Allen County Veterans Service Commission

Every Ohio county has a veterans service commission under Revised Code chapter 5901; see the Ohio entry. Allen County's: "All services provided by the Allen County Veterans Service Commission are free of charge." Claims. "Our Veterans Service Officers can help you complete applications and gather information for benefits administered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We can help with: Compensation and pension; Medical benefits; Education benefits; Home loan certificates; Other VA benefit questions." Emergency financial assistance. "Temporary emergency financial assistance may be available for eligible veterans, family members and surviving spouses. This assistance is designed to help prevent undue hardship while other federal, state or local benefits are being pursued. Emergency assistance may help with basic needs such as: Rent or shelter; Utilities; Food; Gas Cards; Vouchers from MercyHealth Thrift Store. Eligibility requirements apply." Its checklist for Emergency Relief Assistance asks for a "DD 214 showing honorable service", 30 days of household income and bank transactions, current utility bills, the lease and landlord's name, other monthly bills, and marriage and children's birth certificates where they apply. Section 5901.01 defines the veteran for this help as one discharged under honorable conditions, so a general discharge also qualifies; ask the commission if your DD 214 is not honorable. Transportation. "Transportation may be available for eligible Allen County veterans traveling to VA-directed medical appointments, including VA medical centers, VA clinics and VA-authorized Community Care appointments. Limited transportation may also be available for non-VA medical appointments within Allen County." Call 419-223-8522, option 1, at least 24 hours ahead for Dayton and 48 hours for local rides; bring proof of veteran status and Allen County residence and complete the registration and liability waiver forms. No personal errands or shopping. The commission's transportation building is at 201 East North Street, and in 2026 the county renovated a garage for the commission's vans. Who. Executive director Tamara Wilson; service officers Will Thompson (lead), Robert Shattuck and Justin Harbison; a board of five from the American Legion, AMVETS, the DAV, the VFW and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The site still gives the old courthouse address (301 North Main Street, P.O. Box 1243) on its About and Contact pages; the commission was moving into the Government Center in September 2026. Email [email protected]; fax 419-223-8535.