Japan, Hawaii and Walt Disney World® Resort. While you're traveling, you might access campgrounds, RV sites, ski equipment and kayaks, all at a reduced rate.

Navigating MWR websites can be difficult, so when you're ready to use these benefits call your local installation. But always compare what MWR provides with what you can find elsewhere. Don’t just assume they are always the best deal. One good place to look for this comparison is USAA Perks®.

6. Ask for veteran discounts.

Retired Reserve and National Guard members are eligible for numerous veteran discounts. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask. Here are just a few examples:

• Many states provide discounts for license plates and fishing and hunting licenses.
• Restaurants often want to honor your service with discounts, and some even offer complimentary meals.
• Get free admission into national parksOpens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}Other national organizations also offer free admission or discounts to attractions. 
• If you make a purchase online and are asked to verify your status as a retired Reserve or National Guard member, you can get help from sites like ID.meOpens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}

You can also find discounts and deals on things like car rentals, cruises and more.

But just because you’re retired from military service doesn’t mean you aren’t still working and saving for financial goals like full time retirement. Take some time to see if your retirement plan is on track.