Jim Absher

Jim Absher, Military.com's benefits editor and columnist, joined the Navy to see the world and later realized the world is 2/3 water. He also worked for the VA in field offices and Washington, DC before coming to Military.com in 2015.

Email: jim.absher@monster.com

Latest Articles

U.S. Marines wait in line while food service specialists sauté Mongolian entrée selections on the grill in the R.G. Robinson Mess Hall at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 8, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo/Lance Cpl. Carlos Jimenez)

2023 Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) Rates

For 20232 BAS will see the largest increase in decades.

A Marine chief cook goes over the chow line.

Basic Allowance for Subsistence Gets Record Increase in Upcoming Year

The BAS increase is the largest in more than a decade.

See Your 2023 VA Disability Pay Rates

The current VA disability pay rates show compensation for veterans with a disability rating 10% or higher. Read more.

VA Debuts New Life Insurance Program

The updated program, known as VALife, begins Jan. 1, 2023.

Overview of VA Pensions

Pension payments are made to bring a veteran's total income to a level set by Congress.

2023 Veterans Pension Rates

If you’re a veteran with limited income and unable to work, you may qualify for a VA Disability Pension or the Veterans...

Medal of Honor Means Benefits for Life

The Medal of Honor comes with more than a Medal. The highest U.S. Military award offers benefits that last a lifetime.

Soldier Holding Special Monthly Compensation Payment

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Rates Increase for 2023

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is paid in addition to regular VA Disability Compensation to veterans who incurred the...

Do Veterans Benefits Expire?

Did you know that many of your VA benefits have an expiration date? Find out which of your VA benefits have an expiration...

2023 VA Disability Payment Schedule

Use our schedule to plan your finances for the upcoming year.

2023 Retiree and Survivor Pay Dates

Check out the 2023 Military Retiree and Annuitant Pay Date Schedule to plan for upcoming paydays.

Retired Military Pay Days for 2023

Military retiree and annuitant payday is always on the first business day of the month.

The Military Lending Act Gives You Special Protections

As an active-duty service member, you have legal rights to low-interest loans and protection against pay day lenders, but you...

Enlistment and Reenlistment Bonuses

In addition to pay, there are two types of bonuses that encourage you to start and/or stay in the service.

Military selective reenlistment bonus check

Military Bonuses Explained

Learn about the two types of bonuses (enlistment and reenlistment) that encourage soldiers to start and/or stay in the...

Military News

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