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Veterans office reports higher August caseload, highlights Chapter 35 education benefit for dependents
Summary
Ruth from the Jackson County Veterans Affairs office told supervisors the office handled 57 in‑person visits and 123 phone calls in August and urged residents to ask about Chapter 35 DEA benefits that can provide $1,500 per month to eligible dependents of veterans rated 100% permanent and total.
Ruth, a staffer in the Jackson County Veterans Affairs office, told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 16 that the office saw an uptick in activity in August, with 57 in‑person visits and 123 phone calls. She said the office filed six intent‑to‑file forms, six disability claims and processed 14 decisions in August, and currently has 76 open claims.
Ruth highlighted a benefit she said is underused: Chapter 35 DEA education assistance for dependents of veterans rated 100% permanent and total. "If you are attending college, a university full time, the benefit right now is $1,500 a month paid to the eligible dependent," she said, and noted the benefit can cover up to 36 months of education if the dependent is full time. She encouraged residents to contact the veterans office for help navigating eligibility and applications.
The update also covered outreach and training: Ruth said the Iowa Association of County Veterans Service Officers is holding virtual training on Sept. 16 and the fall county veterans service officer training runs Oct. 21–23; she said the office will be closed during that training but staff will be reachable by laptop and phone. Board members thanked the office and encouraged residents to apply for benefits they may not realize exist.
