Show #387 Airing SUnday, 5/13/07
Our veterans provided invaluable service to our country. So today we want to serve them by providing valuable information on support services and money available to veterans and their spouses or widows. Here to explain is Bob Schloendorn, executive director of the Cuyahoga County Veterans Commission.
Question: I understand there's a new program available to veterans. Tell us.
Answer: Yes. Our Mobile Meals program can provide hot meals to housebound veterans and their spouses who have financial hardship. They can receive a hot meal each day (if meals are needed on the weekend, you are given frozen meals to heat up).
Nutrition-based meals for special diets (like a diabetic diet) are available.
We've just streamlined the application process for Mobile Meals and for any of the assistance we offer. It now takes only one day to apply.
Question: What other programs might be of assistance to our veteran viewers?
Answer: There is now an assisted living benefit. Let me explain-Any veteran who served 90 days, with at least one day during wartime, is eligible for a pension once they turn 65 or if they become totally and permanently disabled. This pension is based upon their income. In the past, nursing home costs were counted against a veteran's income, allowing them to receive an increased pension. Now, assisted living also counts against their income.
Question: There's money for vets with diabetes of prostate cancer?
Answer: Veterans who served in Vietnam who develop Type II diabetes or prostate cancer are eligible for compensation. It is presumed that exposure to Agent Orange was the cause for these conditions.
Question: How can our viewers get these financial benefits?
Answer: We'll help. You need to bring us a copy of your DD214-your discharge papers. You also need proof of residence, a marriage license (if applicable) and your Social Security card. We'll help you file.
More in-depth financial information will be ascertained during the application process, if needed.
Question: Are widows of veterans eligible?
Answer: Yes. They need their spouse's discharge papers and the other documentation, but they are eligible for benefits.
Question: What about those who do not live in cuyahoga county?
Answer: Each county has its own Veterans Service Commission. If you call 1-866-915-8387, you will be routed to the correct county's organization.
Question: What's a County Veterans Commission, and how does it differ from the VA?
Answer: The VA offers long-term assistance to veterans and their widows. The County Veterans Commissions focus more on short-term, emergency assistance, such as help paying the heating bill in the winter or making a rent payment if there is an emergency need.
If you or your spouse is a veteran, there are a myriad of helpful programs. To take action, call the number that's next to learn more. My thanks to Bob Schloendorn.
