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While
the Veterans Service Commission is not funded by, or associated with the Federal
Department of Veterans Affairs, our Service Officers assist
veterans and their families with VA claims.
The
Veterans Service Commission is legislated by the State of Ohio under the Ohio
Revised Code, ORC 5901 and funded by Ross County property taxes.
Ohio is the only state that provides such
comprehensive support and services to its veterans. In each of 88
counties, the Veterans Service Commission is a county
agency dedicated to aiding veterans in times of need. There are
three services the agency provides:
- Emergency financial assistance to eligible
veterans and family members who have demonstrated a need.
- Assistance when dealing with the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veterans Service Office represents and
assists veterans, spouses, dependent children, surviving widows, and
parents of deceased veterans entitled to D. I. C., when they apply to the
VA for benefits.
- Transportation to and from
VA
medical facilities.
Eligibility
Requirements
Veterans who qualify for assistance must have
served in the United States Armed Forces, be on active duty for reasons
other than training or, have received a VA recognized service-connected
disability and were discharged under honorable conditions. Qualified
veterans and family members must be residents of the State of Ohio and
residing in Ross County for 3 months immediately prior to application for
assistance.
To be eligible for financial assistance, definite financial need must be
demonstrated. The Veterans Service Commission considers many factors when
determining financial need, including income, living expenses, and all
liquid assets. To be eligible for emergency
financial assistance, a definite financial need must be demonstrated.
The wording of the law states that assistance is intended for the
"indigent", meaning people suffering a level of poverty in which
real hardship and deprivation are suffered and comforts of life are
lacking.
Emergency
Financial Assistance:
Financial Assistance within the Veterans Service Commissions provides
short-term basic living needs to eligible veterans, spouses, dependent
children and widows on an emergency basis. These benefits
include:
- Assistance with
rent and mortgage payments
- Food orders
- Personal Hygiene
and Clothing orders
- Aid with payment
of utility bills
- Medical expense
- Indigent veterans
burials
- Veteran grave
markers
If you are a veteran
or the family of a deceased veteran in need or if you believe you have a
claim for VA benefits, we encourage you to call the Veterans Service
Commission.
Veterans Service
Officer:
The Veterans
Service Officer is a link between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
and veterans who are interested in applying for VA benefits. Our staff can
assist the veterans and their family members with a variety of services
such as:
- Disability
Pension
- Widow's
Pension Service and Non-Service Connected Compensation Home Loan
Guaranty
- Health Care
Education Life Insurance
- Vital Records
- Discharge/DD-214s
- Ohio Veterans
Home Applications
Documents needed when filing for...
Emergency Financial Assistance
-
DD214 (or equivalent)
-
Proof of residency
-
Proof of household income
-
Copies of all current monthly bills
-
Landlord statement, if applicable
Benefits, Compensation or Pension
-
DD214 (or equivalent)
-
Proof of household income
-
Marriage Certificate
-
Divorce Certificate (of all past
marriages; veteran and spouse)
-
Birth
Certificate(s)
-
Death Certificate;
veteran/spouse
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Proof of Social Security Number;
Veteran/Spouse/Dependent children
Mission Statement
The mission of the
Ross County Veterans
Service Commission is to provide direct and indirect financial and other
assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents who have
met with an unexpected hardship resulting from illness, injury, or lack of
employment. The Commission also assists in initiating claims for
benefits and obtaining
documents to substantiate proof for those benefits; provides
transportation to VA Medical facilities; procures
grave markers for honorably discharged veterans as well as burials for
those who are indigent.
South Central Ohio Homeless Veterans
Committee (SOCO VET)
Not-for-profit dedicated to serving homeless and needy veterans
and, in some cases family members, of the Ross and Pike County areas. The
organization has been in existence since 1992. Through the operation of
not-for-profit golf course and the sponsoring of an annual walk-a-thon the
organization is able to provide the following types of service.
-
Emergency rent assistance
-
Emergency rent deposit assistance
-
Car repairs for veteran to get to work
-
Emergency utility payments
-
Transportation assistance to work or medical appointments
-
Clothing/shoes when necessary
-
Cther services that may be deemed necessary for veterans
Veterans In Transition Incorporated
Not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving in need veterans
of the State of Ohio. This organization provides assistance to those
veterans in need to aid in gaining civilian careers. This organizations is
supported by grants, donations and fund raisers.
The following types of services may be provided:
-
Examination fees for state or federal licenses for civilian
careers.
-
Fees for state or federal licenses for civilian careers
-
Fees for training programs (short term) to prepare for
civilian
-
Career licensing or certification
-
Fees for civilian skills certifications
-
Tools associated with and necessary for civilian employment
-
Clothing and uniforms, shoes, necessary for employment
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Temporary transportation or lodging where necessary for
civilian careers.
-
Car repairs, if necessary for employment
-
Temporary transportation if necessary for employment
Contact for both organizations: Ray Pryor
Pryorra@bright.net
or waverlycsc@hotmail.com
Office number (740) 947-7754.
Veterans News
Information Service
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