6 retired Reserve and National Guard benefits

Most retired National Guard or Reserves members are aware of the pension and health care benefits that kick in around age 60. 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 are 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, so be sure you and your fellow travelers are aware of your categories.
• 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.
• Remember that permanent change of station season is busy, and many flights are filled with active-duty members and their families traveling to and from overseas locations. If you're hoping to take advantage of Space-A travel during PCS season and your plans aren't flexible, it's a good idea to budget for last-minute commercial airline tickets.
• Take note of intermediate stops. Let's say you're traveling to Japan from Travis Air Force Base 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 K-135 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 headsets, as well as a blanket to make a long trip more manageable.

Ready to plan your trip? Read more about Space-A travel eligibility, category limitations and travel instructions on the Air Mobility Command^{See note1} page.

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 for your arrival. Military room types vary but may include traditional hotel rooms, small apartments, and even homes in the 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 DOD identification card.

Retired National Guard and Reserves 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 travel:

• 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 additional to simply the per night cost. If a local hotel comes with free breakfast, this 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 it, 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 lodging.^{See note1} 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 active-duty retirees. If you have a current illness, injury or disease caused or worsened by your military service, you can file a claim for disability pay. Depending on your disability rating, you may receive a monthly VA disability check, which can help offset some of your costs.

Retired Reserves and National Guard members can learn more about how to file for VA disability.^{See note1}

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're eligible, too.

And don't forget online access to the exchanges.^{See note1} 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 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 Disney World®. While you're traveling, you might access campgrounds and RV sites, and possibly get reduced rates for ski equipment and kayaks.

Navigating MWR websites can be difficult, so when you're ready to use these benefits call your local installation.

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, fishing and hunting licenses.
• Restaurants often want to honor your service with discounts, and some even offer complimentary meals.
• Get free admission into National Parks and other national organizations. Plan your visit.^{See note1}
• If you make online purchases and are asked to verify your status as a retired Reserve or National Guard member, you can get help from sites like ID.me.^{See note1}