HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-16-2006-7aORANGE 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.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. The County receives $2,000 from the State of North Carolina to
support the operations of the County veterans service officer.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the presentation
as information.