Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Veterans Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Alameda County veterans office reports $533,541 in recent awards, plans Hayward office and virtual services
Summary
County Veterans Service Officer Anthony Simpson told the Social Services Committee the office processed 160 claims resulting in $533,541 in awards, highlighted a $228,518 retroactive DIC payment to a widow and previewed a Hayward office and virtual appointments to expand outreach.
Anthony Simpson, Alameda County Veterans Service Officer, told the Board of Supervisors Social Services Committee on Nov. 24 that his office has increased outreach and benefit processing while operating with a small staff.
"Deliver high quality, efficient, and empathetic service ensuring that every one of our veterans within our county, within our community, receive the VA benefits that they rightfully earn as well as deserve," Simpson said as he summarized the office mission and recent accomplishments.
Why it matters: Simpson said the office processed 160 claims that produced $533,541 in benefit awards in the most recent reporting period, and that targeted outreach and new technology are expected to expand access for veterans who cannot travel to a county office.
What the office reported: Simpson described six focus areas—specialized training, customer service, outreach, accomplishments, renewed reputation and future plans—and provided several specific examples. He said pop-up outreach and library-based events brought services closer to veterans. The office reported 138 in‑person contacts and more than 422 telephone calls and emails over the most recent month, plus two outreach events.
Simpson gave a concrete benefit example: a widow who was able to refile under the PAC Act of 2022 received a retroactive Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) lump sum of $228,518 and will continue to receive $16.48 per month going forward, as reported to the committee.
Services and eligibility: Simpson explained core benefits the office helps veterans access, including total disability/individual unemployability decisions, special monthly compensation (including aid and attendance), DD214‑based eligibility determinations, debt‑management waivers, DIC survivor claims and Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) benefits.
Outreach and facilities: Simpson said the office is working toward a stand‑alone Hayward location and a virtual desk. He said the county expects the new office to open after technological equipment is installed; county IT reported equipment installations Nov. 14. Simpson said the office plans virtual appointments, toll‑free access and in‑community events with library partners to provide confidential spaces for interviews.
Technology and partnerships: Sonia Frossell, division director in the County Veterans Service Office, told the committee the office secured a contract with Qmatic to phase in virtual service features such as video calls and a virtual waiting‑room queue once the new location opens.
Referrals and partnerships: In response to questions from Supervisor Fortunato Vass, Simpson said the office coordinates referrals for housing and other needs with county programs, community partners (including Soares and Plowshares) and the regional VA office at 1301 Clay Street. Simpson said Alameda County’s veteran population is roughly 40,000.
What’s next: Simpson said the office will reestablish a countywide veterans newsletter when the new location is operational and plans additional library events in January and potential satellite services in Livermore when staffing permits. The committee heard no public comment on the item.
