Information for Veterans
VA Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS)
Click the above link to see the online steps required to obtain mileage reimbursement or special mode transport in association with obtaining VA health care services.
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The Veteran Spouse Network - The VSN facilitates a community of support for military and veteran spouses across the nation by engaging with spouses to determine their needs, and creating programming to meet those needs. The network offers peer support programming aimed at creating supportive groups and communities of spouses across the country, and getting them connected to quality resources in their communities.
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The DoD SkillBridge Program is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.
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Here are some websites to learn more about military benefits and simply good to know information.
Residential Leases and the Military - Your Rights
Resources for Vets & Families Living with Cancer
Home Mods and Assistive Tech for Veterans and Military
Service Members’ Legal Rights While on Active Duty
Operation American Dream: A Guide to Buying and Keeping Your Home in the Military
Employment Resources for Military Spouses
Veteran Rights and Job Discrimination
Medicare Plans Resource for Veterans
A Veteran's Guide on How to Start a Small Business
Medical Alert systems for Veterans
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Here are some websites and files to learn more about PTSD, treatment options, and simply good to know information.
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp
Behavioral Health for Veterans
End of Life Preparations for Veterans
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The Harris County Tax Office has consolidated their military benefits into an easy to navigate web page. Service members and their families can easily find information about benefits available in the property tax, automobile services, and voter registration departments. Additionally, the Resources and FAQ sections provide other helpful links and information
Additional information about the services provided by the Harris County Tax Office can be found at: Harris County Military Help Desk.
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Sites that list freebies and discounts for Veteran's Day
Military and Veterans Discounts
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Unlocking VA Disability Claims Part 1
In this episode of the Dog Tag, host Matt Elledge interviews three experts and learns what VA Disability Compensation is, who's eligible and how to apply, along with tips and advice to help Veterans navigate this complex and often intimidating process. Listen Here
Unlocking VA Disability Claims Part 2
Listen to this episode of the Dog Tag and find more advice and expertise about the second half of the VA Disability Claims process, including what to do after you receive your ratings decision from the VA, and how to navigate the appeals process. Listen Here
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Emergency Financial Help Services for Military Families
Whether it’s due to a service-related injury, an unexpected family emergency, or unforeseen medical expenses, financial emergencies can challenge even the strongest and most prepared members of our military. Sometimes we have to ask for help when our finances take a huge hit or turn for the worst.
Luckily, there are some amazing financial aid and relief organizations who provide emergency financial help and services to qualifying members of the armed forces and their immediate family members.
If you find yourself in the predicament of not being able to pay your mortgage, pay for a funeral, fix your only car, or cover the costs of emergency travel, turn to the organizations listed in the link below. Their primary purpose and functions are to help those who need emergency financial help.
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Veteran Service organizations for Benefits, Claims Assistance, Career Guidance, and More
Making the transition from the military world back to the civilian world is a difficult task. The problem is compounded if you are a still recovering from combat, recuperating from wounds, moving to a new location, transitioning with a family to take care of, and many other factors. The good news is there are dozens of agencies and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) that were created to help veterans and their families, or their survivors.
Many of these organizations offer veterans a variety of services, including VA disability benefits claims assistance, education and job training, job fairs, resume writing services, financial grants, opportunities to participate in community service projects, and more. In most cases, these services are free. The best part is you get to tap into the experience and expertise of service officers who have been there, done that, walk the walk, talk the talk, and know how and where to get help. If these organizations in the link below can’t help you, they can certainly put you into contact with someone who can.
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How do I get a copy of my DD-214
Veterans receive discharge paperwork that summarizes their service time. This piece of paper is gold, and it must be treated as such by the person who holds it. For whatever reasons, sometimes Veterans lose or can't find this paperwork. We understand that things happen, but it can't be emphasized enough how important it is to safeguard this paperwork. Now, if you find yourself missing your DD-214, there are only three places I know to get a copy; 1) your former command, 2) the VA if you've already established benefits there, or 3) National Archives. The first option is only an option if the Veteran recently separated. If it's been a few years, this is no longer an option. The VA is an option only if the Veteran has already established benefits. Check with the regional office for a copy. The final option, National Archives, is an option in all cases. Every DD-214 for every Veteran ends up in the archives. It is easy to request a copy online. For details, check their website: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/.
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The Vet Center provides outreach counseling services outside of the VA medical centers. Parking is in front of the door and walk-ins are welcome. Hours are M-F, 8-4:30pm. Evening and weekend hours are available.
Services provided include:
Social Services
Psychotherapy (Individiual, Group, Family)
Outreach and Networking
Veterans Benefits Counseling
Assistance in filing for compensation for disability related to the military
Bereavement Counseling
Substance Abuse Counseling
Community Education
Referrals for basic needs, shelter, financial assistance
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Free Tolls with EZ Tag for Eligible Veterans Per Texas Transportation Code § 372.053, eligibility is limited to vehicles which are:
1. registered with the State of Texas and 2. displaying the qualifying specialty license plate for any of the following:
Disabled Veterans
Purple Heart recipients
Medal of Honor recipients
Legion of Valor recipients
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Free Houston Airport Parking for Eligible Veterans
Houton IAH and Hobby airport offer certain military veterans and military award recepients complimentary parking each time they visit. 5 consecutive days in garages or 60 consecutive dasys in the ecopark lots.
https://www.fly2houston.com/parking/disabledveterans
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Free Parking at Port of Galveston
Free parking is offered upon arrival to Disabled Vets & Purple Heart Recipients with a picture ID and valid documentation from the U.S. government stating that they are a disabled military veteran or Purple Heart recipient. Acceptable forms of proof are:
DD214
Department of Veteran’s Affairs service connected ID card
Vehicle registration with disabled veteran or Purple Heart designation
Identification must be presented at the time of arrival. No refunds will be issued after the fact.
https://www.portofgalveston.com/DocumentCenter/View/35/Section-500?bidId=
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This site connects veterans, their families, and caregivers to the benefits and services earned through their military service.
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Texas Department of Safety offers a VETERAN designation on the face of Driver Licenses and Identification Cards for qualifying veterans. Fee Exemption for Disabled Veterans
A Texas Drivers License or ID card may be provided free-of-chrage to a veteran of the United States Armed Forces if the veteran:
Was honorably discharged
Has a service-related diability of at least 60 percent
Receives compensation from the United States because of the disability
Is not subject to sex offender registration requirements
NOTE: The driver license fee exemption does not apply to commercial drivers licenses.
To qualify for a fee exemption, veterans must present documents to verify their disability status while at the driver license office. If renewing by mail, the verification documents must be included with the renewal invitation. Once the disability is established, the veteran will be eligible to use online services for fee-exempt driver license transactions.
To verify the disability, one of the following must be presented:
A signed letter on disability status issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; or
Official documents certifying conditions 1,2, and 3 above.
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VA Benefits to meet long term health care
The following guide offers valuable insights into utilizing VA benefits to meet long-term care needs. It outlines eligibility requirements and provides a step-by-step application process to determine available options for financing their healthcare needs.
You can access the guide: https://www.caring.com/caregivers/veterans-benefits/#va-benefits-explained