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Veterans Affairs office reports higher August visits and highlights Chapter 35 DEA education benefit
Summary
Ruth from the Jackson County Veterans Affairs office reported an increase in in-person visits and phone calls in August and briefed the board on Chapter 35 DEA benefits that can provide up to $1,500 per month to eligible dependents of veterans rated 100% permanent and total.
Ruth from the Jackson County Veterans Affairs office reported at the Sept. 16 board meeting that her office saw elevated activity in August, with 57 in-person visits, 123 phone calls and multiple emails and faxes. She said the office filed six disability claims in August, processed six intent-to-file forms, completed one supplemental claim and one higher-level review, and had 76 open claims overall.
Ruth also briefed the board on the Department of Veterans Affairs Chapter 35 DEA education benefit, which she said is paid directly to the eligible dependent of a veteran rated 100% permanent and total. "The benefit right now is $1,500 a month paid to the eligible dependent," Ruth said, adding that the benefit can cover up to roughly 36 months of education for a dependent who attends full time. She said dependents ages 18 to 26 are typically eligible and spouses may be eligible at any age if they meet the criteria.
Ruth said the office will be closed for fall county veteran service officer training but she will have her work laptop and cell phone to respond to inquiries. She encouraged residents who might be eligible to contact the Veterans Affairs office for help navigating the application process.
