SEEKING ASSISTANCE?
Are you a military service member or drilling reservist seeking assistance from NEOPAT? You’ve come to the right place. If you currently live or serve in the 20-county area we serve and have an emergency financial need, you may be eligible for assistance.
Department of Veteran Affairs | (800) 729-5772 | http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be able to assist veterans who are having difficulty paying their mortgages. The VA can assist veterans by working with loan providers to review payment plans or make modifications to their loans that provide more time to make overdue payments. Veterans Affairs loan specialists can also assist in converting a conventional mortgage
to a VA-guaranteed home loan.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) | (800) 569-4287 | http://www.hud.gov
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to provide information and assistance on avoiding foreclosure.
Making Home Affordable | (888) 995-4673 | http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov
Making Home Affordable is a group that works to prevent foreclosure on struggling veterans. Military homeowners who are displaced by a job-related move may qualify for resources to prevent the loss of their home.
Ohio Heroes Program | (888) 362-6432 | http://www.myohiohome.org
The Ohio Heroes program is administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA). Ohio Heroes provides veterans, active military and reserves with all the benefits of OHFA’s first-time homebuyer program at a lower interest rate.
Save The Dream Ohio | (888) 404-4674 | http://www.savethedream.ohio.gov
The Save the Dream program helps Ohio veterans struggling to make timely house payments. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) administers federal funds that help veterans and their families avoid foreclosure when dealing with a loss of income. This includes rescue payment assistance, assistance in modifying loans and other transitional assistance.
There are assistance programs available for all eligible Ohioans, not just those serving or who have served in the military. OCC offers fact sheets on each of the following programs at www.occ.ohio.gov/content/consumer-assistance-fact-sheets. Contact the local community action agency on how to apply or for more information. To find the community action agency in your area, select ‘Find a local provider’ at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call 1-800-282-0880.
- The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps eligible Ohioans with winter heating costs. Click Here to Apply or call (800) 282-0880.
- The Winter Crisis Program, also called E-HEAP, provides financial aid once per heating season to income-eligible Ohioans for electric or natural gas service or bulk fuels.
- The Summer Crisis Program, also called Summer HEAP, helps Ohioans pay an electric utility bill, and/or central air conditioning repair, and/or an air conditioning unit and/or fan.
- The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus) is a payment arrangement to help eligible electric and natural gas customers pay their utility bills.
- The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) helps Ohioans weatherize their homes to lower energy costs.
- Utility-provided Assistance Programs-Fuel Funds may be available from the utility company for help paying electric or natural gas bills for eligible customers.
Serving Area Military (SAM Center) | http://www.servingareamilitary.com
A group of veteran supporters has joined forces to create Serving Area Military, an organization that channels the community’s affection for our veterans. They have a pantry and other basic necessities for Veteran’s in need.
Greater Cleveland Food Bank | www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank | www.akroncantonfoodbank.org
Civilian Health And Medical Program of the Department of Veteran Affairs (CHAMPVA) | (800) 733-8387 | http://www.va.gov/communitycare/programs/dependents/champva/ index.asp
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive health care program in which the VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries. The program is administered by Chief Business Office Purchased Care. If you are currently a TRICARE beneficiary, you are not eligible for CHAMPVA.
Ohio Cares | (800) 761-0868 | http://www.ohiocares.ohio.gov
Ohio Cares is a network of state and local agencies that support the behavioral health of returning veterans and their families. This program enhances the behavioral health services provided by the
Department of Veteran Affairs.
The Patriot Project | http://www.patriot-project.org
The Patriot Project, an Ohio-based organization, is a network of chiropractors who assist eligible disabled veterans and active duty military personnel by offering free chiropractic care.
TRICARE is a health care provider for eligible veterans, service members and their families. TRICARE provides low cost prescription drugs through mail order and local retail pharmacies. Prescriptions that are filled at military treatment facilities are free of charge.
Veteran Affairs Health Benefits | (877) 222-8387 | http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers health benefits to most veterans without charging enrollment fees, monthly premiums or deductibles. The VA provides access to health care at 46 facilities across Ohio.
Veteran Affairs Mental Health Counseling | (877) 927-8387 | http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides mental health counseling at seven centers across Ohio. It also operates a Crisis Hotline offering free and confidential support for veterans and
their families.
Department of Defense Veterans (DOD) | (888) 363-4872 | http://www.godefense.cpms.osd.mil/veterans
The Department of Defense provides employment opportunities for veterans. Through their website, veterans can access DOD job fairs, a state map displaying all available positions and helpful tips on applying for a job.
Feds Hire Vets | (202) 606-7304 | http://www.fedshirevets.gov
Feds Hire Vets is a program designed to help military veterans transition into the federal workforce.
Helmets to Hardhats | (866) 741-6210 | http://www.helmetstohardhats.org
Helmets to Hardhats helps military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality career in the construction industry. Military service members are offered a three to five year apprenticeship at no cost.
Hiring Our Heroes | (202) 659-6000 | http://www.uschamberfoundation.org/hiring-our-heroes
Hiring Our Heroes is a program operated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The nationwide initiative was launched in 2011 to help veterans, service members and military spouses find employment by having state and local chambers and their partners hold job fairs across the nation.
Ohio Job and Family Services Veteran Program | (888) 296-7541 | http://www.jfs.ohio.gov/veterans/index.stm
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Veterans Program provides employment and training resources to eligible veterans. Programs are implemented to increase opportunities for veterans to obtain job training and employment.
Ohio State Approving Agency | http://www.saa.ohio.gov
The Ohio State Approving Agency works with veterans and a Certifying Officer to provide on-the-job or apprenticeship training to eligible veterans and teaches the skills necessary for jobs in the civilian workforce.
Ohio Means Veteran Jobs | http://www.ohiomeansveteranjobs.com
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services – Ohio Means Veteran Jobs website is an online resource that provides information and tools to assist in the transition to civilian life. These resources include a list of veteran friendly employers, information on Federal and State benefits, job search capabilities, resume writing and a military to civilian skills translator.
Troops to Energy Jobs | http://www.troopstoenergyjobs.com
Troops to Energy Jobs accelerates the training and employability of veterans for work in the energy sector. The program offers veterans the opportunity to be placed throughout the United States.
Troops to Teachers | (800) 852-6064 | http://www.troopstoteachers.ohio.gov
Troops to Teachers is an assistance program that helps eligible military personnel use their skills, knowledge and experience in schools. This program is the product of collaboration between the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Defense.
Uniform Services Employment & Reemployment
Rights Act (USERRA) | (614) 466-2768 | http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra
The Uniform Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act protects veterans’ careers so that they may be reemployed at their civilian careers after returning from duty and are not discriminated against due to their military service.
Veteran Jobs Stars & Stripes Job Center | http://www.veteranjobs.stripes.com/
Stars & Stripes offers a Jobs Center through their website that gives veterans access to thousands of jobs available throughout the country.
Veteran Education Program | http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers many educational programs for active duty personnel and veterans. Many veterans and active duty personnel are eligible for more than one program offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Program (VR&E) | (800) 827-1000 | http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program assists veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or greater to maintain employment, become employed and live suitable lifestyles. The VR&E also offers post-secondary training, on-the-job training and independent living services for veterans who are unable to work
Affairs (VA) claim.
American Veterans (AMVETS) | (614) 431-6990 | http://www.ohamvets.org
County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO) | http://www.dvs.ohio.gov/main/county-veterans-service-offices.html
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information | http://www.militaryconsumer.gov
The Federal Trade Commission provides consumer information for military families who face additional challenges in managing their finances and personal information. Military families who face consumer issues, like buying a car or preventing identity theft, have special rights.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) | (212) 982-9699 | http://www.iava.org
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America offers a wide array of programs to veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan.
National Resource Directory | http://www.nrd.gov
The National Resource Directory connects service members and veterans to supportive services such as scholarships, unemployment benefits, transportation assistance and financial counseling.
Ohio License Plates | http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/vr-sp-military.aspx
Veterans renewing their license plates may be eligible to obtain a free armed forces plate upon presenting a valid DD-214. Ohio BMV offers 40 different types of specialty plates for veterans.
USO | (800) 503-8766 (Northern Ohio) | http://www.northernohio.uso.org
The USO provides morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform and their families. In addition to airport lounges that provide military personnel with computer access and a “welcome home,” the USO also provides crucial financial support to the many Family Services programs.
Veterans Affairs Burial and Tombstones | http://www.cem.va.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers burial benefits to qualifying veterans and their family members. Qualifying veterans can be buried in a national cemetery at no charge. If buried in a private cemetery, the VA will provide a tombstone and medallion. Contact your County Veteran Service Office for more information.
Veteran Affairs Pension and Benefits | (800) 827-1000 | http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension
The Department of Veterans Affairs pension program offers a tax-free monetary benefit to eligible low-income veterans. A survivor’s benefit is also available to eligible family members of a deceased veteran.
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) | (800) 827-1000 | http://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits
The Veterans Benefits Administration provides the various benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including disability compensation, housing assistance and vocational rehabilitation.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) | (614) 224-1838 | http://www.ohiovfw.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars offers research, advice and assistance for veterans filing claims for benefits. The VFW assists veterans in reopening claims, following up on previous claims and assisting with appeals and reviewing denied claims. The VFW will also answer, research and assist with inquiries about medical, death/burial and other miscellaneous benefits.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) | (614) 228-0188 | http://www.vva.org
Vietnam Veterans of America advocates on issues important to veterans of the Vietnam War. The VVA assists veterans in obtaining the quality healthcare they deserve, along with holding government officials accountable on supporting veterans’ benefits.
Better Business Bureau Military Line | http://www.bbbmarketplacetrust.org/category/291048/military-and- veterans
The Better Business Bureau offers financial readiness classes near military facilities to help service members identify consumer threats and to file complaints, if necessary.
Military Sentinel | (877) 382-4357 | http://www.militaryconsumer.gov/report-scam
Military Sentinel is a centralized online collection of consumer fraud and identity theft complaints. The Military Sentinel is a joint initiative of the Department of Defense and the Federal Trade Commission. Military personnel may file a complaint or receive more information by visiting the online database.
National Veterans Legal Service Program | (202) 265-8305 | http://www.nvlsp.org
The National Veterans Legal Services Program is a nonprofit organization that protects the benefits of our nation’s veterans and active duty military by providing legal services to veterans.
Operation Legal Help Ohio | (877) 759-6182 | http://www.mvlap.org
The Ohio Military/Veteran Legal Assistance Project (OMVLAP) is a network of volunteer lawyers who provide free legal assistance to low-income veterans.
The Patriot Program | (800) 282-0515 | http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/individuals-and-families/military- and-veterans
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office (AG) offers services to address the specific needs of veterans, full-time military service members and mobilized Guard and Reserve personnel. Through the program, assistant attorneys generals volunteer to provide certain legal services to military personnel and their families at no cost.
If you’ve exhausted all of these resources, NEOPAT is here to help.