Preble County Veterans Service Commission: Claims, Emergency Financial Assistance and Fixed Income Support

The commission. "The Preble County Veterans Service Commission is a county agency dedicated to serving Preble County Veterans. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The agency provides these services: Assistance filing for VA benefits and understanding eligibility for various programs; Emergency financial assistance to eligible Veterans and family members who have a demonstrated need; Medical transportation to any VA or VA approved medical appointments." Its five commissioners, appointed by the Common Pleas judge for five-year terms: Robert (Bob) Beneke, President (AMVETS); Rick Cummings, Vice President (VVA); Ron Garnett, Secretary (DAV); Randy Hembree (American Legion); and Victor Garcia (VFW). Claims. Benefits counselor Sarah Bowman (with the office since July 2018, accredited with NACVSO and DAV) meets veterans and spouses by appointment on VA disability, pension, bonus awards and dependents' benefits, prepares and submits claims, and files to obtain discharge papers (DD214); Tina Summers is the financial clerk. Emergency Financial Assistance. "It is the policy of the Preble County VSC to provide timely emergency financial assistance to any person entitled to it, providing they meet all eligibility requirements, under ORC 5901 and the provisions set forth in the Preble County VSC Emergency Financial Assistance Program. Emergency Financial Assistance is a short-term temporary program to assist Veterans and their dependents on an emergency basis. Financial Assistance is not a pension, income supplement or an automatic entitlement program." An "emergency" "arose unexpectedly", "created an immediate financial shortfall" and "was not the result of the applicant's own misconduct or poor financial planning". Fixed Income Support Assistance. "This program is established to assist Veterans who are on a fixed income, usually like Social Security and there is no likelihood they could gain employment that places them above eligibility. Veterans on this program will be assisted with their necessities of life (food, utility, and shelter) without having to constantly apply. This program is for Veteran only. Recertification is every 6 months." Where. Preble County Veterans Services, 1322 N. Barron St., Eaton, Ohio 45320; telephone 937-456-6111, fax 937-456-1019; [email protected]. The commission's own limits and income test are not printed on its pages; the application and W-9 are.