Veteran's Resources

The Green Erickson Post Number 122 of the American Legion works to provide services to veterans in our local community. While our efforts can never outweigh their service, we can continue to honor and assist them through fund-raising, cemetery flags and in various forms of relief.

The following are links and resources to assist you in finding information on these programs:

  • Military Relief Fund - In order to be eligible for the Military Relief Fund the applicant must be a Connecticut resident, have a pressing financial need, and the military service must be a contributing factor towards that hardship. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 860-524-4968 or send an email.
  • Tax Relief - Veterans, disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and low-income veterans may be eligible for property tax breaks. Contact the Burlington Assessor's Office at 860-673-6789, ext. 204.
  • Medical Benefits - The best way to receive veteran medical benefits is to apply in person at the information desk at the VA Medical Center in Newington at 555 Willard Avenue (phone number: 860-666-6951. Bring discharge papers/DD214 and a photocopy of your latest tax return. Be prepared to spend some time with a benefits counselor.
  • Stand Down - A day-long support services program for needy and homeless veterans sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Veterans' Affairs held in September.
  • Waiver of CT Driver's License Fees - Any person in active service for one licensing period within two years of separation is eligible. Contact the Wethersfield DMV at 860-263-5700 or call toll-free at 800-842-8222.
  • Veterans' Service and Advocacy Representative - If you need assistance or have any questions about applying for your benefits, a Department of Veterans Affairs Service Officer is available. Contact the State of Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs, Congressional District Number 1 at 860-594-6604. Find more information.
  • Reemployment Assistance for OEF/OIF Veterans - Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) - Protects reemployment rights of veterans or reservists regarding their civilian jobs. Educates, promotes, and awards employers. Contact ESGR at 860-548-3295
  • Veterans Rally Point (EasterSeals) - For many of the brave men and women veterans/service members who have served our country, the journey home is complicated and challenging. Whether our veterans/service members are recovering from physical and/or psychological injuries or trying to navigate the civilian world to gain meaningful employment, Easter Seals Capital Region and Eastern Connecticut walks with veterans/service members on their journey every step of the way. Easter Seals is committed to ensuring the successful reintegration of veterans/service members and their families into civilian life by offering a "hand up" to veterans/service members and military families! These services are free and local, serving our Connecticut Warriors. Call 860-859-4148, ext. 1 for more information.
  • VETS - Organization that handles more formal reemployment complaints of veterans, reservists, and National Guard members. Contact VETS at 860-263-6490.
  • Disabled American Veterans - Provides free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government. Contact the VA Regional Office at 860-594-6612.
  • CT Department of Labor Office for Veterans Workforce Development - Employment assistance, veterans preference, training, job fairs, career coaching, resume preparation, and unemployment insurance. Contact 860-263-6000 or click here for more information.
  • State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs - Detailed information on services, programs, and benefits offered to Connecticut Veterans by DVA and other agencies. 1-866-9CT-VETS 866-928-8387. Find more information.
  • Connecticut Military Support Program (24/7 Assistance) - For military (and their families) - Crisis Intervention: 866-251-2913
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Find more information.
  • Counseling / Hartford Veterans Center Benefits - Any combat veterans, spouses, and families can contact the Hartford Veteran's Center on 30 Jordan Lane, Wethersfield, CT at 860-563-2320 for individual/family counseling, benefits assistance/referrals, job referrals, and bereavement counseling. They also act as a liaison with other VA facilities. Their hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm (evenings by appointment).
  • Military Support Program - Provides counseling assistance to citizens, soldiers, and families affected by deployment in OEF/OIF. Call toll-free 866-251-5913 for 24-hour live assistance.
  • Veterans' Tuition Waiver Program - Certain veterans and children of MIA/POW may be eligible to attend state or technical colleges tuition-free. Call the Education and Employment Center at 800-842-0229 or contact any public college or university for more information.
  • Soldiers' Sailors' and Marines' Fund - Provides temporary assistance to war-time veterans or dependents that need assistance with basic needs. Call 860-566-2677 or 860-296-0719 or find more information.
  • Surviving Spouses and Dependents of Veterans may be eligible for benefits - Contact the Veterans' Service Officer at the CT Department of Veterans' Affairs at 860-721-5893 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
  • Burial Benefits - Veterans or spouses who predecease a veteran may be eligible for free marble headstones, delivered to the cemetery. Any reputable funeral home will have this information or you may make an appointment with the Veterans' Service Representative at 860-721-5893.
  • Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) - A program to reintegrate veterans who are experiencing homelessness into meaningful employment and to utilize service delivery systems to address the complex problems facing veterans who are experiencing homelessness.~ Contact the Community Renewal Team (CRT) for additional information at 860-951-8770. Find more information.
  • Veteran Temporary Housing Program Information
  • Veteran Residential Program Information
  • Aid and Attendance Pension - The Aid and Attendance Pension is the highest level awarded to a veteran or surviving spouse who requires assistance with their daily living such as dressing, bathing, cooking, eating, etc. Any War-Time Veteran with 90 days of active duty, 1 day beginning or ending during a period of War, is eligible to apply for the Aid and Attendance Improved Pension. A surviving spouse (marriage must have ended due to death of veteran) of a War-Time Veteran may also apply. The individual applying must qualify both medically and financially. Find more information.

Local Veterans' Organizations