Stepping Into 2026: A Year of Women's Empowerment and Strength

Happy New Year from all of us at CAPT JANE!
As we turn the page on 2024 and welcome 2025, there's an undeniable energy in the air—a collective sense that this year belongs to women who've served. This isn't just another new year; it's a pivotal moment for women's empowerment, particularly for those of us who've worn the uniform and now navigate the complex terrain of civilian life.

The women veteran community is rising, and 2025 is our year to claim what we've earned, support one another, and break through barriers that have held us back for too long. Whether you transitioned last month or decades ago, the time to advocate for yourself and maximize your benefits is now.

Three Essential Tips for Maximizing Your VA Benefits in 2026

1. File or Update Your Disability Claim—Don't Leave Money on the Table

Too many women veterans underutilize their VA disability benefits, often because we're conditioned to "push through" or because we don't realize certain conditions qualify. Military Sexual Trauma (MST), mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, musculoskeletal injuries, and conditions related to burn pits or toxic exposure all qualify for compensation.

If you've never filed, 2025 is your year to start. If you filed years ago, consider whether your conditions have worsened or if new service-connected issues have emerged. The PACT Act has expanded eligibility for toxic exposure claims, and many women who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations now qualify for presumptive conditions they didn't before.

2. Tap Into Women Veteran-Specific Programs and Resources

The VA has made significant strides in creating programs specifically designed for women veterans, yet many of us don't know they exist. Seek out your local Women Veterans Program Manager at your VA Medical Center—they're your advocate and can connect you with gender-specific healthcare, childcare assistance while you attend appointments, and peer support groups.

Additionally, organizations like Grace After Fire, Service Women's Action Network (SWAN), and the Women Veterans Network offer mentorship, career support, and community connections. You've served your country; now let these resources serve you.

3. Explore Education and Career Benefits Beyond the GI Bill

While the GI Bill is well-known, women veterans should also investigate the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, which provides career counseling, job training, and even assistance with entrepreneurship if you have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%. This program can be a game-changer if you're looking to pivot careers or start your own business.

Don't overlook state-specific benefits either—many states offer additional education benefits, property tax exemptions, and hiring preferences for veterans that stack on top of federal programs.

Our Commitment to You

At CAPT JANE, we're committed to walking alongside you this year. Women's empowerment isn't just a buzzword—it's a mission. It means ensuring that every woman who served has the knowledge, resources, and support to thrive in 2026 and beyond.

Here's to a year of breaking barriers, claiming what's ours, and lifting each other up. You've earned it.

Welcome to 2026—let's make it count.

With respect and solidarity,
The CAPT JANE Team