From Military.com:
“These Are the Most Underutilized
Veteran Benefits in Each State”
The federal government isn't the
only entity to offer assistance and benefits to military veterans. Most states
also offer a parade of their own state-specific perks. But not all veterans
know about the things offered in their individual states. That's where states'
veteran affairs offices come in. Staffed by experts in local veteran benefits,
these offices typically aim to help veteran residents know about or use all of
the benefits afforded by local law. And yet, local experts from across the U.S.
recently told the VA, some veteran benefits remain underutilized. What's the
most underused benefit in your state? Here's what officials told the VA for a
story published on the VA's blog. Find your state below.
Alabama "Our professional Veteran service
officers, with offices in communities throughout Alabama, are our most
underutilized Alabama benefit. Despite our best efforts, too many remain
unaware that help filing for VA benefits is available at no cost. Their training
and expertise really are the best chance a Veteran has to submit a fully
developed claim that allows the VA to grant the maximum benefits to which they
are entitled the first time." -- Mark Sullivan, manager, Appeals and
Review Division.
Alaska "Alaska offers a Veteran land
discount/purchase preference and it can only be used once, so many Veterans do
not pursue this program thinking they will save it for later and then never use
this valued benefit. This program provides a 25% discount off the purchase
price of state residential/recreational land. The land is offered under a
Veteran exclusive opportunity and the sale is at fair appraised market
value." -- Verdie Bowen Sr., director, Office of Veterans Affairs
Arizona "The Arizona Military Family Relief
Fund provides financial assistance to the families of currently deployed
service members, plus military and Veteran families for hardships caused by the
service member's deployment. The lifetime financial assistance limit for
service members, Veterans and their families is $20,000. Applicants can receive
emergency assistance of up to $3,000 once in a lifetime." -- Wanda Wright,
director
Arkansas "The state's most underused benefit is
Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Combination License." -- Gina Chandler,
assistant director, Veterans Service.
California "California's most underused state
benefit would be our hunting and fishing license program. For 2020, reduced-fee
licenses are available for any honorably discharged Veteran of the U.S. Armed
Forces with a service--connected disability rating of 50% or greater at the
price of $8.13." -- Roberto Herrera, chief, Veteran and Community
Engagement
Colorado "Colorado has a free Lifetime Fish &
Game small game license for Veterans 60% or more service connected." --
Richard J. Tremaine, director, Division of Veterans Affairs
Connecticut "Among the most underutilized state
benefits is the Connecticut Qualified Veterans' Charitable Organization list
maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To be included on the list,
the Veterans' organization must be one that: (1) Holds itself out to be
established for any benevolent, educational, philanthropic, humane, scientific,
patriotic, social welfare or advocacy purpose relating to or on behalf of
Veterans; and (2) has been (A) a nonstock corporation, organized under chapter
602, or any predecessor thereto, for three or more years, or (B) a tax exempt
organization under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any
subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended
from time to time, for three or more consecutive years." -- Department of
Veterans Affairs Commissioner Thomas J. Saadi
Delaware "The most underused state benefit is
discounted hunting, trapping and fishing licenses." -- Larence Kirby,
executive director, Office of Veterans Services Any member of the Armed Forces
while stationed within the state shall be deemed a resident of the state for
the purpose of obtaining a license. Veterans with a disability rating of 60
percent or more by VA may obtain a no-fee license.
Florida "Florida waives undergraduate-level
tuition at state universities and community colleges for Florida recipients of
the Purple Heart and other combat-related decorations superior in precedence to
the Purple Heart. The waiver program also includes the state's career and
technical training facilities." -- James S. "Hammer" Hartsell,
deputy executive director, Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
Georgia "Many of Georgia's Veterans do not take
advantage of the discounts available for state park entrance fees or for
hunting and fishing licenses. Honorably discharged Veterans with a VA
service-connected disability rating are eligible for a 25% reduction of the
entrance fee to state parks, historical sites, and recreational areas. Veterans
discharged after July 1, 2005 and who served 90 days on active duty are
eligible for a free one-year full sportsman license. All honorably discharged
Veterans are eligible for a 20% discount on hunting and fishing licenses."
-- Mike Roby, Georgia's commissioner of Veterans Service
Hawaii "Hawaii's Most underused state benefit
is the Specialty Veteran's License Plates. For the same cost as a regular
license plate, Veterans can choose, if qualified, a Veteran, Combat or Combat
Wounded, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Former POW, World War II Veteran, Korea
Veteran, Vietnam Veteran, Persian Gulf Veteran, or Gold Star Family license
plate." -- Ronald Han, Director State Office of Veterans' Services
Idaho Recently, Idaho passed legislation to make
it easier for Veterans, military members and their families to get occupational
licenses. Under the Occupational Licensing Reform Act Chapter 94, Title 67,
Idaho Code, those benefits may include expedited processing of license
applications and credit for military training that is relevant to the
occupational license/registration being applied for. This is a significant
reduction in regulatory hurdles and will meaningfully impact Veterans, military
members and their families as more become aware of this benefit." -- Marv
Hagedorn, Idaho Division of Veterans Services chief administrator
Illinois "Illinois' newest benefit is the Veteran
designation for Illinois state driver's licenses. This has quickly become our
most popular benefit in terms of the number of Veterans who have obtained it.
Our most popular monetary benefit is the Illinois Veterans Grant/Illinois
National Guard Grant." -- Linda Chapa LaVia, director of the Illinois
Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Indiana Indiana has several property tax deductions. Indiana
has $14,000 deduction for Veterans that served during peace time or the
surviving spouse of a service member that was killed in action or died during
active duty. The Veteran must be totally disabled or must be 62 years old with
a 10% service-connected disability rating. There is an assessed value limit of
$200,000. There's a $24,960 deduction for wartime Veterans with at least a 10%
service-connected disability rating. There is no assessed value limit for this
benefit. A Veteran who served during a period of war and is at least 62 years
old with a 10% service-connected disability rating OR has a permanent and total
service-connected disability rating at any age AND whose home's assessed value
is $200,000 or less, can receive both property tax deductions for a total of
$38,960.
Iowa "We receive the least applications for
the Brandstead-Reynolds Scholarship Program, which provides post-secondary
educational scholarships for children of deceased military service members who
died on active duty after Sept. 11, 2001; and our War Orphan Tuition Assistance
Program." -- Karl J. Lettow, public information
Kansas "One of the best kept secrets for Kansas
Veterans is internment opportunities at our four beautiful Veterans cemeteries
strategically located throughout the state. These facilities provide burial
options for the Veteran and their eligible dependents." -- Heidi Goff,
state Veteran cemeteries manager
Kentucky "We are justly proud of our free
benefits counseling by our VA-accredited expert benefits representatives
stationed throughout the state. But because many Veterans never seek state or
federal benefits, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs currently represents
only 13% of Kentucky Veterans. We are making sustained outreach efforts through
the Call Us First promotion and attending Veteran events and meetings
throughout the state." -- Donna Scrivener, Benefits Branch manager.
Louisiana "Our most underused state benefit is
our Military Family Assistance Fund. This benefit can provide financial support
to Louisiana Veterans and their families when they experience financial
hardships. The MFA can pay up to $10,000 for one claim per active-duty order in
a 12-month period. Applicants must submit a completed application to Louisiana
Department of Veterans Affairs and include all required supporting
documentation, as certain criteria applies. The MFA is funded 100% by private
donations from individuals and corporations." -- Joey Strickland,
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
Maine "The most underused benefit that is
offered by the State of Maine is the Veterans Dependent Education Benefit.
While this specific benefit is only offered to those Veterans who have received
a 100% Permanent and Total Disability rating from the State of Maine, many
Veterans who qualify do not utilize the benefit. The dependents and spouses of
qualifying Veterans are provided a 100% waiver of tuition and all mandatory
fees for spouses and dependents of Veterans at all University of Maine System
Schools, Maine Community Colleges, and Maine Maritime Academy." -- David
Richmond, director, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services
Maryland "The Hire Our Veterans Act of 2017
created the Hire Our Veterans Tax Credit Program for employers. This
underutilized program enables Maryland employers who qualify to receive an
income tax credit equal to 30% of up to the first $6,000 of wages paid to a
qualified Veteran employee during the first year of employment." -- George
Owings, secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
Massachusetts Massachusetts officials did not submit information.
Michigan "The most underused state benefit in
Michigan is the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant. This grant provides
undergraduate tuition assistance to students ages 17-25 who are the natural or
adopted child of a Michigan Veteran. The Veteran must have died or have become
totally and permanently disabled as a result of military service. The families
of our Veterans are just as important to us as our Veterans, which is why we
want to ensure that they take advantage of all of their benefits." --
Zaneta Adams, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency director
Minnesota "Our most underused benefits are the
three State Veterans Cemeteries and the Minnesota GI Bill, especially for
licensing and certifications." -- Larry Herke, commissioner of the
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Mississippi "When it comes to the most underused
state benefit, look no further than the Mississippi Veterans Home Purchase
Board. They provide low-interest mortgage loans in amounts up to $250,000 for
eligible Veterans and unmarried surviving spouses to purchase an existing home
or to construct a new one." -- Stacey Pickering, executive director of
Mississippi Veterans Affairs
Missouri "With a philosophy of honoring our
Veterans for their service and sacrifice, the Missouri Veterans Commission has
created a network of Veterans cemeteries so that every Missouri Veteran will
have reasonable access to a Veterans cemetery. There are five cemeteries in
operation at this time; Springfield, Higginsville, Jacksonville, Bloomfield and
Fort Leonard Wood." -- Ryon Richmond, acting executive director, Missouri
Veterans Commission
Montana "One of Montana's most underused state
benefits is the free pass to access State Parks along with a free hunting and
fishing license for disabled Veterans." -- Kelly Ackerman, administrator,
Montana Veterans Affairs Division
Nebraska "The most underused state benefit is the
Reservist Tuition Credit. Nebraska residents who are enlisted members of the
Nebraska--based unit of the Active Selected Reserve may be eligible for a 50%
tuition credit to the University of Nebraska campuses, state colleges and
community colleges." -- John Hilgert, Nebraska Department of Veterans
Affairs director
Nevada "Nevada provides Veterans preference
for those who identify as a Veteran owned business. When completing the form
from the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), simply indicate
Veteran-Owned Small Business (SB) (VOSB), Service-Disabled VOSB (SDVOSB),
Veteran-Owned (VO), or Service-Disabled VO." -- Julie Dudley, communications
director
New Hampshire "New Hampshire's most underused benefit
is the New Division of Veteran Services. Far too often the Veterans in New
Hampshire do not know that the office exists and that it exists to assist them
with their claims with the VA." -- William Gaudreau, director, New
Hampshire Division of Veteran Services
New Jersey "The most underused state benefit is
the New Jersey Catastrophic Entitlement. Eligible Veterans/surviving spouses
receive a monthly entitlement of $62.50. A Veteran must be a New Jersey
resident in receipt of a permanent service-connected disability rating from the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that resulted from wartime service
resulting in one of the following catastrophic disabilities: loss of sight;
amputation of both hands, both feet or one hand and one foot; hemiplegia and
permanent paralysis of one leg and one arm on either side of the body;
paraplegia and permanent paralysis of both legs and lower parts of the body;
osteochondritis and permanent loss of use of both legs; multiple sclerosis and
the loss of use of both feet or both legs; quadriplegia." -- Patricia A.
Richter, acting director, Division of Veterans Services
New Mexico The most underused state benefit by Veterans
in New Mexico is the Free State Parks, Monuments, and Museums Pass for Disabled
Veterans. This benefit provides any Veteran rated 50% or higher
service-connected disabled with free admission to any state monument or museum.
Last year, the agency processed 1,080 applications for this benefit.
New York "New York's most underused state
benefit is the Access to Home for Heroes run by Homes and Community Renewal.
This program provides financial assistance to make dwelling units accessible
for low- and moderate-income Veterans living with a disability." -- Joel
Evans, executive deputy director, New York State Division of Veterans' Services
North Carolina "The most underused North Carolina
state benefit is property tax relief for adaptative automobiles." -- Martin
Falls, chief deputy secretary for the North Carolina Department of Military and
Veteran Affairs
North Dakota "The most underused state benefit is
the loan program [of the] North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs." --
Lonnie Wangen, commissioner The Veterans Aid Fund is a permanent fund to be
used solely for the purpose of making loans to Veterans or their
widow/widowers. Learn more on the North Dakota veteran website.
Ohio "The Ohio National Guard offers tuition
assistance at over 150 Ohio colleges and universities for Veterans who serve in
an enlisted drilling status with the Guard -- up to four semesters of full time
tuition for a three-year commitment, and up to eight semesters for a six-year
commitment." -- Sean McCarthy, assistant director, Department of Veterans
Services
Oklahoma Oklahoma veteran officials did not submit
information.
Oregon "Oregon has been offering a state home
loan to Veterans since 1945. Not only are Veterans eligible for considerably
lower than market interest rates, borrowers can use their home loan benefit up
to four times over their lifetime. ODVA services all Veteran home loans, so
loans closed under this program will never be transferred. Oregon is one of
only five states that offers a Veteran home loan benefit that is separate and
distinct from the federal VA Home Loan Guaranty." -- Cody Cox, Oregon
Veteran Home Loan manager
Pennsylvania "A lesser-known but very valuable
benefit offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
is the Blind Veterans Pension. This program, which only has about 100 enrolled
Veterans, provides eligible blind Veterans a pension of $150 per month. Our
goal is to continue to identify and enroll every eligible Veteran who deserves
this benefit because of their service and sacrifice." -- Joel H.
Mutschler, director of the Bureau of Veterans Programs, Initiatives,
Reintegration, and Outreach
Rhode Island "The most underused state benefit is
eligible active duty military and Veterans receive in-state tuition rates at
University of Rhode Island, Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island
College immediately upon establishing residence in Rhode Island." -- Kasim
Yarn, director, Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services
South Carolina South Carolina provides a tuition waiver for
qualified children of certain military Veterans applying to or enrolled in a
South Carolina state supported college, university or post high school
technical education school; or acceptance into a dual enrollment/early college
credit program prior to graduating high school. Qualifying Veterans and
students must meet certain residency requirements. "There is a lot of
confusion surrounding this particular benefit on the Federal and State level.
We aim to provide education and support for our Veterans and tuition assistance
for their children, to help families understand what is offered to them,
specifically here in South Carolina." -- Stanley Foreman, director of
Administration for the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs.
South Dakota The most underused state benefit in South
Dakota is education benefits. South Dakota support the success of Veterans,
current military members and their families. They work to secure both state and
federal educational benefits. "Now,
more than ever, we need to keep our sleeves rolled up and work collectively to
ensure our Veterans have a successful journey as they transition into civilian
life." -- Greg Whitlock, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of
Veterans Affairs. Whitlock encourages Veterans to contact their local county or
tribal Veterans service officers or the South Dakota Department of Veterans
Affairs office (605-773-3269) to learn more about their benefits.
Tennessee "United States military training is
rigorous and provides world class instruction, and it is only appropriate that
our colleges recognize this training and provide a head start on attaining a
college credential. The TN-SOP tool will provide transparent information to
service members and Veterans, continuing our efforts to be the most Veteran
friendly higher education system in the nation." -- Tennessee Higher
Education Commission Executive Director Mike Krause
Texas "More and more of
those transitioning out of the military are seeking careers in established
companies. For those who don't, those wanting to start their own business, we'd
like them to know about our entrepreneur program. We can help develop business
plan, organize financing and more." -- Kevin Barber, commissioner of the
Texas Veterans Commission.
Utah "The ACE Program is designed to assist
Utah Veterans, actively drilling members of the Guard and Reserve and their
respective spouses, overcome barriers to employment or better employment by
assisting them in attaining certificates and licenses using their military
training and experience or by assisting with short-term training. The ACE
Program is intended to provide an avenue for eligible participants to gain
employment in the civilian job market by capitalizing on their past experience,
training and knowledge or by assisting them with short-term training that leads
to a certificate or license." -- Gary Harter, executive director of Utah's
Department of Veterans and Military Affairs
Vermont "The most underused state benefit is free
daily passes to Vermont State Parks. Apply through your local town clerk."
-- Robert E. Burke, director, Office of Veterans Affairs
Virginia "The Virginia Transition Assistance
Program (VTAP) is the most underused state benefit. VTAP offers transitioning
service members and their spouses the best Virginia has to offer. By providing
peer-to-peer support through the transition process, VTAP works alongside the
transitioning service member or spouse to make referrals that address their
specific needs. The referral services could include, but are not limited to
resume review, introduction to the Virginia Labor Market, connection with
Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified companies for employment, and other
VDVS programs. VTAP serves those seeking employment and/or entrepreneurship
opportunities in Virginia or enrollment in one of Virginia's GI Bill approved
institutions." -- Annie Walker, deputy commissioner for Virginia
Department of Veterans Services
Washington "Washington Department of Veterans
Affairs Olympia Call Center, which helps the user understand the state and
federal benefits, connects Veterans to their earned disability
compensation/pension and health care, and makes referrals to other local
services." -- Liza Narciso, assistant to the director, Washington
Department of Veterans Affairs
West Virginia "The Jack Bennett Fund will pay up to
$380 to cover the cost of installing grave markers for Veteran families unable
to have the marker installed." -- Cabinet Secretary Dennis Davis
Wisconsin "The WDVA recently increased access for
Veterans to our Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant program, which provides
subsistence payments and other health grants to low income Veterans in need of
emergency financial aid. Recently Wisconsin suspended several provisions of the
program that would prevent or delay payments to Veterans who have experienced a
loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving us the flexibility to help
as many Veterans as possible during this challenging time." -- Donald
Placidi Jr., Division of Veterans Benefits administrator, Wisconsin Department
of Veterans Affairs
Wyoming "The most underused
state benefit is the honorary high school diploma. We haven't had a request in
over three years." -- Tim Sheppard, executive director, Wyoming Veterans
Commission The following individuals who have attended a Wyoming high school,
entered military service on the dates specified below prior to completing necessary
high school graduation requirements and who did not receive a high school
diploma, may apply to the state superintendent of public instruction for an
honorary high school diploma: An honorably discharged Veteran of World War II
who served in the U.S. military between Dec. 8, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945; An
honorably discharged Veteran of the Korean War, who served in the U.S. military
between June 27, 1950, and July 28, 1953; An honorably discharged veteran of
the Vietnam War, who served in the U.S. military between Feb. 28, 1961, and
Aug. 15, 1973.
^ Veterans should use all Local,
State and Federal Benefits that they are qualified for. More needs to be done
to make the different programs known to the Veteran-Community. ^
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