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1 Jan—31 Mar 2016

Volume 2, Issue 1

DELAWARE COUNTY

VETERAN SERVICES

2016 NEWSLETTER

2015 in Review

2016 seems to have jumped on us very quickly,

but somehow we kept pace. However, we would

be remiss if we didn’t look back at 2015 and

touch on the various accomplishments that oc-

curred within the Delaware County Veteran Ser-

vices Agency.

First, as the new Director, I had to quickly adapt

to the needs of veterans in Delaware County and

understand their priorities. Luckily, I was able

to utilize Donna’s skills and corporate

knowledge in getting me up to speed so that my

learning curve was minimal. Second, together Donna

and I developed new and improved programs that

were instrumental in meeting our veterans needs:

Hired full-time driver to provide better services.

Based on veterans inputs, bought a new bus for

July of 2016.

Initiated outreach presentations.

Developed a Veteran Services Brochure.

Instituted businesses involvement in FAVOR Pro-

gram, currently have 14 businesses and counting.

Established coordinating lines of communication

for NY Connects, Suicide Prevention, and OfA.

Continued next page

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

2015 in review ....................... 1-2

Voc Rehab & Employment ... 2-3

Education Benefits ............... 3-5

Tax Exemptions .................... 6

Service-Connected ............... 7

Small Business Info .............. 7

Trivia ..................................... 8

From us ................................. 9

DATES OF INTEREST

New Years Day—1 Jan 2016

MLK Birthday—18 Jan

Groundhog Day—2 Feb

Presidents Day 15 Feb

St Patrick’s Day—17 Mar

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FOR VETERANS

You may receive Vocational Rehabilitation and Em-

ployment (VR&E) services to help with job training,

employment accommodations, resume development,

and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may

be provided to assist Veterans in starting their own

businesses or independent living services for those

who are severely disabled and unable to work in tra-

ditional employment.

Interested in finding out more? Are you eligible?

Veterans are eligible if they:

Have received a discharge that is other than dis-honorable.

Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from VA.

Apply for VR & E services.

Continued on next page

Initiated inaugural computer claims program to access needed records.

Established first ever Facebook page to more readily connect to our veterans.

Reinvigorated the Honor Flight program and accommodated special circum-

stances, where needed.

Completed nearly 400 compensation claims for veterans.

Reduced our operating budget for 2016, thus maintaining fiscal responsibility

for our office without reducing services.

Drastically cut processing times for initial claims from 12-18 months to approxi-

mately 6 months.

Donna single-handedly completed 104 veterans property tax exemptions for

qualifying individuals.

Assisted in advertising involvement in patriotic ceremonies and events within

the local Delaware County Area.

Whew! That was a great year, but we’re not done yet. We have more improve-

ments and programs on the way for 2016. Keep your eye out in upcoming newslet-

ters, articles, radio reports, and in-person discussions. We never stop improving!

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BASIC PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY

The basic period of eligibility ends 12 years from the date of notification of one of the following:

Date of separation from active military service.

Date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ELIGIBILITY IS ESTABLISHED?

The Veteran is scheduled to meet with a Veteran Rehabilitation Counselor for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if he/she is entitled for services. A comprehensive evaluation includes:

An assessment of the Veteran's interests, aptitudes, and abilities.

An assessment of whether service connected disabilities impair the Veteran's ability to find and/or hold a job using the occupational skills he or she has already developed.

Vocational exploration and goal development leading to employment and / or maximum in-

dependence at home and in the Veteran's community.

If interested in exploring these options please contact our agency so we can get you

in contact with a Veteran Rehab Counselor...nothing ventured, nothing gained.

To learn more go to: http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab

Post 9/11 GI Bill – Chapter 33

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a benefit for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honora-ble discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Pays tuition and fees up to 36 months.

Pays an annual book stipend.

Pays E5 BAH w/dep rate.

Benefits payable for up to 15 years after separation. US Department of Veteran's Affairs -- Chapter 33 Info. Sign up with VA Form 22-1990 on VONAPP

Continued next page

VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS

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Continued on next page

Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty - Chapter 30

The Montgomery GI Bill is a benefit for individuals who contributed $1200 to the basic program while on Active Duty. All individuals who were separated or retired with an honorable discharge or were separated under the Volun-tary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) are eligible.

Pays $1564/month for full time student veteran.

If you paid into the Army College Fund or $600 kicker, you will receive additional money.

Benefits available for up to 10 years after separation from active duty. US Department of Veteran's Affairs -- Chapter 30 Info. Sign up with VA Form 22-1990 on VONAPP

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) - Chapter 35

DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, who are anticipated to be released from a military hospital with 100% disability or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits.

Is 100% permanent and total disabled due to a service-connected disability.

Is on active duty and missing for more than 90 days.

Is missing in action or was captured in the line of duty.

Has died due to a service-connected disability or incident. US Department of Veterans Affairs -- Chapter 35 Info Sign up with VA Form 22-5490 on VONAPP

Spouse or dependent child of a veteran who:

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Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)

VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to Veterans who:

Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old

Are unemployed on the date of application

Received an other than dishonorable discharge

Are not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)

Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability

Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program

Participants must attend full-time in order to receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the monthly full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program ($1,564 effective October 1, 2012). DOL will offer employment assistance to every Veteran who participates upon completion of the program.

Participants must be enrolled in a VA approved program at CTC which leads to an Associate Degree, Non-College De-gree, or a Certificate, and train the Veteran for a high demand occupation.

US Department of Veterans Affairs -- VRAP Info Sign up with Form 22-1990R on VONAPP

Transferring Chapter 33 Benefits to your Dependents

There is a provision under Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill that enables eligible service members to transfer their eli-gibility to their dependents, but there are very strict requirements to do so (including an incurred service obliga-tion if the service member has served less than 10 years). To manage these transferred benefits, please see the DoD MilConnect site.

Eligible dependents include:

Spouse: Not eligible for BAH while member is on Active Duty unless spouse is also an entitled veteran.

Child: Eligible only after member has served at least 10 years. They will receive BAH and the Books stipend.

Children of service members who died in the line of duty are eligible for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, which entitles full Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to each eligible child.

For more information about the process see Transfer of Benefits. Eligible transferees may access their benefits by creating an account and signing up with VA Form 22-1990E on VONAPP

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VETERANS TAX EXEMPTION DEADLINE NEARS

Veterans and their families are reminded that the deadline for applying for a veterans' real property tax exemp-

tion is approaching.

March 1, 2016 is the deadline for filing an application for tax exemption in most towns across New York

State. If the application misses the deadline, the tax benefit can be lost for another year, and not provide a tax

savings until the year 2017. The cut-off date may vary in some municipalities and veterans should check with

their local assessor to ensure that their application is filed timely.

Veterans’ real property tax exemption varies from community to community. The state allows municipalities

to offer a partial property tax exemption under two laws: the original statute, the so-called “eligible funds”

exemption; and the newer law, the “alternative veterans exemption”. The eligible funds exemption offers a

$7,500 reduction on assessed value of property purchased with veterans funds, such as mustering out pay, dis-

ability compensation and pension, war bonus and veterans insurance dividends.

The alternative exemption was implemented in 1984 and provides an exemption of 15-percent for wartime

service, and additional 10-percent for duty in a combat zone and an added exemption equal to half of the vet-

eran’s service-connected disability rating. The alternative exemption, if locally adopted, authorized communi-

ties to establish a dollar value cap on each of the three categories within the benefit.

Legislation extends veteran real property tax exemption benefits to expeditionary medal recipients.

Expeditionary medals are awarded by the armed forces, navy or marine corps to persons who did not serve

during a designated “period of war” or in a combat theatre or zone, but in military operations where

hostilities were present or imminent. Veterans who have received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a

Navy Expeditionary Medal, a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, or a Global War on Terrorism Expedition-

ary Medal may qualify for a 25-percent real property tax exemption on their residence under the “alternative”

veterans exemption.

Also, within Delaware County, the Towns of Walton, Middletown, Kortright, Stamford and Meredith have

adopted the new Cold War Exemption which means a person who served on active duty in the United States

armed forces, during the time period from September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991, and was discharged or

released under honorable conditions. Qualifying residential real property shall be exempt from taxation to the

extent of 15% of the assessed value of such property for active duty service, and in addition would receive 50

percent of a service-connected compensation rating.

If a Cold War veteran received an exemption under real property tax law section 458 (Eligible Funds)

or 458-a (Alternative), the Cold War veteran shall not be eligible to receive the exemption under this

local law.

If you are currently receiving a veterans’ real property tax exemption you

are not required to re-apply.

For more information and assistance in securing tax exemption or other veterans benefits, veterans and their

families can call Delaware County Veterans Services at 607-832-5345.

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SERVICE-CONNECTED

DISABILITY

DISABILITY COMPENSATION

Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are determined by VA to be disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service. These disabilities are considered to be service connected. To be eligible for compensation, the Veteran must have been separated or discharged under conditions oth-er than dishonorable.

Monthly disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of eligible dependents. Veterans with certain severe disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation (SMC). Disability compen-sation benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax.

The payment of military retirement pay, disability severance pay and separation incentive payments, known as Special Separation Benefit (SSB) and Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI), may affect the amount of VA compensation paid to disabled Veterans. For additional details on types of disability claims and how to apply, please contact our office.

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If you are a veteran or a service-disabled veteran, there are many opportunities for you and your small business. It is important that you certify your small business as Veteran-Owned or Service Disabled Veteran-Owned so you can take advantage of the resources designed especially for you.

RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

Visit the https://www.sba.gov/content/veteran-service-disabled-veteran-owned page to learn about places to receive guidance for your business, financing your business and applying for government contracts.

In addition, visit the https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/362341 page. The SBA has 16 re-source centers around the country that provide services such as mentoring, training, business preparation and more, exclusively for veterans.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING

As a veteran, you may qualify for government contracting. Obtaining government contracts is an excellent way to grow a small business. Visit https://www.sba.gov/content/register-government-contracting to learn more about the registrations you will need and the steps to start bidding for contracts.

If you are a Service Disabled Veteran-owned business, you may be able to become a part of the Service-Disabled Vet-eran-Owned Small Business Concern program. This procurement program was set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concerns (SDVOSBC) and provides that federal contracting officers may restrict competition to SDVOSBCs and award a sole source or set-aside contract where certain criteria are met. The government-wide goal is not less than 3% of the total value of all prime contract and subcontract awards for participation by small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.

HIRING VETERANS

If you are not a veteran but are interested in expanding your staff to include veterans, there are several programs that

encourage employers to hire veterans as employees. Be sure to visit the https://www.sba.gov/content/veterans-0

page and read through the information so that you understand the process as well as the applicable laws and regula-

tions.

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FUN TRIVIA CONCERNING

VETERANS AND THE MILI-

TARY

1. What two presidents earned the rank of 5-star General (hint, it’s NOT one of these)?

2. Who is the only President to serve as an enlisted man in the military and did not go on

to become an officer?

3. Did you know that the Air Forces F-117 Fighter uses aerodynamics discovered during

research into how bumblebees fly?

4. Did you know the Coast Guard seizes 169 pounds of marijuana and 306 pounds of co-

caine worth $9,589,000.00 EVERYDAY.

5. Lastly, how many Presidents have served on active military duty?

Answers: 1. Washington and Eisenhower. 2. James Buchanan. 5. Seventeen.

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DELAWARE COUNTY VETERAN

SERVICES

1 Gallant Avenue, Suite A

Delhi, NY 13753

Phone: 607-832-5345

Fax: 607-832-6079

E-mail: vet@co.delaware.ny.us

“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” – Abraham Lincoln

Charlie Piper, Director

Heroes don’t wear capes or tights, they wear dog tags and combat boots!

“Nearby sat a veteran in a wheelchair. He was young, handsome, and athletic, though missing a leg. My daughter went to him and asked, "You're army - right?" He said, "Yes, I am." My daughter hugged him. "Thank you," she said. Tears welled in the man's eyes. "Did you get my card?" she asked. "My school sent you a card. It said, 'Thank you for saving our Earth.'" The guy just about lost it. He said, "You're welcome. Yes, we did get your card. Thank you for doing that." - Michael Sobel, son of Herbert Sobel. Michael talking about his 6 year old daughter meeting veterans.” ― Marcus Brotherton, We Who Are Alive and Remain: Untold Sto-ries from the Band of Brothers

Donna Elderkin, Assistant Director

Special thanks to all our veterans

who allow us to assist you in obtain-

ing the benefits that you truly de-

serve!

As the Delaware County Veteran

Services Agency, we feel blessed to

be a part of so many lives.

Thank you for your service, time

and commitment.

Do not hesitate to call or stop by if

you have questions or concerns.