Carroll County Government this week announced that the County’s Veteran Services Program has submitted over 3,100 claims to assist at least 1,400 Veterans and/or their family members in obtaining more than $35 million of benefits since the inception of the program.
The Veteran Services Program, which was launched in 2013, is supported by the County and through grant funding from the Kahlert Foundation. The program provides guidance and assistance to veterans, their dependents, and surviving family members in applying for federal and state benefits.
“Over $35 million Veterans assistance is an incredibly impressive number and our Veterans Services Program proves every day why they are an award-winning program and a jewel for the County,” said Board of Commissioner President Ed Rothstein. “Our community wraps its arms around Veterans and their families like no other. This is another reason why I am proud to be a Carroll Countian.”
According to a County press release:
The $35 million includes several types of benefits awarded to Veterans and their families. Compensation claims are awarded to any Veteran for disabilities, diseases, or injuries incurred or aggravated during military service and that continue to have residual effects in the present time. When a Veteran dies from a service-connected disability, the surviving spouse is entitled to a monthly compensation award called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
Wartime Veterans who qualify for a Veterans Affairs (VA) monthly pension and lastly, surviving spouses of wartime Veterans who qualify, receive a survivor’s pension. In addition, the assistance amount also includes one-time payments associated with burial expenses obtained for a family to help with the cost of burial. The program also assisted numerous Veterans enrolling into the VA Medical Centers to obtain affordable health care.
Veterans or families of Veterans seeking assistance should contact the Veteran Services Program located within the Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities by calling 410-386-3800 or emailing carrollveterans@carrollcountymd.gov. Currently, appointments are required for in-person appointments. Even if you are unsure you may qualify, don’t hesitate to reach out!
