Town of Brookline FY24 Program Budget
Human Services l Veterans' Services
Program Description
The Department of Veterans' Services, as mandated by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 115, assists eligible Veterans and/or their dependents. The Department provides direct financial aid and assistance in paying medical bills to those who meet specific eligibility requirements. The Department receives reimbursement from the State for 75% of benefit expenditures and assists Veterans in obtaining benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA) and from other programs funded 100% by the Federal government.
The Director also serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator assisting Police, Fire, Public Health, Public Works, and other Town agencies in preparing to protect the residents of Brookline in the event of an emergency. Responsibilities include the preparation and updating of the Brookline Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and assisting in the management of the Town's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which is located at the Municipal Service Center (MSC) on Hammond street.
Additional departmental responsibilities include the planning of all Memorial Day activities, the registration and decoration of Veterans' graves, and making arrangements for the Veterans Day Program.
FY24 Objectives
- To continue to provide to Brookline veterans and their families the highest level of service and the most aggressive advocacy possible as we continue to serve the brave men and women returning home from the war and all Brookline veterans.
- To provide our veterans and their families with the services they require in a professional manner ensuring they are treated with the highest level of dignity and respect.
- To assist veterans with seeking alternative sources of income (SS, SSI, SSDI, unemployment, healthcare Medicare/Medicaid, Mass Health, Springwell) and housing to lessen the Town’s financial burden.
- To continue to maintain a high level of accuracy in reporting and filing Veteran’s Benefits forms to the State Department of Veterans' Services, resulting in a 75% reimbursement to the Town.
- Assist the growing number of Brookline veterans wishing to file claims for damages due to dioxin exposure. Changes in the federal laws and extensive advertising from attorneys has left many veterans confused as to their rights and eligibility.
- To continue to work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and all other Veterans’ organizations to coordinate the Memorial Day, Veterans Day observances and support community events.
- To work with and provide leadership for both the VFW and American Legion as they continue to revitalize their Veterans’ Post, making it more pertinent to a younger, more diverse generation of veterans. The Veterans’ Post building is both a tremendous asset to the veterans of Brookline and to the entire community at large.
- To coordinate with VA Social Workers and Case Managers to help assist with the transition of returning veterans from conflicts throughout the world, by aiding them in applying for benefits such as medical, financial, educational, employment, and outreach counseling. To work with the Veteran's Administration on the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program, the Court Street Shelter for Veterans, Brookline Housing Authority and other social service agencies in securing housing for veterans and their dependents in crisis.
- To provide assistance and advocacy for veterans applying for VA benefits including Compensation and Pension, Montgomery GI bill, VA Healthcare and widow pensions.
FY23 Accomplishments
- Continued to achieve approval of all Veterans' Benefits by filing precise and accurate claims to the State Veterans' Services Department. Dept. of Veterans’ Services working with the Treasurers Officer reviews all reimbursements to ensure there are no discrepancies and adjudicates with Mass. Vet Services to ensure we receive all of our reimbursements due.
- Provided $82,000 financial assistance to approximately 24 Brookline veterans and their families in their time of need.
- Reduced the costs to the Town by ensuring that all veterans and their dependents receiving financial assistance under Mass. General Laws Chapter 115 have health, prescription coverage and by seeking alternate sources of income for our veterans including both VA pensions and SSDI income.
- Filed monthly reports in a timely manner to the State Department of Veterans' Services achieving maximum reimbursement to the Town. (75% of all MGL Ch. 115 costs)
- Strengthened our bonds with the Boston VA Medical Center (VAMC) resulting in us being able to coordinate much faster veteran appointments and assistance. It remains our highest priority to ensure that our veterans receive the best quality healthcare in the timeliest manner. Assisted over 40 Brookline Veterans with enrollment in the VA HealthCare system and in securing necessary clinic appointments.
- Assisted veterans/dependents in filing VA Claims for service-connected and non-service.
- Connected disabilities, burial allowances, widows’ pensions, Aid and Attendance and educational benefits. In addition, continued to maintain over 180 VA case files in-house.
- Coordinated increase in new benefits to Brookline Veterans and families over $90.000 dollars. Our office worked with the VA Regional Office to assist our veterans obtaining these needed VA benefits. According to the VA report in Brookline Veterans and the families received $80,000.00 dollars of direct aid and pension for our Veterans along with critical medical care and pharmaceutical support
- Assisted the Brookline American Legion and VFW Post with attracting a new and diverse generation of veterans to join the Veterans’ Post. Assisted the veterans’ organization in providing scholarships to Brookline residents and financial aide to local organizations.
- Coordinated the funeral and honors for a WWII fallen hero whose remains were retuned home after 79 years .
- Assisted Veterans in dealing with health, housing and economic issues that cont to result a inflation.