Assistance in acquiring VA Benefits:
Eligibility for most VA benefits is based
upon discharge from active military service under honorable conditions. To
prove eligibility a DD-214 is needed. This is a report of separation that is
proof of length, period and character of service.
Accredited Representatives:
The County Veterans Service Officers are
accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and are certified by the
Ohio Governor’s Office of Veterans Affairs.
Our staff provides a vital and convenient
link between our veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Claims Assistance – Pension or Compensation claims:
Non Service Connected Pension
You may be eligible for pension if you are
a wartime veteran with limited income and are no longer able to work.
Income may be offset with out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Service Connected Compensation
You may be eligible for Compensation for
injuries or illnesses you suffer, as a result of active duty or for any
disabilities you had before service that were aggravated because of your
active duty. If you qualify for compensation, you may be entitled to an
additional amount for your family members. Income has no effect on
eligibility or amount of compensation awarded.
If your service connected injury or illness
contributes to your death, your surviving dependents may be eligible for DIC
benefits. DIC stands for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. DIC is
compensation paid to the surviving spouse and children. DIC beneficiaries
are eligible for education and healthcare benefits.
Please phone our office for more
information, or to make an appointment with a Service Officer.
Emergency Financial Assistance:
We provide short term basic needs to
eligible, needy Wayne County Veterans and their dependents.
Our emergency financial assistance is to
meet the basic needs of life such as food, shelter, essential utility
services, etc. It is restricted in length of time depending on needs and
circumstances.
It is not a pension program. It is not
meant to sustain a lifestyle. It is not meant to replace lost wages.
How to qualify:
-
Present a copy of your DD-214 or military
discharge showing service under honorable conditions.
-
Present proof of being a bona fide
resident of Wayne County.
-
Complete the application showing a
complete record of all income and expense budget. Clearly explain what
financial assistance is needed and why.
-
Present a photo ID of yourself.
-
The value of all financial “assets” shall
be disclosed: cash-on-hand, bank accounts, certificates of deposit, credit
union accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRA’s etc.
You may be required to:
-
To actively seek employment if you’re
able bodied.
-
To present to Doctor’s report if you
are disabled.
-
To provide proof of medical expenses.
-
To obtain personal budget counseling.
-
To apply for all other County, State
and Federal benefits for which you may qualify.
-
If you are able-bodied and otherwise
employable, we generally require that you find and keep employment.
Emergency Financial Assistance is generally
limited to no more than 3 consecutive months in any calendar year if you are
able to work.
Please phone our office for more
information, or to make an appointment with a Service Officer.
Decision
In many cases, the Service Officer may be
able to respond immediately to your request with either an approval or
denial.
You may be approved
After the initial interview, the Service
Officer may be able to respond in your favor.
You may be denied
After the initial interview, the Service
Officer may not be able to grant your request. Reasons for denial will be
explained.
If you are denied
The Service Officer may need to refer your
application to the next monthly meeting of the
5 member Veterans’ Service Commission for its approval.
You have the right to appeal any denial of
assistance to the Veterans’ Service Commission.
You have the right to present your case in
person or in writing to the next meeting of the commission. You must sign
the “Notice of Appeal” to have your appearance scheduled by the Commission.
Educational Benefits:
The VA pays monthly benefits to eligible
veterans, dependents, reservists, and service members. You can use your
education benefits for:
Undergraduate work at a college or
university
Technical or Vocation Training
On-the-job/Apprenticeship Training
Correspondence and Flight Training
The toll free number for more information
is 1-888-GI BILL1 or 1-888-442-4551
Obtaining Military
Discharges, Medals and other Military Records:
We assist our veterans in obtaining
Military Discharges, Medals and other documents that may be needed.
We have all the forms needed in our office
to obtain these records and medals.
Please call our office for more
information, or to make an appointment with a Service Officer.
Home Loan Information:
The first step in acquiring a VA loan is a
Certificate of Eligibility. You may apply for a Certificate of Eligibility
at our office. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not make loans. With
a VA guarantee, the lender is protected against loss up to the amount of the
guaranty, if the borrower fails to repay the loan. VA loan guarantees are
made to service members, veterans, reservists, and unmarried surviving
spouses to buy a home, townhouse, manufactured home, lot or certain types of
condominiums. VA also guarantees loans for building, repair, and improvement
loans. If you already have a mortgage, the VA may be able to help you
refinance your home at a lower interest rate.
Please call our office for more
information, or to make an appointment with a Service Officer.
The Ohio Veterans Home (OVH):
Our office assists in helping veterans
apply to the Ohio Veterans Home. We have applications in our office. Please
call us if you have any questions. You may also get more information from
the OVH web site.
http://www.state.oh.us/ovh/
To assist Ohio veterans through advocacy,
legislation, service and community support.
Medical Equipment:
We will provide medical equipment to
eligible veterans and their families. We provide walkers, canes, bath or
shower chairs and other pieces of equipment. There is no cost to the veteran
for the equipment. We only ask that it be donated back to us when it is done
being used, so that another veteran may benefit from its use.
Please call our office to see if we have
the equipment that you need in stock.
If you are in need of a hospital bed, we
recommend that you phone INFO-LINK at (330) 263-6363.
Transportation:
We provide free transportation to the VA
medical facilities in Cleveland, Brecksville and Canton. Please phone our
office for details.
Department of Veterans
Affairs:
The VA is located in the Federal
Building in Downtown Cleveland. The address is:
Department of Veterans Affairs
1240 E. Ninth St.
Cleveland, OH
44199
http://www.va.gov/
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
(When calling be sure to have your Social
Security Number or Claim Number ready.)
Table of Contents
Last Updated: 08/31/2008 |
