Survey results also suggest an opportunity to educate further regarding particular benefits available to Veterans and their caregivers
November 12, 2024 - Washington D.C.- For Veterans Day, Ipsos explored the types of assistance American Veterans and Non-Veterans have sought for themselves, and the types of assistance Veterans are in need of most.
Download Survey
Ipsos also examined Americans’ familiarity with the benefits available to Veterans exposed to toxic substances during their time in military service as well as the benefits offered to caregivers of Veterans.
Differences exist in what Veterans need and what Non-Veterans think Veterans need
Around half of both Veterans (50%) and Non-Veterans (52%) have previously sought assistance in areas like physical healthcare, mental healthcare, education, and employment. Further, about nine-in-ten Veterans (91%) and nearly two-thirds of Non-Veterans (64%) believe they are at least a little familiar with issues concerning the needs of Veterans. However, there are notable differences between what Veterans need and what Non-Veterans think Veterans need. Compared to Non-Veterans, a larger percentage of Veterans feel that they require more support in areas like physical healthcare, employment, and education. Veterans and Non-Veterans differ further in their views on which areas they believe the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should be providing more assistance to Veterans, irrespective of whether or not VA currently provides support in each of the areas of assistance listed. These areas include work/employment, social support, legal resources, education, and support for discrimination.
Majority of Veterans familiar with VA’s benefits regarding toxic substance exposure, but knowledge gap persists
A majority of Veterans (69%) are familiar with VA benefits related to toxic substance exposure during military service, such as from Agent Orange or burn pits. Still, nearly one-third of Veterans (31%) remain unfamiliar with or are unsure about VA benefits for toxic exposure. This knowledge gap suggests an opportunity to further inform Veterans about available resources, such as free toxic exposure screenings, assistance with previously denied claims, and expanded coverage for conditions like respiratory issues and certain cancers.
Familiarity limited regarding VA benefits offered to caregivers of Veterans
During National Family Caregivers Month, a time dedicated to honoring caregivers, it is important to note that the number of Veteran caregivers who have received VA provided services, resources, and assistance reached an all-time high during fiscal year 2024[1]. Despite this, a minority of Veterans (37%) report being familiar with the range of VA benefits available to caregivers of Veterans. Further, just 33% of Americans with a close personal connection to a Veteran, whether they are a family member or friend, report being familiar with VA benefits available to caregivers. VA’s Caregiver Support Program offers various benefits to caregivers for Veterans including financial assistance, mental health resources, and caregiver training programs aimed at improving caregiver support.
[1] VA delivered all-time record care and benefits to Veterans in fiscal year 2024
About the Study
This poll was conducted by Ipsos from October 18 to October 21, 2024, using the probability-based KnowledgePanel®. This poll is based on a nationally representative probability sample of 1,028 adults age 18 or older, including an oversample of 516 Veterans and total of 939 Non-veterans.
The survey was conducted using KnowledgePanel, the largest and most well-established online probability-based panel that is representative of the adult U.S. population. Our recruitment process employs a scientifically developed addressed-based sampling methodology using the latest Delivery Sequence File of the USPS – a database with full coverage of all delivery points in the U.S. Households invited to join the panel are randomly selected from all available households in the U.S. Persons in the sampled households are invited to join and participate in the panel. Those selected who do not already have internet access are provided a tablet and internet connection at no cost to the panel member. Those who join the panel and who are selected to participate in a survey are sent a unique password-protected log-in used to complete surveys online. As a result of our recruitment and sampling methodologies, samples from KnowledgePanel cover all households regardless of their phone or internet status and findings can be reported with a margin of sampling error and projected to the general population.
The study was conducted in English. The data for each sample was weighted to adjust for gender by age, race/ethnicity, education, Census region, metropolitan status, and household income. The demographic benchmark for the general population and non-veteran samples came from the 2023 March Supplement of the Current Population Survey (CPS). The demographic benchmark for the Veteran oversample came from the 2023 August CPS Veteran supplement data. Veteran data was weighted separately from the general population and non-veterans.
- Gender (Male, Female) by Age (18–29, 30–44, 45-59 and 60+)
- Veterans Gender (Male, Female) by Age (18–44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74 and 75+)
- Race/Hispanic Ethnicity (White Non-Hispanic, Black Non-Hispanic, Other, Non-Hispanic, Hispanic, 2+ Races, Non-Hispanic)
- Education (Less than High School, High School, Some College, Bachelor or higher)
- Veterans Education (High School or less, Some College, Bachelor or higher)
- Census Region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West)
- Metropolitan status (Metro, non-Metro)
- Household Income (Under $25,000, $25,000-$49,999, $50,000-$74,999, $75,000-$99,999, $100,000-$149,999, $150,000+)
The margin of sampling error for General Population sample is plus or minus 3.2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, for results based on the entire sample of adults. The margin of sampling error takes into account the design effect, which was 1.09.
The margin of sampling error for the Veterans sample is plus or minus 4.6 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, for results based on the entire sample of adults. The margin of sampling error takes into account the design effect, which was 1.11.
The margin of sampling error for Non-Veterans sample is plus or minus 3.3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, for results based on the entire sample of adults. The margin of sampling error takes into account the design effect, which was 1.06.
About Ipsos
Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing over 18,000 people.
Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.
Our tagline "Game Changers" sums up our ambition to help our 5,000 customers move confidently through a rapidly changing world.
Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and Mid-60 indices and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP www.ipsos.com
Source: Ipsos
