NEWS and EVENTS
Posted 10/13/23
Did you know some Veterans and their family members have access to VA-covered care through several special programs such as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (CHAMPVA)?
For more information visit: VA provides care to eligible Veterans’ family members – VA News
Posted 5/8/2023
Posted 10/3/22
You’ve likely already heard about how the PACT Act could impact your care and benefits, but did you know it also expands health care eligibility for many Veterans?
When President Biden signed the PACT Act Aug. 10, 2022, it initiated one of the largest expansions of VA benefits in history. This includes extended VA health care enrollment eligibility to Vietnam-era, Gulf War-era and Post-9/11 Veterans.
You can help spread the word about expanded eligibility to enroll in VA health care for your Veteran friends who have not previously enrolled. Here are all the details you need to know to help them get the care they earned and deserve: https://news.va.gov/109115/spread-word-pact-act-health-care-eligibility/
Posted 4/19/22
Posted 2/14/22
Easterseals Veterans Rally Point
For Active Military, National Guard, Reserve, Veterans & their Families
860-859-4148 Ext. 1 Confidential & Safe or email rwelch@escrec.org
Norwich location: 24 Stotts Avenue, Norwich
Easterseals is committed to the successful reintegration of Active Military, National Guard, Reserve, Veterans, and their families into all aspects of civilian life. See the flyer for more information.
Posted 2/14/22
Veterans Housing Grants
Did you know that VA offers housing grants for Veterans and service members with certain service-connected disabilities so they can buy or change a home to meet their needs and live more independently? This may mean installing ramps or widening doorways. Learn more at https://www.va.gov/housing…/disability-housing-grants/.
Posted 2/14/22
For more information on Women Veterans Health Engagement Training visit: https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/99916/connect-with-fellow-women-veterans/?utm_source=middle&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VetResources&utm_id=09FEB2022
Veteran Coffee Houses
Updated 1/24/23
Updated 6/12/23: RSVP Veterans’ Coffeehouse locations.
Posted on 4/16/20
Veterans and Caregivers Can Get Free Facebook Portal Smart Devices
Please see the link below for more information. This is first come, first serve.
Posted on 2/17/20
Residential Facility Programs
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers two temporary housing options at the campus in Rocky Hill, CT, the Residential Facility for individual veterans (male and female) and Patriots’ Landing houses for Veterans and their families. In the Residential Facility they have newly renovated and refurnished semi-private rooms, a new fitness center and computer room.
Each housing option provides comprehensive supportive programs and services that allow Veterans the opportunity to apply for benefits they may be eligible to receive, work on their educational and employment endeavors and pursue permanent community based housing.
View the residential brochure HERE.
Posted on 12/10/19
Commissary, Military Service Exchange, and MWR access extended to more Veterans
New law provides eligible Veterans and Primary Family Caregivers with access to DoD and Coast Guard commissaries, exchanges, and morale, welfare, and recreation retail services. https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/67974/commissary-military-service-exchange-mwr-access-extended-veterans-beginning-january/
According to the Department of Defense, starting Jan. 1, 2020, all service-connected Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war (POW), and individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans under the Department of Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) can use commissaries, exchanges, and morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online.
For more information regarding these privileges and access to military installations, visit http://www.militaryonesource.mil/expanding-access
Who is eligible Jan. 1, 2020?
- Veterans
- Purple Heart recipients
- former prisoners of war
- Veterans with 0-90% service-connected disability ratings
(For former service members who have not yet sought disability compensation from VA, visit https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/)
- Medal of Honor recipients and Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings are already eligible under existing DOD policy.
- Caregivers
- On Jan. 1, individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregiver of an eligible veteran under the PCAFC will be eligible for these privileges.
- For information about primary family caregivers in the PCAFC, visit https://www.caregiver.va.gov/.
Required credentials.
- Veterans
- On Jan. 1, Veterans eligible solely under this act who are eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card must use this credential for in-person installation and privilege access. The card must display the Veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED). Apply here: https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vhic/index.asp.
- Veterans eligible solely under this act who are not enrolled in or are not eligible to enroll in VA health care, or who are enrolled in VA health care, but do not possess a Veteran Health Identification Card will not have access to DoD and Coast Guard installations for in-person commissary, exchange, and MWR retail privileges, but will have full access to online exchanges and American Forces Travel.
- Medal of Honor recipients and Veterans with 100% service-connected disability ratings are eligible for DoD credentials under DoD policy.
- Caregivers
- Eligible caregivers will receive an eligibility letter from VA’s Office of Community Care.
- If you are a primary family caregiver under the PCAFC and lose your eligibility letter, please call 1-877-733-7927 to request a replacement. Please allow two weeks for processing.
Find out more about military resale privileges.
- Army and Air Force Exchange Service (https://www.shopmyexchange.com/vets)
- Coast Guard Exchange (https://shopCGX.com)
- Defense Commissary Agency (https://www.commissaries.com/)
- Navy Exchange (https://www.mynavyexchange.com/)
- Marine Corps Exchange (http://www.mymcx.com/)
- MILITARY STAR Card (https://www.myecp.com/)
- American Forces Travel (https://www.americanforcestravel.com)
Important Links for Veteran Information
Updated 5/3/22
Veterans Crisis Line: 24/7 confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to connect. Link OnStar to the VA Crisis Center.
US Department of Veterans Affairs Website: Here you will find information about the services, programs and benefits offered to Veterans with access to managing services.
CTVeterans mobile app: Now available for both Apple and Android mobile devices and connects Veterans, current service members and their families to a directory of services that the state provides for Veterans, as well as access to the Veterans Crisis Line and information on how to support Veterans in the state.*The new mobile app can be downloaded free of charge from theiTunes Store and Google Play Store by searching the keyword “CTVeterans.” *
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs: Information on advocacy and assistance, mental health programs, residential programs, health care programs and more.
You can also stay up-to-date with the latest news, upcoming events, and current happenings at the Rocky Hill Campus and throughout the State Veterans’ community by visiting their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter applications. Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans Info Line, 1-866-9CT-VETS
Facebook – CT Veterans Affairs; Instagram – ctvetsaffairs; Twitter – @CTVetsAffairs
Connecticut Military Support Program, 1-866-251-2913
Provides 24/7 free and confidential counseling for military and their families; crisis intervention, marriage, family, stress, anxiety.
Connecticut Veterans Directed Care Program (VDC): The VDC Program is a consumer directed home and community-based services program designed to keep veterans in their communities. Veterans served through this program have the opportunity to self-direct their own care and receive services in their home from the caregiver of their choice
How to apply for a Veteran ID card: A Veteran ID Card (VIC) can be used to get discounts offered to Veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores, and other businesses. Find out if you’re eligible for a Veteran ID Card and how to apply.
Department of Labor Veterans’ Representatives/New London
Mike Ennis, LVER (Local Veterans Employment Representative): (860)439-7581, Fax (860)439-7420
Jason Sechrist, DVOP (Disabled Veterans Outreach Services): (860)439-7582, Fax (860)439-7420
Norwich- Jon Pierce, DVOP (860)859-5605, Fax (860)439-7420
Financial Assistance for Homeless Vets
Homebuying Guide for Veterans
Connecticut General Assembly- 2017 Acts Affecting Veterans & The Military
Links
