A recent report from RAND Corporation, “Veteran Single Parents: Surviving but Not Thriving,” sheds light on the challenges faced by Veteran single parents, particularly women, who are more likely to face financial insecurity and struggle to access healthcare services compared to Veteran couples.
The study, conducted in collaboration with Student Veterans of America, looks at the demographics and experiences of Post-9/11 Veteran single parents, many of whom are raising children without a partner and rely on GI Bill benefits for higher education.
Data from the report reveals that Veteran single parents constitute a significant proportion of the Veteran population, with over 300,000 identifying as single parents. Post-9/11 Veterans, predominantly women and people of color, are increasingly becoming single parents. Despite being more financially secure than non-Veteran single parents, they still face significant hurdles.
Recognizing the growing population of women within the Veteran community, the report emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect Minority and Women Veterans. Black and Hispanic single mothers show high enrollment rates in education using the G.I. Bill, but the benefits may not fully meet their needs.
Veteran single parents, mainly women and minorities, have lower incomes compared to coupled Veterans. They also face food insecurity and struggle to own homes. Comparatively, they show similar mental and physical health levels to Veteran couples but have less access to healthcare services.
The G.I. Bill is an important resource for Veteran single parents pursuing education, but they encounter barriers such as childcare affordability and in-person attendance requirements. Despite Black and Hispanic single mothers enrolling in school at higher rates, many struggle to balance academics with parenting and work. Policy recommendations include tailored transition services for single parents, financial support for childcare, and adjustments to the G.I. Bill to better accommodate their needs. The study also calls for targeted outreach efforts to connect single mothers with mental health care services and encourage single fathers to prioritize primary care.
Future research should explore the drivers of financial and health disparities among Veteran single parents, considering demographic factors and military experience. It should also examine the challenges faced by different subgroups, such as mothers of diverse racial backgrounds and single fathers. Additionally, studying the impact of child custody arrangements on Veteran single parents’ well-being is essential, especially considering their circumstances in the military.
By implementing supportive policies and programs, policymakers can help Veteran single parents not just survive, but thrive in their post-military endeavors, ultimately benefiting both them and their children.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
