This post was added by Michael Sorrentino. It was written by Greg Sleter.
Brookhaven Town officials are expanding counseling and assistance services for eligible veterans and their families through an agreement with Suffolk County.
As a result, an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) from the County’s Veterans Service Agency will provide services at Town Hall in Farmingville and at other designated town facilities. The assigned VSO will have the credentials that will allow them to legally take power of attorney and represent veterans. Currently, Brookhaven does not provide such a service.
“Our intention is for the town to provide the best service to veterans and their families,” said Supervisor Ed Romaine. “They deserve nothing less for the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedom. The benefit of this agreement is that services will be improved and expanded, while at the same time saving taxpayer dollars.”
The veteran’s services provided by the agreement will include:
• Assistance to determine qualification for any Veterans’ Affairs (VA) benefits
• Identification and assistance with preparing and submitting benefits applications for interested veterans in the community, including Pension, Compensation, Aid and Attendance (A&A) or other benefits
• Assistance to veterans who have questions regarding benefits, applications, various VA forms, eligibility and payment issues
• Answering questions and/or providing relevant information to residents and families regarding VA related topics
• Assistance to veterans in the community in responding to VA related inquires
• Tracking applications and reporting updates to facilities and residents/family members as necessary
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