The History of the Veterans' Service Commission
In May 1886, after the Civil War was over and reconstruction was well along, the Ohio Legislatures enacted 83 Ohio Law 232. This law provided for a Soldier's Relief Commission of three members to be appointed for each of the 88 counties in the state. The state legislature has seen a need to repay the debt owed Ohio's Civil War veterans along with concerns for their families formulated this set of laws to provide financial assistance for Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and their dependents or survivors.
The Soldier's Relief Commission functioned for nearly sixty years, providing for the needs of Ohio veterans, with little change. Each Soldier's Relief Commission, acting as a separate entity.
The Veterans' Service Commission
To oversee the operation of the Veterans' Service Office; to provide temporary financial assistance to veterans, spouses, dependent children and surviving spouses.
Eligibility to Receive Financial Assistance -
Each applicant for financial assistance under sections 5901.02 through 5901.15 of the Revised Code shall be a veteran, an active-duty member of the armed forces of the United States, or the spouse, surviving spouse, dependent parent, minor child, or ward of a veteran or active-duty member of the armed forces of the United State, who has been a bona fide resident of the county in which application is being made for at least 90 days.
The VSC meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 4:00 p.m. The meeting location is 470 Center Street, Building 8-A, Chardon, Ohio.
Assistance We Provide:
Temporary Financial Assistance -
Emergency funds for food, housing and utilities may be provided to veterans and/or their dependents. Applications for financial assistance are taken by appointments on Tuesday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more information contact the Veterans' Service Office.
VA Benefits -
There are two very well trained and accredited Veteran Service Officers who will assist the veteran and his or her dependent in filing for the following VA benefits: service-connected compensation, non-service connected disability pension, survivor's pension, death and burial benefits, VA health care enrollment, headstones, education, home loan guarantee certificates, vocational rehabilitation, upgrading or correcting DD 214's.
Transportation to VA Medical Facilities -
The Veterans' Service Office has the capabilities of transporting veterans that are without means to and from their VA appointments. You must schedule all trips two weeks in advance and you must NOT have to depend on others to help you in and out of the county vehicle.
Flags and Grave Markers
Each cemetery handles the placement of the flags and markers independently, but the Veterans' Service Office is happy to provide a flag and marker to family members who wish to mark the grave themselves.
Documents Needed:
Financial Assistance -
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DD214 / Discharge |
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Proof of all household income (everyone who lives in your home) |
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Current ORIGINAL monthly bills |
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Marriage certificate / divorce decree |
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Birth certificate / Social Security cards |
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Lease agreement / landlord statement |
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Proof of application from Jobs and Family Services and United Way |
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Prior year W-2s |
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