San Benito County Veterans Services Office (run by Monterey County)

California counties run a veterans service office under Military and Veterans Code section 970, partly paid by CalVet's subvention; see the California entry. San Benito County contracts the job to the County of Monterey: its County Administrative Office administers "contracts for fire protection and veterans services with the California Department of Forestry and Monterey County, respectively", and the 2025-26 budget carries a Veterans Services line of $176,687. What the office does. The county's page lists benefits claims assistance, "Claims advocacy for veterans, their survivors or dependents"; special outreach "to those severely disabled, social disadvantaged and senior citizen veterans whose needs would otherwise go unmet"; and survivors' claims, including casualty reporting, SBP, DIC, burial and VA death insurance. The office told the Board on November 4, 2025 that its core services are benefits counselling and claims, and that it works with high schools on the College Tuition Fee Waiver for veterans' dependants. Rides. The page also lists the Monterey County veterans' van, free rides to the VA hospital in Palo Alto and the San Jose VA clinic, booked with a volunteer coordinator at 831-647-7614. It is written for Monterey County veterans, so a San Benito veteran should ask the office whether a ride can be arranged. Where and when. Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., Suite 115, Hollister, CA 95023; 831-637-4846, fax 831-637-1609. Walk-in Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday 8 a.m. to noon for general questions only. The page still names Wes Morrill as Director of Military and Veterans Affairs; the office's November 2025 report to the Board names Jack Murphy (831-647-7613).