OHIO’S COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICES

1. OHIO’SCOUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICES PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, AND THEIR FAMILIES

2. We will discuss: What are County Veterans Service Offices? How do you find your County Veterans Service Office? How can we help: • prior to deployment? • during deployment? • after deployment?

3. What are County Veterans Service Offices? WE ARE NOT THE VA!! Veterans Service Offices are COUNTYagencies. There is a Veterans Service Office in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. County Veterans Service Officers are available to assist veterans, active duty service members, and their families.

4. The Veterans Service Office is a “one stop” office which can assist with: • emergency financial assistance; • referrals to other agencies; • and in applying for veteran’s benefits from federal (VA), state, and local government. Most offices are staffed entirely by veterans.

5. How do you find your County Veterans Service Office? The phone numbers, addresses, and websites for all 88 County Veterans Service Offices can be found at the Ohio Department of Veterans Services website: www.dvs.oh.gov or by calling: 1-877-OHIO VET (1-877-644-6838)

6. Prior to deployment: • Find your County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) and ensure your family members know the number and the services which are available. • Family members should have a copy of your Title 10 orders; dependent ID cards; any DD 214s for previous active duty periods; and other documents such as birth certificates, etc.

7. Prior to deployment (cont): • If you are currently receiving any VA benefits, the VA must be notified to avoid an overpayment. Your CVSO can assist you with this.

8. During deployment: • Emergency Financial Assistance: Each County Veterans Service Office provides emergency financial assistance for veterans, active duty service members and their dependents. The assistance is temporary and intended for unexpected hardships. Typical assistance includes funds for housing, food, and utilities.

9. Minimum Eligibility Requirements: • Must currently be on active duty under Federal activation (Title 10 orders) or have prior honorable active duty for purposes other than training (DD 214) • Minimum of 90 days of residency in county • A definite financial need must be demonstrated

10. Each of the 88 counties operates its own program under Title 59 of the Ohio Revised Code. Assistance and procedures differ by county. Contact the CVSO in your county of residence for specific guidelines and information. Title 59 - Ohio Revised Code

11. During deployment: • CVSOs can also help family members by providing referrals to other agencies in the community.

12. During deployment: • We suggest service members keep a journal during deployment. • Get copies of your service medical records for any injuries, etc. These items will be helpful if it is necessary to file a VA disability claim later.

13. After deployment: County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO) can help with obtaining the following and other benefits: • Federal (VA) Benefits: • State of Ohio benefits: Ohio War Bonus and MIRF (Military Injury Relief Fund)

14. The CVSO will complete all necessary forms and applications to apply for benefits and act as your advocate during the entire process. They also understand the unique problems which are sometimes encountered by veterans. You are able to talk face to face with a CVSO rather than blindly filling out forms and waiting for an answer or talking to someone on an 800 telephone number. All services are provided free of charge.

15. The Ohio State Association of County Veterans Service Officers looks forward to helping you and your families before, during, and after your deployment.

16. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!