Did you know that state agencies devoted strictly to Veterans’ affairs work to provide critical benefits and services to those who have served?
Those agencies belong to the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA), which represents all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. NASDVA is the second-largest provider of services to Veterans, contributing more than $8 billion annually in benefits to Veterans and their families.
`The bonds of honorable service’
State directors as leaders of government agencies are tasked by their governors, state boards and-or commissions to address Veterans’ needs regardless of age, gender, era of service, military branch or circumstance of service.
“We’re connected by the bonds of honorable service, and we’re united by our common goal to make a positive difference in the lives of all Veterans,” NASDVA Senior Vice President Wanda Wright told VA’s Veterans Experience Office.
NASDVA was established in 1946. In the aftermath of World War II, many Veterans earned state and federal benefits that required coordinated efforts to ensure receipt of these entitlements. Thus, states developed a department or agency specifically to manage Veterans’ affairs and carry out the responsibility for Veteran services and programming.
“NASDVA has been around a long time, and it helped establish after World War II many of the Veteran benefits that we have today,” said Wright, a decorated Air Force Veteran. “Our role continues to expand as we go forward [and] as VA continues to expand with all this new legislation coming forth.”
Each of NASDVA’s state agencies do it differently
Wright, the director of the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services, notes that the type of programs and services NASDVA agencies offer depends mainly on laws passed by their respective state legislatures. Arizona, for instance, has the Veteran Tool Kit Program, which provides up to $750 in financial aid to unemployed Veterans to buy supplies needed to start work in any industry. The aid may be used for tools, uniforms, car repair or other items.
“So if they’re missing things to begin that first day at work, we can provide them bus passes, uniforms, that first nice outfit for their work,” Wright said. “They can show up at work feeling confident and secure that they’re in the right place with the right tools to get that job going.”
Arizona also runs the Be Connected program. The social service initiative offers thousands of resources for Veterans, service members and their families and caregivers to find help for everything from suicide prevention and substance abuse treatment, all the way to securing a place to keep their pet while undergoing medical assistance.
Veterans can find their state agencies for Veteran affairs and learn about their services and benefits by going to the NASDVA website. Those interested can also Google the state Veteran affairs office in their respective state.
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I have not received any help in any of these programs.
How does Utah help 100% disabled Vietnam Veterans who live in St. George, Utah?
Montana doesn’t do a damn thing for its veterans, thanks to Sen. Jon Tester
LOL, Tester just delivered the historically largest expansion of VA benefits for Veterans last week… oops.
Also, Tester isn’t in the Montana senate, he’s a U.S. Senator from Montana. This post is about non-federal state benefits, not federal benefits from VA.
Here, I did your searching for you: https://dma.mt.gov/MVAD/index
@Lawlduh, good on ya’, you remind me of me, so thank you for your thoughtfulness in assisting @RonaldHPearson; if folks genuinely want assistance a little effort goes a long way. In fact, if someone has the where-with-all to be on here and leave a comment, they can just as easily click on a few links to get the info they need.
What’s in New Hampshire?
What benefits does Ohio offer?
Where is the VA office in Albuquerque, NM,?
Check this site in order to find out everything you need to know for the state of NM Vets benefits; https://www.nmdvs.org/state-veteran-benefits/
I am trying to find resources to help submit a new claim for my back since the condition has worsened severely. I have been diagnosed with scoliosis which could have developed from degenerative disc disease. Also is it possible to file for SSA benefits early at 90% disability?
@JonathanMcNeely, every state has a State Veterans agency (have no idea which one you are in). A suggestion would be to contact your local city/county government and they can put you in contact with a veteran’s organization to help you get the ball rolling. As for the SSA benefits, their disability benefits are handled different than VA disability, but if you shoot me an email (wordofthewatchman@gmail.com) I may be able to help you out with that…I can at least try!
What is the VA doing for the Vets who was station at Camp Lejune. I was station there from Dec. 1973 to July 1974 and had cancer surgery in 2016.
Try this link to get the info you are looking for https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/; failing that, pretty much an law office should be able to provide you with a consult to check into your individual situation, but check the above site first;
Where can I find a Divorce Lawyer? I’ve been called stupid and told to shut up for years.
I have been trying to be compensated for my sign on bonus for 1979. I have written a couple of letters and requested an VSO, but no seems to know the answer. Also, I requested to be released from my duty early due to hardship and am not eligible for a home loan. Can you help me?
What is out there for Husband care givers in Colorado. Thanks Bob
Viet Nam Veterans are denied CareGivers. The cut-off date is 9/11/2001. Wrong War!!!
Kentucky does very little for its Veterans.
Thank you for making this information known to exist to fulfill very essential part of individual lives.
What can you do if you’re a veteran and you want to work but because you receive a certain amount of compensation, you will be monetarily penalized
if you work
for money. I believe, no matter what your disability or handicap and how much compensation you receive, if you can do it you should be free to work for monetary compensation while receiving VA compensation. I believe the policy should be changed.
National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA), which represents all 50 states, Washington, D.C would be a Federal and not state agency wouldn’t it?
[Editor: No. While state representatives can assist you with filing for VA’s federal benefits, the association is just a heading for non-federal state agencies administering non-federal benefits.]
Years ago, during my ongoing struggle to reassimilate into life back home having served 3 years in Nam, I ended up in Martin County, Florida living with an uncle and sister until I could get rooted.
The Martin County Veterans Service Officer, Mr. Tony Reese, now retired, was instrumental and tireless in his efforts to assist veterans with various needs.
He should have a plaque in his honor hanging on every entry way to every VSO office as inspiration to those following in his footsteps and as a testament to how a veterans service officer should perform.
Very Good…! ??
I edit a monthly benefit column and regularly hear that states offer a variety of services.
But I do not see state-by-state links that divulge those specific benefits.
I provide 10 new benefits each month. I would love to add state-specific benefits.
[Editor: Each state is different. Simply Google “(your state) veterans benefits.” That’ll bring up that state’s specific name and webpage.]
Looking for number to St Louis VA office to get started with a doctor. Koch location won’t let us on without appt but can’t get number ti make one.
http://www.stlouis.va.gov/
John Cochran VA Medical Center by the Fox Theater downtown
What benefits do the state of Texas provide???
https://vaclaimsinsider.com/veteran-benefits-in-texas/
[Editor: Officially, the Texas Veterans Commission info, here: https://www.tvc.texas.gov/ ]
What are the other two?
Texas is one of the top three veteran friendly states. Here is a very short list of benefits:
1) Texas Veteran Property Tax Exemption Calculator
VA Disability Rating Texas Property Tax Exemption Amount
10% to 29% $5,000 from the property’s value
30% to 49% $7,500 from the property’s value
50% to 69% $10,000 from the property’s value
70% to 90% $12,000 from the property’s value
100% scheduler, 100% P&T, or 100% TDIU Tax exempt with no limits
2) Texas Veterans Land Loan Program
3) Texas veterans do not pay income tax
4) Hazlewood Act for Texas Veterans
5) Veteran Homes in Texas
6) Free Driver’s License, hunting and fishing license and concealed carry license for Texas Disabled Veterans
7) Disabled Veterans passport allows free entry to Texas state parks
8) The Folds of Honor Foundation has two types of scholarship programs for Texas Disabled Veterans
9) Freedom Hunters offers Texas Disabled Veterans outdoor adventures and hunting
10) The Gratitude Initiative provides Disabled Veterans in Texas with educational support and college scholarships to the children and families