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Veterans Affairs director: VA benefits paid $18.1 million to county veterans; transportation program logged 573 rides
Summary
Sanilac County Veterans Affairs Director Shannon reported that in fiscal 2024 the VA paid $18,116,593 in benefits to county veterans and highlighted burial allowances, a county relief fund, and a transportation service that provided hundreds of rides to medical appointments.
Shannon, Sanilac County—s Veterans Affairs director, presented the department—s 2024 annual report at the Nov. 4 meeting and said the VA paid $18,116,593 in benefits to county veterans in fiscal year 2024, an increase of more than $1,000,000 from the prior reporting period.
"Last year, VA paid out, and this is for fiscal year 24, $18,116,593 in benefits for VA comp and pension, education, and insurance and indemnity to Sanilac County veterans," Shannon said. She told commissioners the office processed 25 county burial allowance applications and has opted on two occasions to increase the county burial supplement to $1,000 in addition to the state‑mandated amount.
Shannon also said the county distributed thousands of burial flags and dozens of markers to local cemeteries, provided roughly $30,012 in emergency assistance through a county relief fund to multiple applicants, and operated a transportation program that provided 573 veteran rides to medical appointments last year. On staffing and vehicle capacity she said the office currently has three vehicles and four drivers and that staff will try to reschedule appointments to meet demand when necessary.
Commissioners thanked Shannon for the work. The board then voted to accept the 2024 Veterans Affairs annual report.
