April 23, 2023

Are You a Soon-to-Be Military Parent?

Photo by Nathan Dumlao under Unsplash License

Starting a family can be difficult if you’re in the military. Although new parents can get a few weeks off, it isn’t long enough to allow them to bond with and take care of their children. 

Fortunately, service members who are soon-to-be parents can now take a few more weeks of maternity or paternity leave, thanks to the passage in Congress last year of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. The new legislation is known as the Servicemember Parental Leave Equity Act.

Although not all military branches have adopted this act, the Pentagon is confident that it will be implemented early this year.

How Did the Old Military Parental Leave Policy Work?

The old policy allowed military parents to take six weeks of paid leave for maternity recovery and another six weeks of convalescent leave at the primary caregiver’s discretion. On the other hand, only three weeks were given to secondary caregivers in the Army and Air Force, while two weeks were given to those in the Marine Corps and Navy.

What Is the New 12-Week Military Parental Leave?

These benefits were changed when the legislation was submitted in 2021. It prompted an organization-wide reevaluation of the existing leave policy. Consequently, our lawmakers agreed to update it after realizing that the previous regulations were outdated and inappropriate for military personnel. In addition, they believe that the new 12-week military parental leave benefits will make the country’s military more inclusive to women, children, families, and racial minorities.

Besides the convalescent leave, birth parents can take another 12 weeks off after giving birth, adopting a child, or even fostering one. Moreover, the new policy allows non-birth parents in the military to receive up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How Service Members Can Use Their Parental Leave Benefits

Since the 12-week military parental leave is non-chargeable, it doesn’t count against the military personnel’s other leave allowance. If the new parents don’t intend to use their parental leave benefits at once, they can choose to take them in increments. However, they must use these benefits within the first year after their child’s birth.

The new policy’s main goal is to make it easier for new parents in the military to balance working and raising a family. It intends to help women in the military who are often torn between advancing their careers and starting a family. The military hopes that the new policy will help service members make the right decisions that will benefit both their professional and family lives.

What You Can Do to Help Our Struggling Veterans

As a nation, we are morally obligated to ensure our former service members get the best quality care and benefits they deserve. If you’re looking to express your gratitude and appreciation to these brave men and women for their invaluable service to our nation, you can do so by donating your unwanted vehicle to us at Veteran Car Donations. We’ll use your donation to improve their living conditions.

Our team will put your vehicle up for auction, with the proceeds going to our veteran-focused nonprofit partners. Like us, these IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to serving veterans who are homeless and impoverished, those who are unable to find decent jobs to support themselves and their families, as well as those suffering from disabilities and serious illnesses, including mental health conditions.

Our nonprofit partners use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, scholarships, and many other benefits.

Donating to us is quick and easy. We won’t hassle you with unnecessary steps or complicated paperwork. All you have to do is contact us.

You also won’t go home empty-handed after making your donation. You’ll receive valuable rewards such as the free and fast towing of your unwanted vehicle anywhere in the country.

Your charitable contribution will also entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

More importantly, your act of charity will leave you feeling fully satisfied, knowing that you’re helping uplift the lives of the heroes residing in your area.

We accept not just cars but almost all other types of vehicles, including those that are no longer in good condition.

To learn more about Veteran Car Donations, including our quick and easy donation process, check out our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or message us here.

Give Back to Our Heroes Today!

Photo by Lance Reis under Unsplash License

Our veterans risked their lives to protect us from harm and preserve our liberties. You’ll return the favor with your car donation. This can make a difference in the lives of the suffering heroes in your community. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

Last Updated: April 23rd, 2023