The Department of Veteran Affairs has initiated a financial resource website to enhance the financial well-being of Veterans and concurrently reduce the incidence of Veteran suicide. The National Veterans Financial Resource Center (FINVET) developed this website with an aim to augment protective factors that contribute to mental health.
Veterans often face economic and financial uncertainty after concluding their military service, which is identified as a significant risk factor for suicide. The newly launched website aims to mitigate this risk by offering reliable financial tools, calculators, and worksheets designed to enhance Veterans' financial literacy. FINVET's mission is to empower Veterans in setting and achieving financial goals, thereby ensuring their basic needs are met and their assets are safeguarded.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough stated, "We know that financial issues are linked to increased suicide risk in Veterans, as well as increased risk of homelessness." He further explained the purpose of the new website: "With this new website, our mission is to empower every Veteran to take advantage of financial tools and resources so they can earn more, save more, and avoid financial distress that can lead to suicidal ideation." The platform amalgamates resources from 25 government agencies including the Federal Trade Commission, National Park Service, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In line with its priority goal under the Unity Agenda—ending Veteran suicide in the United States—the VA has started providing no-cost emergency suicide prevention care for eligible Veterans. Since 2010, over 71,000 Veterans have taken their own lives; a number exceeding total combat fatalities during the Vietnam War and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. Additionally, the Unity Agenda Act aims at reducing homeless Veterans. Funding for housing low-income Veterans has tripled since 2022, resulting in an 11% decline in homelessness among Veterans between 2020 and 2022.
