(1310) Veterans Affairs Division

The San Benito County Military & Veterans Affairs Office is dedicated to serving Veterans, their dependents, and survivors by helping them obtain benefits, services, and resources, while exemplifying the utmost respect and courtesy, in honor of their service.

• The San Benito County Military & Veterans Affairs Office filed 619 claims for 193 distinct Veterans, to include 132 new Veterans.
• The San Benito County Military & Veterans Affairs Office garnered $869,785 in new income for local Veterans and the San Benito County economy.
• The Military and Veterans Affairs Office processes 24 College Fee Waivers totaling $149,298 for Veteran dependents.
• The cumulative local compendation and pension contribution for San Benito County and its Veterans is over $13.5M.

• Due to contractual and budget limitations, the San Benito County Military & Veterans Affairs Office is limited to one (1) 1.0 FTE Veterans Service Representative and one (1) 0.5 FTE assistant. Maintaining this minimum staff is of primary concern to ensure the Veterans of San Benito County have claim representation.
• Outreach and assistance to Veternas in San Benito County who are housebound or require the aid of a caretaker and are unable to visit the Military & Veterans Affairs Office. Improving the telecommunications and IT platforms to provide these Veterans virtual and remote services is a very high concern for the department. Additionally, the office would like access to transportation for Veterans across the County.
• The San Benito County Military & Veterans Affairs Office is in the Veterans Memorial Building at 649 San Benito St. The building was established in 1927 and is nearing 100 years old. Ensuring the office is safe and accessible to Veterans is a high concern for the department.

• Increase Veterans compensation and pension utilization rate to 35% (highest in the State for CACVSO "Very Small" counties category).
• PArtnership and collaboration with the VA and San Benito County Superior Court to establish a formal Veterans Treatment Court program.
• Develop a program to ensure all Veterans in San Benito County are engaged and informed abour Veterans benefits and services.