Veterans' Service Office

The Veterans' Service Office provides assistance to veterans, their dependents, and widows by:
Assisting in filing claims for benefits administered by Veterans Affairs (VA);
Providing emergency financial assistance on a "temporary" basis;
Transporting veterans to VA medical centers for medical care;
Assisting with filling out paperwork for VA health care, burial benefits, and any other forms required by the VA;
Assisting with dependents' applications for benefits upon the death of the veteran;
Providing referrals, information and guidance in obtaining aid from various federal, state, and local organizations;

*** Veteran ID cards are issued to county veterans for free by the County Recorder (we're in collaboration with the Recorder's Office) ***

Documents Required for Claims

Certified or original documents are required to apply for benefits. Notarized copies are not acceptable. These documents may include, but are not limited to the following:
Military Discharge Records (DD214)
Marriage License
Birth or Adoption Records for Dependent Children
Certified copies are copies obtained from the official custodian of such records and bear a sworn statement of authenticity of the document and the raised seal of office of the custodian of the record.

Emergency Financial Assistance

One of the required duties of the Veterans' Service Commission (VSC) is to provide emergency financial assistance to veterans, active-duty members of the armed forces of the United States, or the spouse, surviving spouse, dependent parent, minor child, or ward of a veteran or active-duty member of the armed forces of the United States. Applicants who have been met with unexpected hardship as a result of sickness, injury, or disease; becoming destitute because of a lack of employment or being unable to find gainful or adequate employment are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. Applicants can fill out an application provided by the Veterans' Service Office.

Chase Stewart Program

In Hardin County there is a special program to help veterans with their medical bills; It’s called Chase Stewart.  Chase Stewart was created to help cover the cost of “medical and surgical aid and hospitalization to men and women who are serving or have served in the armed forces of the United States, and who are in the judgement of the [County] Commissioners of each respective county are not themselves financially able to provide such services.”  So, if you are a veteran who is not financially able to pay your medical bills, please contact the County Commissioners Office to get an application.  The office is located on the first floor in the county courthouse or call them at 419-674- 2205.

Financial Assistance Statement

Emergency financial assistance should never be construed as a pension or compensation type of benefit. It is temporary in nature and is meant to prevent undue hardship for veterans and their families until other federal, state, or local benefits can be obtained. The Veterans' Service Commission exercises extreme care in determining those individuals who are granted or denied financial assistance. The entire net income for a household is considered in regard to the granting or denial of financial assistance. All applicants who are denied can appear before the Veterans' Service Commission and can ask for an exception to be made. All applicants for financial assistance who are physically capable of working must be actively seeking employment. Ordinarily, this condition is met by submission of proof, such as a list of various applications completed during the month. If an applicant is incapable of working due to a physical or mental disability, refusal to provide proof of the incapacity may result in denial of financial assistance until such proof is provided.

Eligibility for Financial Assistance

Applicants must have resided in Hardin County for the last three full months (90 days) to qualify for financial assistance. Residency requirements are mandated under state law (O.R.C. 5901.08) and cannot be waived. The applicant, or the veteran on whose service the application is based upon, must have received an under honorable conditions, or greater, discharged from active service performed for other than "training" purposes. Or while serving on active duty for training, incurred a disability recognized by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense (DOD) as service-connected

Required Documents for both Financial Assistance & Chase Sewart

Military discharge records (DD-214) or proof of current active military service, proof of income, and proof of residency.

Types of Financial Assistance Available

Rent/Mortgage payment (limited yearly amount)

Utilities payment (limited yearly amount for each utility)

Food Voucher (based upon total dependents in household)

Clothing (based on total dependents & a yearly amount)

Dental (limited yearly amount)

Eye exam & Glasses (limited yearly amount)

Medical Prescriptions (limited yearly amount)

Automobile Repair (only necessary repairs, along with a limited amount)

Medical bills thru Chase Stewart and/or with an exception made by the VSC, depending on funding