Veterans benefits applies to programs of benefits and services administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in accordance with criteria authorized by Congress and set forth in Title 38, United States Code, "Veterans Benefits" (38 USC). Specific entitlement and eligibility requirements are set forth in Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, "Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans Relief." Monetary benefits to veterans and their dependents are tax-exempt and may be classified into three general categories: Compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and Pension.

The County Veterans Service Officers serve as liaisons assisting veterans and their families. We can advise and assist veterans in filing for benefits and cutting through the red tape. Our office staff includes three certified Veterans Service Officers and a network of people, agencies and other support functions to help veterans and their families. County Veterans Service Officers are authorized to present claims for further development, institute appeals from VA decisions and follow through to final representative.
 
 

As part of a continuing effort to support Westchester’s service men and women, government officials are offering their families free admission to county pools and beaches and free rides to Playland.

Families can stop by the Veterans Service Agency at 112 East Post Road, 4th floor, White Plains to pick up their qualifying letter and then go to the County Center or County Parks Main Office Building in Mount. Kisco to get their special Park Pass. For additional information, call the Veterans Service Agency at (914) 995-2145.

Families with a parent serving in Iraq or Afghanistan can receive a one-year pass from date of issue entitling them to free admission to pools and beaches as well as discounts on golf, parking and summer camps (next season). Family members can also get Fun Bands for six hours of rides at Playland. Special rules apply.

Because the names of those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are not released by the federal government, the Veterans Service Agency has had to rely on families coming forward to identify themselves.

The county hopes families will provide their contact information so the Veterans Service Agency  will know how to find them. Not only can the agency help with free recreational passes, but they are able to be a liaison for many other veteran and county services and programs. The agency provides information on everything from disability and pensions to mental health care and property tax breaks.

The Veterans Service Agency has coordinated several outreach programs to active service members and veterans in recent years, including a letter-writing campaign, distribution of care packages of Girl Scout cookies, regular Town Hall meetings, monthly sign-up days for VA medical benefits, nursing home visits and a special appreciation day at Playland.

To qualify for the county passes, families need to bring a copy of the orders showing their family member is stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan and their Military Dependent ID Card to the Veterans Service Agency. Families also need to bring proof of Westchester County residency in the form of a driver’s license or utility bill. The card will be issued to the military dependent only and valid for use by immediate family members when accompanied by the military dependent.

Attention veterans: You may qualify for a free energy audit of your home and guidance on how to obtain incentives to pay for any needed repairs.

Westchester County has teamed up with the Westchester chapter of the Building Performance Contractors Association (BPCA) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to provide veterans with these free, no-obligation energy audits.

World War II veteran Victor Paolantonio at 11 Sommerstown Road (Rt. 133) Ossining was the first of four veterans who will not only get the free energy audit but also receive any upgrades recommended.

Everyone – veteran or not – should consider having a home energy audit. County veterans will get this home audit free, thanks to BPCA and NYSERDA.

Home energy audits usually cost about $500 and are designed to show homeowners what they can do to save energy in their homes, such as installing new windows, insulation, air sealing, high-efficiency heating or cooling equipment and more.

As part of the Green Jobs, Green NY program, NYSERDA will cover the cost of the audit for most veterans. For Paolantonio and three other veterans, BPCA, with the help of NYSERDA and donations from certain manufacturers and suppliers, will complete the renovations and replacement of old equipment.

Vincent Hannigan, a spokesman for the Westchester BPCA, said, "We are proud to honor our veterans with our services and support and are grateful to the county and NYSERDA for their commitment to the success of this project." Visit the Building Performance Contractors Association Web site.

Sign up now
To sign up, or get additional information, call the county's Veterans Service Agency at (914) 995-2145