HomeMy WebLinkAboutPolicies - Veterans ServicesVeterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Purpose: Grant County is home to a significant number of veterans of the Army, Marines,
Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves and Merchant Marines who have
honorably served their country. Grant County recognizes and honors their service and is
dedicated to helping veteran and their families who may be experiencing difficulties.
The overarching goal is to assist all veterans -in -need back to mainstream society by
ensuring they understand all the programs available to them.
The priority of this fund is assisting qualified veterans with emergent basic needs.
Emergent needs are generally limited to basic needs to survive, such as housing, heat,
medicine and food. Needs secondary to those necessary for life are important but might
not necessarily be addressed by the Veterans Assistance Fund (VAF).
The VAF should not be view as a veteran benefit or entitlement program.
This document has been developed to provide guidance in assisting all veterans in need
and direction for use of the Grant County VAF. The VAF was developed to provide
assistance to qualified indigent veterans and their dependents. The fund was developed
in accordance with Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 73.08 and with guidance from the
Grant County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).
1.2. Source of Funds: Washington State Law and Grant County Code have established the
VAF as a steady source of tax dollars to be utilized for the needs of qualified indigent
veterans and their dependents. In accordance with RCW 73.08, a portion of property tax
collected within Grant County is earmarked for the VAF.
1.3. Grant County Veterans Advisory Board: The Grant County Veterans Advisory Board
(VAB) is an advisory group appointed by the BOCC to serve the veterans of Grant County.
The VAB is made up of veterans from the community at large and representatives from
congressionally chartered veteran's organizations within Grant County.
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020
Veterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
2. ELIGIBILITY
2.1. Use of VAF: Eligibility is required for any service requested and/or provided through the
VAF. Eligibility for use of the VAF is determined by the Veterans Services Coordinator
(VSC) or designated representative as approved by the BOCC.
2.2. Service Requirements: As defined by RCW 73.08.010, a "Veteran" means:
2.2.1. A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service; a member of the
women's air forces service pilots during World War II; a United States documented
merchant mariner with service aboard an oceangoing vessel operated by the war
shipping administration; the office of defense transportation, or their agents, from
December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946; or a civil service crewmember with
service aboard a United States army transport service or United States naval
transportation service vessel in oceangoing service from December 7, 1941, through
December 31, 1946, who meets one of the following criteria:
2.2.2. Served on active duty for at least one hundred eighty days and who was released
with an honorable discharge;
2.2.3. Received an honorable or general under honorable characterization of service
with a medical reason for separation for a condition listed as non -existed prior to
service, regardless of number of days served; or
2.2.4. Received an honorable discharge and has received a rating for a service connected
disability from the United States department of veterans affairs regardless of
number of days served;
2.2.5. A current member honorably serving in the armed forces reserve or national guard
who has been activated by presidential call up for purposes other than training;
2.2.6. A former member of the armed forces reserve or national guard who has fulfilled
his or her initial military service obligation and was released with an honorable
discharge;
2.2.7. A former member of the armed forces reserve or national guard who does not
have over one hundred seventy-nine days of active duty service, but meets the
federal definition of a veteran having completed twenty years of service.
2.2.8. At the discretion of the county legislative authority, counties may expand
eligibility for the veterans' assistance fund as the county determines necessary,
which may include serving veterans with additional discharge characterizations.
2.3. Spouses, Domestic Partners and/or Dependent Children: Spouses, domestic partners
and/or dependent children may be eligible for assistance, upon the death of the veteran,
for the subsequent six (6) months.
2.3.1. Spouses, domestic partners and/or dependent children that apply for assistance
upon the death of a veteran must meet all other applicable rules and regulations.
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020
Veterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
2.3.2. Spouses must not have remarried.
2.3.3. Dependent children must not have a reached their 18' birthday (or 23rd birthday
if they are a full-time student.
2.4. Residency Requirements: Veteran (or dependents) must prove the following residency
requirements:
2.4.1. Grant County Residency: Must be a Grant County resident for the preceding
180 days (6 months).
2.4.2. Washington State Residency: Must be a Washington State resident for the
preceding twelve (12) months.
2.5. Income Verification: All household income and source(s) must be documented.
Acceptable documents may be pay stubs, VA Disability/Pension Award letters, DSHS
documents, Social Security documentation, L&I documentation, unemployment stubs or
notices, or any other documents deemed necessary.
If an applicant claims they have no income in the recent past orcurrently have no income,
the applicant will be required to show how current rent, utilities, food, and other bill are
being paid. Self-employed applicants must bring valid income accounting records and
documents as necessary.
2.6. Unemployed Veterans — Work Search Requirement: Unemployed veterans, who are
able to work and have not been determined by the state and/or federal government to
be fully disabled and unemployable, must be registered with the Veteran's Job Service
Section at the local WorkSource Office. They must show proof of registration or provide
verification and, if eligible, apply for unemployment.
2.7. Indigent Status: "Indigent" means a person who is defined by the County Legislative
Authority (BOCC) using one or more of the following definitions:
2.7.1. Receiving one of the following types of public assistance: Temporary Assistance
for needy families, general assistance, poverty -related veterans' benefits, food
stamps or food stamp benefits, refugee settlement benefits, Medicaid, or
supplemental security income;
2.7.2. Receiving an annual income, after taxes, of up to one hundred fifty percent (150%)
or less of the current federally established poverty level, or receiving an annual
income not exceeding a higher qualifying income established by the BOCC; or
2.7.3. Unable to pay reasonable costs for shelter, food, utilities because his or her
available funds are insufficient and expenses for basic needs exceed income or
available resources.
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020
Veterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
3. DIRECT EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
3.1. Overview: The goal is to assist veterans and families with emergent needs. Grant County
uses county employees and may use recognized veterans organizations to provide the
service of the VAF. Veterans who do not qualify for the VAF may be directed towards
other resources within the county.
Emergent needs are generally limited to basic needs to survive, such as housing, utilities,
medicine, food, etc. Needs secondary to those necessary for life are important but might
not necessarily be addressed by the VAF.
The VAF should not be viewed as a veteran's benefit or entitlement program in any way.
3.2. Maximum Allocation: Maximum financial benefit for direct individual assistance for an
indigent veteran or dependent will not exceed $ 2,000.00 of total aggregate services
provided during a twelve-month calendar period for all assistance under Chapter 3 and
all of its subsections. An individual veteran or dependent may only receive emergency
financial assistance for a total of three (3) years in the veteran's lifetime. Burial and
cremation services do not apply to the restrictions in this paragraph.
3.3. Method of Payment: Individual assistance is provided through a check (warrant) issued
by Grant County directly to the vendors/landlords/service providers on behalf of the
veteran. Checks are issued by the Grant County Accounting Department on a "net -30
basis" meaning payment should be expected within 30 days from receipt of invoice.
3.4. Documentation of Costs: Costs shall be documented by invoice, purchase order, receipt
or bill. Documentation is required for all payments.
3.5. Housing Assistance: The purpose of this paragraph is to ensure the veteran has shelter
for at least 30 days after the date of application review by the VSC or staff.
3.5.1. Property: Veteran must have a written rental agreement or mortgage statement.
3.5.2. Eviction: Veteran must show proof of eminent danger of eviction including but
not limited to a late or delinquent payment letter, eviction notice or notice to vacate.
3.5.3. Shared Dwelling: In the case of a veteran sharing dwelling with another person
(not immediate family) the rental amount will be prorated by the number of people
living in the dwelling.
3.5.4. First/Last Month's Rent Assistance: Veteran may receive first and/or last month's
rent and deposit, or a portion thereof, to move into housing on a case-by-case basis.
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020
Veterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
3.5.5. Temporary Lodging Assistance: If no local shelter(s) are available, applicants may
receive assistance for temporary lodging. Applicants must be homeless, enrolled
with SSVF or HUD-VASH or other housing program waiting for placement.
3.6. Energy or Utilities Assistance: Veteran may receive funding to be used for payments for
heating, electricity, water or sewer.
3.6.1. Utilities Notice: Veteran must demonstrate that he/she is in eminent danger of
losing utility or energy source. Telephone service is not provided.
3.6.2. Shared Dwelling Utilities: In the case of a veteran sharing a dwelling with another
person (not immediate family member), the utilities assistance will be prorated by
the number of occupants.
3.7. Food Assistance: A single veteran or veteran with dependents may receive voucher for
food and personal use items only (no alcohol, tobacco, etc.).
3.8. Transportation Assistance: A veteran may receive assistance for transportation to and
from work; medical appointments, social services or job search. Transportation is in the
form of public transportation (bus pass) from Grant Transit Authority (GTA).
3.9. Burial/Cremation Assistance: Funeral homes, family or others may be eligible for
reimbursement for a portion of the costs of burial or cremation of the veteran only. The
VAF shall only be used to supplement the cost of the burial/cremation of the veteran.
3.10. Other Assistance: Veteran may receive other assistance not covered under the
above sections. Other assistance may include, but not limited to clothing, union dues,
medical expenses, and other unforeseen circumstances. All requests for other assistance
will be closely scrutinized and approved by the VSC.
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020
Veterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
4. APPLICATION AND ASSISTANCE PROCESS
4.1. Overview: The VSC will develop and update forms necessary for the administration of
the VAF. Form content and format is at the discretion of Grant County.
4.2. Delegation of Veterans' Service Coordinator's Tasks: The Veterans Service Coordinator
(VSC) shall be a Grant County employee designated by the BOCC. The VSC is responsible
to determine and document eligibility, approve and deny claims, process vouchers,
ensure payment, provide for records of all claims, and provide report of payments of
claims. Portions of the VSC's duties may be delegated, in writing, to a designated
Veterans Service Officer employed by Grant County.
Final approval of claims is the responsibility of the Grant County Veterans' Services
Coordinator (VSC) based upon submission of complete and accurate claims and
documentation. Incomplete or undocumented claims for assistance may be returned and
are sufficient reason for denial of service.
4.3. Appointments: Appointments for assistance are on a case-by-case basis and should be
made by contacting the VSC or staff. The VSC is located at the Grant County
Commissioner's Office, Room #206, 35 C Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823. Emergency
requests for assistance will be evaluated by the VSC on a case-by-case basis.
4.4. Application: Under development — refer to previous form and process.
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020
Veterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
5. DENIAL OF SERVICE AND APPEALS
5.1. Denial of Assistance: The VSC may deny requests for assistance in accordance with these
policies. False information provided by an applicant for assistance or other fraudulent
actions taken for the purpose of receiving financial assistance from this program, will be
grounds for denial of assistance and may be referred to the Grant County Prosecuting
Attorney's Office for possible legal action. Failure to meet program eligibility
requirements, income over guidelines amounts, inadequate required documentation, or
no clearly definable and/or verifiable emergencies are other valid reasons for denial of
service. The VSC will make the determination for the basis of denial of assistance,
considering all the pertinent facts and policies relevant to each request.
5.2. Complaints or Appeals: If a veteran feels s/he was treated improperly or denied
assistance unfairly, s/he has the right of due process and may appeal the VSC or staffs
decision to the BOCC. All appeals will be heard and adjudicated by BOCC.
5.3. Non -Appealable Issues: The following circumstances or facts are not appealable:
5.3.1. Grant County Residency — not less than 180 days (6 months).
5.3.2. Washington State Residency— not less than 365 days (12 months).
5.3.3. Does not comply with required time/monetary intervals since date of last
assistance.
5.3.4. Veteran's status.
5.4. Appeal Process — Procedure: The applicant must submits, in writing, a dated and signed
statement of the alleged or perceived discrimination, improper treatment, and/or
reasons they feel they were unjustly denied assistance by the VSC, VSC, staff or
volunteers. The appeal may be submitted by mail or in person to the Grant County
Commissioners' Office —Attention: Veteran Services. The VSC will provide the BOCC with
all pertinent information and all appeals will be heard and adjudicated by the BOCC.
5.5. Further Appeal (Due Process): Section 5 (above) in no way limits an applicant's
constitutional right or due process of law, as described in the Fifth Amendment thereof.
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020
Veterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
These Veteran Assistance Fund (VAF) Policy and Procedures shall be in full force and effective
January 1, 2020 as approved by the Grant County Board of County Commissioners.
APPROVAL:
Dated this 30th day of December 2019.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Tom Taylor, Ch it
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Cindy Carter, Vice -Chair
Richard Stevens, Member
ATTEST:
/ ara J. Vasque
Clerk of the Board
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020
Veterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
APPENDIX A — SCHEDULE OF ASSISTANCE
ANNUAL AMOUNT:
• $ 2,000.00 per year maximum.
LIFETIME AMOUNT:
• Maximum 3 calendar year's lifetime usage or up to $ 6,000.00 lifetime.
RENT/MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE:
• Rent/mortgage assistance shall only be provided one (1) time per calendar year
and shall not exceed $ 1,000.00 per usage.
• Veteran must be listed on rental agreement/mortgage statement with the
property owner, management firm or lease holder.
• Payment is not paid to any relatives of the applicant.
• Veteran must show proof of imminent danger of eviction including but not limited
to an eviction notice, late notice, not to vacate to verify the tenant is behind on
payments.
EMERGENCY HOUSING /TEMPORARY LODGING ASSISTANCE:
• If local shelters or shelter beds are not available, applicants may receive assistance
for temporary lodging. Applicants must be homeless or a new enrollee in a
transitional or permanent housing program waiting for placement.
Transitional/permanent housing enrollees must be referred by the agency
offering the housing placement (i.e. SSVF).
• Lodging arrangements will be made with motels/hotels that have agreements in
place to accept Grant County vouchers as payment, at the discretion of Grant
County.
• Temporary lodging will not exceed two weeks (14 days) total usage per calendar
year.
UTILITY ASSISTANCE:
• Utility assistance shall only be provided two (2) times per calendar year and shall
not exceed $250.00 per usage (maximum 2 utilities, no more than $250.00 each).
• Veteran must be listed on statement with the utility company or property owner,
management firm or lease holder.
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020
Veterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
APPENDIX A — SCHEDULE OF ASSISTANCE
FOOD ASSISTANCE:
• Food Assistance Voucher is to be used for necessities only. No alcohol or tobacco
products may be purchase and the voucher will state such. Sundries may be
purchased but should be for necessary items like paper products and toiletries.
• Purchases of prohibited or questionable items will be documented and will be
considered grounds for termination from the program.
• Proper identification must be presented by the veteran to the vendor at the time
of purchase. No cash, coupon, or credit or any type is to be given.
• Only Grant County approved food vendors are utilized.
• Food assistance vouchers are limited to two (2) usages per calendar year.
• Food dollar limit per usage is as follows:
o Single Veteran up to $ 150.00 per month (usage)
o Veteran w/dep up to $ 250.00 per month (usage)
BURIAL:
• Up to $ 800.00 (but not less than $ 300.00 per RCW 73.08.070) may be paid to the
indigent spouse, dependent, family member, or friend who pays for burial
expenses of an indigent veteran. This allowance is to assist with burial expenses
and requires a copy of the death certificate, internment/cremation billings and
veterans status verification. Burial assistance may be paid directly to a funeral
home.
MISCELLANEOUS:
• Other miscellaneous assistance may include medical/dental payments;
prescriptions; repairs; union dues; clothing; occupational certifications; and other
items deemed necessary. Miscellaneous requests and any requests for exception
to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020
Veterans Assistance Fund
Grant County
APPENDIX B — 2020 FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL GUIDANCE
• TO BE DETERMINED BY DSHS
VETERAN SERVICES EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2020