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Local services offered in Lee County for veterans

The Observer Staff

By Opelika Observer Staff

The Veterans Administration is a national organization that, through its state and local offices, offers many services and benefits to veterans and their dependents. Here is a brief summary of the programs and benefits available.
HOUSING AND HOME LOAN GUARANTEES FOR VETERANS
A VA loan (also known as a Veterans Administration (VA) home loan) is one of the most useful military benefits. If you qualify, you can buy or refinance a home mortgage with as little as $0 down, with great rates and financing up to $424,000.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT (VR&E)
You may receive Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist veterans and service members in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment. To learn more about the VR&E program, review the VR&E Process page, and the tabs and links on this page. Click on the “How to Apply” tab to apply for VR&E services.
VA’s Education and Career Counseling program is a great opportunity for Veterans and Servicemembers to get personalized counseling and support to help guide their career paths, ensure the most effective use of their VA benefits, and achieve their goals.
LOCAL VETERANS
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (LVER)
LVERs conduct active outreach programs with employers, community and veterans organizations, unions and local counseling and social services agencies to ensure that veterans know about and receive the services for which they are eligible. They work with veterans to place them in federally-funded employment and training programs. They also assist veterans in developing job interviewing and resume writing skills. They help veterans conduct a productive job search and access job listings through electronic data bases, including Americas Job Bank
VA MEDICAL CENTERS AND HOSPITALS
Montgomery, Tuskegee, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa offer the closest VA medical facilities for Lee County residents. Free or low-cost medical care and pharmaceutical care as provided by the VA Health Administration has its roots as far back as 1812, when the first naval home care service began in Philadelphia. President Hoover created the VA in 1930, and hospitals were built across the country in the 1940s dedicated solely to the care of veterans. In 1988, President Reagan elevated the VA to cabinet-level administration when he signed the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Since that time, the VA has had its share of struggles within its own administration. However, local veterans are still being served every day. Here is a list of the services offered by the VA Health Administration in our area:

  1. Permanent civilian resident for at least one year immediately prior to initial entry into federal active military service or any subsequent entry into federal active military service where a 12-month break in service occurred.
    AND one of the following:
    Current resident for at least two years immediately prior to the date of the scholarship application or date of veteran’s death; or
    Current resident who was discharged from active duty within 12 months prior to the date of the scholarship application; or
    Filed a resident Alabama income tax return for the past 10 consecutive years immediately prior to the date of the scholarship application.
  2. Bona fide permanent resident for at least five years immediately prior to the date of this application or the date of the veteran’s death. Applies to 100% permanent and total ratings only .
    STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: As of July 31, 2017, students applying for benefits for the first time must meet all of the following:
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