Agenda - 05-16-2006-7a - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 16, 2006 Action Agenda Item No. °7-0. SUBJECT: Update on Veteran Services DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y!N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Lois Harvin-Ravin, 245-2890 Nancy Coston, 245-2802 PURPOSE: To provide a presentation on the services provided though the Veteran's Services Program at the Department of Social Services, BACKGROUND: The North Carolina Veterans Service Program is administered through the Orange County Department of Social Services, The North Carolina Veterans Program began as a result of the large numbers of veterans returning home after World War II with claims against the Federal Government. These veterans had limited assistance in filing claims and needed assistance in obtaining benefits. The County Veterans Oftcers assist veterans and their families with the presentation, processing, proof and establishment of claims, and receiving benefits they are entitled to under law. County Veterans Officers are in most of the 100 counties in North Carolina. The Orange County Veterans Officer assists local veterans in accessing various programs available to them. The office works with veterans and eligible dependents to obtain compensation and pension benefits, health, education, burial, insurance and other applicable benefits based on the veteran's status. There is no cost to veterans and their dependents for these services, Services are provided on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 118 N. Churton Street (Graham Building) in Hillsborough and on Tuesday at the Skills Development/Jobl.ink Center in Chapel Hill. Orange County has approximately 8,500 veterans receiving services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a total expenditure from the federal government of $14,000,000 (includes compensation, education, insurance, and medical) The County Veterans Officer makes referrals to the Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, Social Services, and other agencies as appropriate, The Veterans Service Officer helps identify these resources and helps veterans to complete the necessary paperwork to receive benefits, Documentation for claims from the U,S, Department of Veterans Affairs is forwarded to the District Office in Durham and then to the State Service Office in Winston- Salem. The State Service Office presents all claims and supporting evidence to the U,S, Department of Veterans Affairs and serves as the veterans advocate.