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Veterans services reports increased retroactive payments and state grant activity
Summary
County veteran services officer Kurt reported 2024 retroactive VA payments to Clay County veterans exceeded $1.8 million and the office used nearly $75,000 in state veteran relief grants; staff emphasized outreach to identify additional benefits for veterans and noted a pending legislative proposal to increase certain exemption thresholds.
Kurt, the county veteran service officer, briefed the board Tuesday on 2024 activity for Clay County Veterans Services, including state grant spending and federal retroactive payments secured for veterans.
Kurt said the county used $74,890 in SSAP (state veteran relief) funds in 2024 to assist veterans with home repairs, vehicles and other critical needs. He told the board the county helped obtain approximately $1.8 million in retroactive benefit payments last year and that about 1,558 Clay County survivors and veterans receive monthly VA compensation.
"If you're a vet in Clay County, we're the people you need to see," Kurt said, summarizing the office's outreach and casework. He described the office's role in claims, retroactive payments, benefits counseling and direct assistance such as dental, optical and housing repairs funded through state grants.
Commissioners praised the office's veteran advocacy and noted local successes where staff helped obtain benefits for elderly veterans. Kurt said there is pending legislation to raise property‑tax exemption thresholds and that the office is tracking proposals that would increase benefit caps.
Ending: Kurt requested continued county support for veteran services staffing and outreach; commissioners affirmed that support and praised the office's results securing retroactive benefit payments for local veterans.
