Navy SEAL benefits are greater than any other United States Department of Defense Forces.
Although Navy SEALs’ work environment and responsibilities are similar to other defense forces but, Navy SEALs are eligible for various benefits and perks.
Over the years, Navy SEAL benefits and perks have been upgraded. The United States Department of Defense includes some extra benefits only for Navy SEALs.
Here we are going to know all Navy SEAL benefits, the work environment in Navy SEALs, Navy SEALs’ responsibilities, and more.
So, let’s dive right in:
Retirement plans, life insurance, housing facilities, Veterans Assistance (VA) loan, forever G.I. bill, full medical coverage, paid vacation, and tax advantages are the major Navy SEAL benefits as of 2024.
The complete list of Navy SEAL benefits:
- Tax Advantage
- Retirement Pay
- Life Insurance
- Housing Facilities
- Better Pay
- Veterans Assistance (VA) Loan
- Full Medical Insurance
- Tuition Assistance (TA)
- Monthly Bonus Payments
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Full Dental Insurance
- Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
- Highest Prestige
- Forever G.I. Bill
- Combat Zone Tax Exclusions (CZTE)
- Job Opportunities After Retire
- Tax-Free Allowances For Food And Housing
- Clothing Allowances
1. Tax Advantage
The tax advantage is the greatest benefit that the United States Navy SEAL members are eligible for.
Navy SEALs got tax advantages on all types of personal and family allowances.
Members of the Navy SEALs do not need to pay taxes on food, housing, gadgets, and everyday commodities.
The tax advantage is only one the U.S. Navy SEALs get, but all the Navy members also get this benefit.
Considering all Navy SEAL benefits, the tax advantage perk always comes first because using tax advantage on all allowances; Navy SEALs can save a lot of money every year.
Several tax advantages help Navy SEALs reduce the cost of living no matter what state you are living in the United States.
Tax advantages also attract more people to join the Navy SEALs team to serve the country.
Related: Most Famous Navy SEALs
2. Retirement Pay
Another major Navy SEAL benefit is retirement pay. Most of us worry about retirement years in the United States, but Navy SEAL members don’t need to.
Navy SEAL members who serve 20 years of honorable service receive a graduated steady retirement income.
After serving 20 years in the military, Navy SEALs get 75% of the basic pay as retirement income yearly.
A Navy SEAL also can start saving for their retirement years using the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
A thrift savings plan (TSP) is a retirement investment program only for federal employees and any U.S. defense force members.
A thrift savings plan (TSP) is similar to 401 (k) retirement plans. But a thrift savings plan (TSP) has more fund options and features than a 401 (k) plan.
TSP has six different investing options where Navy SEAL members can put their money to grow.
Navy SEALs also can get an immediate tax break for their savings using a thrift savings plan (TSP) retirement program feature.
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3. Life Insurance
The United States Navy SEAL members stay safe and sound under top-class life insurance that also includes Navy SEAL family members.
Life insurance is equally important for everyone in the world; that’s why the United States Department of Defense ensures life insurance for all service members, including Navy SEALs.
Navy SEALs and their families are eligible for two life insurance plans; Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Family Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (FSGLI).
A member of Navy SEALs can earn up to $400,000 of full-time coverage and $100,000 of full-time coverage for a SEAL’s spouse.
Among all types of Navy SEAL benefits, life insurance is also considered a prominent benefit.
When you are a Navy SEAL member, your spouse is also protected by the Family Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) insurance plan.
See Also: List Of Former Navy SEALs With Images
4. Housing Facilities
The United States Navy SEAL members are eligible for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), another major benefit of being a Navy SEAL.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is an allowance offered by the United State Defense to all service members.
In short, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is an allowance that compensates the housing cost when a service member does not receive government-provided housing.
The basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) pay rate is set by grading and also surveying the cost of rental properties in each geographic location.
Using the government’s official BAH Calculator, you can see your housing area’s BAH rates.
So, it’s not mandatory to live in government-provided housing while you are a Navy SEAL; you can live wherever you want but still receive a BAH offset.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) pay is provided each month with your salary.
See Also: The 6 Best Navy SEAL TV Shows In 2024
5. Better Pay
When you come to any military pay, not only Navy SEAL salary, people totally underestimate it.
But, Navy SEALs’ pay or salary is a lot higher compared to other United States service members.
Considering the mission and activities of Navy SEALs members, the salary also should be exceptional.
In general, Navy SEALs are made the same as the United States navy members by Navy SEALs receiving higher and more additional bonus pay.
Depending on rank, Navy SEALs are paid. The higher your rank, the more you are going to be made.
Navy SEALs members get several pay bonuses and awards during their careers.
Such as, when a Navy SEAL successfully completes the Navy SEAL training program, they get a pay award.
People always see the basic pay of Navy SEALs, but they don’t notice the tax advantage and special bonuses which decrease the cost of living for Navy SEALs.
Navy SEAL Pay By Rank:
- E-2: Seaman Apprentice – $1,836
- E-3: Seaman – $1,931
- E-4: Petty Officer Third Class – $2,139
- E-5: Petty Officer Second Class – $2,333
- E-6: Petty Officer First Class – $2,546
- E-7: Chief Petty Officer – $2.944
- E-8: Senior Chief Petty Officers – $4,235
- E-9: Master Chief Petty Officer – $5,173
- W-1: Warrant Officer 1 – $3,038
- W-2: Chief Warrant Officer – 2, $3,461
- W-3: Chief Warrant Officer – 3, $3,911
- W-4: Chief Warrant Officer – 4, $4,282
- W-5: Chief Warrant Officer – 5, $7,615
- 0-1: Ensign – $3,108
- 0-2: Lieutenant Junior Grade – $3,580
- 0-3: Lieutenant – $4,144
- 0-4: Lieutenant Commander – $4,713
- 0-5: Commander – $5,462
- 0-6: Captain – $6,552
- 0-7: Rear Admiral Lower Half – $8,641
- 0-8: Rear Admiral – $10,399
- 0-9: Vice Admiral – $14,696
- 0-10: Admiral – $15,800
Related Article: Black Navy SEALs
6. Veterans Assistance (VA) Loan
Veterans Assistance (VA) Loan, also known as VA-Backed Veterans Home Loans.
Veterans Assistance (VA) Loan is a loan that helps United States service members and veterans to build, buy, or improve their homes.
United State Navy SEAL members are eligible for VA-Backed Veterans Home Loans.
A Navy SEAL can take Veterans Assistance (VA) Loan to buy a home at a minimum interest rate.
Veterans Assistance (VA) Loan has much better and preferable terms than a traditional home loan from any private financial institute.
The main benefit of the Veterans Assistance (VA) Loan is no down payment is required.
So, as a Navy SEAL, you can take Veterans Assistance (VA) Loan to buy a home, and you don’t even need a down payment.
Related Article: Average Age of Navy SEAL
7. Full Medical Insurance
United States Navy SEALs and all Navy members are eligible for full medical insurance, which means Navy SEAL members’ family members also get health care insurance.
Medical insurance is known as Tricare in the U.S. military. And Tricare is another major Navy SEAL benefit.
The Pentagon’s Defense Health Agency is managing Tricare for soldier.
Tricare ensures providing the best treatment for Navy SEAL member and their families.
Tricare insurance policy also covers birth control and dental insurance for service members. A Navy SEAL got various types of medical coverage programs.
Tricare offers several types of coverage programs:
- Tricare Prime
- Tricare Select
- Tricare for Life
- Tricare Reserve Select
- Tricare Young Adult
- Tricare Dental Plan
8. Tuition Assistance (TA)
The Navy Tuition Assistance (TA) is education support for United States Navy SEALs.
Navy SEALs get up to 100% of tuition fees to complete a soldier college degree.
The average cost of a four-year degree is $40,000 in the United States. In some states, the cost is a lot higher than this.
The cost of education in America is growing higher consistently, but with the help of Navy Tuition Assistance (TA), a Navy SEAL can earn a degree at no cost.
But, the Navy Tuition Assistance benefit has an eligibility policy. To be eligible for Tuition Assistance (TA), you must serve at least three years and be on active duty while your college courses are running.
The Navy Tuition Assistance (TA) includes several different types of programs, such as NROTC, Tuition Assistance, and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
So, you can continue your education and study free of cost during active duty in the Navy SEAL.
9. Monthly Bonus Payments
Navy SEAL members get bonus pay every month with their basic pay.
A United States Navy SEAL can be eligible for several different types of bonuses.
Navy SEALs can earn a decent amount of bonus money each month based on specific skills, training, mission, analysis, and even language.
Such as, just right after enlistment as a Navy SEAL, you can earn up to $40,000 in reward.
Also, by completing any physical fitness exam, Navy SEAL members get a bonus payment.
As advanced marksmanship, combat medicine, and communicator, soldiers can get bonuses.
With tax allowances on everything and bonus pay with basic pay, a Navy SEAL makes decent money to live a better lifestyle.
Also Learn: Navy SEAL’s Capabilities and responsibilities
10. Paid Time Off (PTO)
Civilians often think that United States service members do not get paid time off (PTO) benefits, but it’s completely wrong.
Navy SEAL members also get paid time off (PTO) perks after joining, just like corporate jobs.
That means Navy SEALs are paid in their absence for sickness, taking care of family members, and unexpected events.
So, you can take a break from your work to make life more enjoyable while still getting paid.
In addition, the United State Navy offers several unique perks for traveling abroad.
11. Full Dental Insurance
The United States Navy SEALs get the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP).
TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is a dental insurance plan provided by the Pentagon’s Defense Health Agency.
Every active duty Navy SEAL member and all their family members are eligible for TRICARE Dental Program (TDP).
Full family dental insurance is not really a common benefit that large employers are giving their employees.
But not only Navy SEALs, every Navy member gets full dental insurance which is very useful and also cost-effective.
12. Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) is a United States military entitlement that is given to every U.S. military serviceman assigned overseas to privately lease housing in the economy.
Navy SEAL members often need to stay in foreign countries for various missions. That’s why Overseas Housing Allowance is an important benefit to them.
When a Navy SEAL member is stationed overseas and got no place to stay on the base, U.S, the Navy gives them Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) benefits for stays outside of the base.
If Navy SEALs are eligible for Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) program, then the United States Navy covers their housing cost.
The amount of reimbursement depends on location and family size.
So, a Navy SEAL member and his family members also stay overseas with government money.
13. Highest Prestige
Everyone always overlooks the prestige of becoming a Navy SEAL.
But, the U.S. Navy SEALs are the most recognizable special forces in the world, not only in America.
Navy SEALs are considered the toughest soldier and also individual people.
Most employers and corporations offer discounts on their products to honor Navy SEAL sacrifices.
The world’s largest media companies make movies and tv series about Navy SEALs each year.
They take action wherever and whenever it’s needed against any dangerous situation.
Particularly, Navy SEALs keep the world safe from terrorist attacks.
That’s why people respect their sacrifices for the world, which is the greatest prestige for a human being.
14. Forever G.I. Bill
G.I. Bill is another best benefit of being a Navy SEAL that you should know before joining.
G.I. Bill or G.I. Bill benefits are education compensation that is given by the United States Military.
G.I. Bill helps Navy SEAL members to pay for graduate school, college, degrees, and any educational training programs.
For job training, G.I. Bill also helps every United States serviceman.
There are various types of G.I. Bill programs available for Navy SEAL members. But, you will get that application for you.
Among all G.I. Bill programs, Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most popular. Reserve Navy members are also eligible for GI Bill.
Types of G.I. Bill programs:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill
- Veterans Readiness and Employment
- Reserve and Guard Montgomery GI Bill
15. Combat Zone Tax Exclusions (CZTE)
Combat Zone Tax Exclusions (CZTE) is another tax advantage that is available not only for Navy SEALs but also for every service member.
If a Navy SEAL spends a day in a combat zone, that Navy SEAL member pays for the entire month going to be excluded from taxable income.
Monthly pay and bonus pay are also excluded from taxable income for Combat Zone Tax Exclusions (CZTE) benefits.
So, the income as a Navy SEAL member is going to be higher than average for the Combat Zone Tax Exclusions military compensation.
16. Job Opportunities After Retire
Job opportunities after service for a retired Navy SEAL member are a lot compared to other corporate employees.
A retired Navy SEAL has already been trained in leadership, teamwork, and work efficiency, which every employer is looking for in every employee.
Professionalism makes getting a high-paying job easier for Navy SEAL members after retirement.
After getting through the toughest physical and mental training, Navy SEAL members become more work ethic.
Not only has corporate demand for retired Navy SEALs, but the United States Department of Justice department also tends to rehire them for various departments.
The FBI, UEA, BOP, USMS, and several federal agencies under the United States Department of Justice department have a high demand for retired Navy SEALs.
Therefore, Navy SEAL members are getting jobs so quickly after they retire from the service.
17. Tax-Free Allowances For Food And Housing
As you already know, a Navy SEAL and all service members get a variety of tax advantages to save more money than civilians.
Among all tax advantages, tax-free allowances for food and housing are the most important for a Navy SEAL.
A Navy SEAL member got a huge level of tax-free allowances for buying food and a house.
We spend most of our income on food and rent or house, but if you are a Navy SEAL, you are eligible for several loans with a minimum percentage of interest rate and tax-free allowances.
So, it’s very obvious that service members need to spend less money to purchase a house.
Not only that, several supermarket chains offer military discounts, which help them pay less and save more on food.
18. Clothing Allowances
Last up, the clothing allowances, which is another Navy SEAL benefit that you need to know about.
The United States Department of Defense helps Navy SEAL members to pay for their uniforms and other clothing.
A Navy SEAL and every U.S. military member are eligible for a variety of clothing allowances.
Four different types of clothing allowances for Navy SEALs:
- Clothing Replacement Allowance
- Initial Clothing Allowance
- Extra Clothing Allowance
- Clothing Maintenance Allowance
Conclusion
The United States Navy SEAL benefits are greater than any other military service branch because Navy SEALs are a special force.
To honor every Navy SEAL member’s sacrifices for their countries, The United States Department of Defense gives them lucrative compensations.
Several Navy SEAL benefits are also given to members’ entire families.
Full life and health insurance are both considered the most important and valuable Navy SEAL benefits.
But, tax advantages are another special benefit that helps Navy SEALs sustain their living.
So, as of the current year, Navy SEAL benefits are much better than corporate employee benefits, which attract more soldiers to be joined.
Learn More About U.S. Navy SEALs:
Jeffrey Rogers has served in the United States Army for 18 years. Jeffrey served on overseas combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Jeffrey Rogers was born in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated in Information technology from George Mason University. Now, Jeffrey is the content head of Frommilitarybases.com.