Serving Those Who Served
The Orange County Veterans Services Office, part of the County’s Citizen Resource and Outreach Division(Community and Family Services Department), assists with benefits claims for veterans and their eligible family members. In full support of the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council, it also serves as the primary contact for residents to learn about and receive veteran resources and services.
More than 71,000 veterans call Orange County home, and Veterans Services serves approximately 5,000 clients per year, including veterans and their dependents. Unfortunately, many veterans are unaware of the services and benefits available to them.
“If they don’t know about them, they typically won’t seek them out,” asserted Alnita Whitt, program manager. “It’s about outreach and education, and we’re trying to get the word out and increase our footprint in the community so they know we’re there for them.”
Whitt and her team of specialists – two senior counselors, four veterans counselors and an administrative specialist – have recently increased outreaches, going to Orange County Public Libraries and holding informational sessions during which they share what they do and what the process looks like, as well as field any questions.
“It’s more like a town hall,” she said. “We like for participants to ask questions so we can get a better feel for what their needs are so we can bring resolution to them. We provide information, but we also solve problems.”
Whitt also notes that it’s important that veterans seek out accredited organizations, like Orange County’s Office of Veteran Services, that can advocate and submit claims for them and their dependents.
“We recommend veterans speak to our service officers, who can call the VA directly and get the process moving smoothly.” explained Whitt.
Claims vary and include disability, pension (medical need and income-based programs, not retirement pension), survivors pension, education benefits and additional state benefits. Going to Veterans Services represents a one-stop shop where the team can verify all eligible benefits for each individual veteran.
The Office helps veterans receive millions of dollars in earned benefits per year, and it also collaborates with other local agencies and organizations when it comes to providing meals, mental health counseling and more.
“We don’t solicit for any one agency, but we make referrals to different places,” explained Whitt. “We work with local funeral homes to educate on veterans funerals and what they entail, and we also engage with community partners to educate veterans on financial services. We provide them with available resources, and then they choose.”
For Whitt, seeing people in need get the benefits they deserve is incredibly gratifying. “There’s no greater feeling than helping other people, so I say rather than assume you don’t qualify, when in doubt, seek us out.”
Go to Veterans Services for more on claim benefits, services, eligibility and frequently asked questions.