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You’ve likely heard of veterans benefits at the state level. While many of them touch on taxes veterans have to pay on things like military retirement pay, or property taxes, there are some states that also offer a cash bonus for military service. However, not all states offer a veterans bonus, and each state sets specific eligibility requirements.
For example, most states require the veteran was a legal state resident at the time they joined the military. Some states require the veteran was a resident for a certain amount of time before joining the military. Other requirements include serving during specific dates or during specific conflicts, or having a military discharge rating above a set level (for example, some states do not offer a bonus to a veteran with a dishonorable discharge).
So let’s look at which states offer bonuses, the amount of the bonus, the eligibility requirements for those bonuses, and how to apply.
Military Veterans Bonuses Listed By State
The following states have a military veterans bonus:
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- South Dakota
- West Virginia
Illinois Military Veterans Bonus
The State of Illinois is offers several types of cash bonuses to veterans of the United States Armed Forces depending on the veteran’s dates of service.
Illinois Veterans Bonus
| Veteran Service | Bonus Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| World War II | $10/month served domestically $15/month served on foreign soilOne time $1,000 (survivors of veterans who died from service-related reasons during eligible time period) | Residents of Illinois at the time of entering serviceServed at least 60 days on active duty between Sept. 16, 1940 and September 3, 1945Received honorable discharge |
| Korean Conflict | One time $100 bonus is payable | Resident of Illinois for 12 months immediately prior to entering serviceServed between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1953Received Korean Service MedalHonorable Discharge |
| Vietnam Conflict / Vietnam Frequent Wind | One time $100 bonusOne time $1,000 (survivors of veterans who died from service-related reasons during eligible time period, or due to exposure to herbicide commonly known as Agent Orange) | Resident of Illinois for 12 months immediately prior to entering serviceServed in Vietnam from January 1, 1961 to March 28, 1973Served in Vietnam Frequent Wind from April 29, 30, 1975. |
| Persian Gulf Conflict | One time $100 bonus | Resident of Illinois for 12 months immediately prior to entering serviceServed between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995. Received the Southwest Asia Service MedalHonorable Discharge |
| Global War on Terrorism (Operation Iraq Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation New Dawn) | One time $100 bonusOne time $1,000 (survivors of veterans killed in battle or by terrorist activities while performing military duties) | Residents of Illinois for 12 months immediately prior to entering serviceServed on or after September 11, 2001Served at least 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days of foreignRecipent of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal |
POW Compensation: Persons on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or employed by the United States Government on, or after, January 1, 1961, who were residents of Illinois 12 months prior to entry, and who were taken and held prisoner by hostile forces in Southwest Asia, are entitled to $50 for each month or portion thereof while being held captive.
Applying for the Illinois Military Veterans Bonus
To begin the application process, click the application link on the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs website. Upon completion, you’ll need to mail the application and a photocopy of your separation or discharge documents to:
PO Box 19432
833 South Spring Street
Springfield, IL 62794-9432.
Massachusetts Military Veterans Bonuses
Massachusetts veterans bonuses are a little more unique, where there are several different payment amounts.
Massachusetts Veterans Bonus
| Veteran Service | Bonus Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| World War II | $100 bonus $200 bonus$300 bonus | ($100) for veterans who served in active duty from one day to six months($200) for veterans who performed stateside service for 6+ months($300) for veterans who performed foreign service |
| Korean Conflict | $100 bonus$200 bonus$300 bonus | ($100) for veterans who served for 90 days stateside($200) for veterans who performed service for 6+ months($300) for any veterans who served one or more days outside the continental U.S. |
| Vietnam Conflict | $200 bonus$300 bonus | ($200) for veterans who served on active duty between July 1, 1958 – May 16, 1975 for at least six months($300) for veterans who served on active duty in Vietnam |
| Persian Gulf Conflict | $300 bonus$500 bonus | Veterans who served between August 2, 1990 and April 10, 1991. ($300) 30 or more days of active duty service($500) Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal |
| Welcome Home Bonus (Post 9/11) | $500 bonus$1,000 bonus | Veterans who resided in Massachusetts for at least six months before joining the military($500) Veterans who served stateside or outside the continental U.S. on active duty for 6+ months($1,000) Veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan |
*The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides these bonuses to veterans or in the case of a deceased veteran, their surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings or other dependents who would also be eligible to receive the bonus. Surviving family members would be granted the eligible bonus in the order which they appeared above.
Note: Veterans who have received a dishonorable discharge or those that do not meet the requirements above will not be eligible to receive the specified bonus. If the veteran is ineligible, surviving beneficiaries would also be ineligible.
Applying for the Massachusetts Military Veterans Bonus
For veterans or surviving relatives interested in claiming a Massachusetts Veterans Bonus, applications are available online on the state’s website.
Contact number for the World War II Bonus: 617-367-3900, ext 308
Contact number for the Korean War Bonus or Vietnam War Bonus: 617-367-3900, ext 208 Contact number for the Welcome Home Bonus: 617-367-9333, ext 350
For Persian Gulf veterans only:
Veterans’ Bonus Division, Department of Veterans’ Services
600 Washington Street, Suite 1100
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 210-5927
www.mass.gov/veterans
Email: [email protected]
Applicants and their relatives may be required to provide proof of residency or next of kin documentation or certain service records to prove eligibility.
Approved applicants can expect to receive their benefits in roughly 4-6 weeks following all appropriate paperwork being submitted.
New Hampshire Military Veterans Bonus
New Hampshire offers veterans of the Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism a bonus if eligibility requirements are met. Bonuses for World War II and Korean Conflicts are expired.
New Hampshire Veterans Bonus
| Veteran Service | Bonus Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Conflict | $100 bonus | New Hampshire resident at time of enlistment/serviceHonorable dischargeServed on active duty for 90+ days between August 5, 1964 and August 15, 1973.Claims made after August 22, 1977 must be approved by the Adjutant General, the Governor and Executive Council. |
| Persian Gulf Conflict | $100 bonus | New Hampshire resident at time of enlistment/serviceHonorable DischargeServed between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995. Earned Southwest Asia Service Medal |
| Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) | $100 bonus | New Hampshire resident at time of enlistment/serviceHonorable dischargeServed on or after September 11, 2001Earned the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal |
Applying for the New Hampshire Military Veterans Bonus
To learn more about applying for the Veterans Bonuses, you can check out the state of New Hampshires’ website, or you can contact the State Office of Veterans Services for the state of New Hampshire via telephone at 603-624-9230, or by mail at:
275 Chestnut Street
Room 517
Manchester, NH 03101
South Dakota Military Veterans Bonus
South Dakota has established a program for members of the military who are legal residents of the state. However the program does not address conflicts before the Persian Gulf conflict.
South Dakota Veterans Bonus
| Veteran Service | Bonus Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Persian Gulf conflict | $500 bonus | South Dakota resident no less than six months before serviceHonorable dischargeServed from August 2, 1990 – March 31, 1991 |
| Southwest Asia Service Medal | $500 bonus | South Dakota resident no less than six months before serviceHonorable dischargeServed from March 4, 1991 – December 31, 1992 in a hostile area that qualifies for Southwest Asia Service Medal |
| Other U.S. conflict operations | $500 bonus | South Dakota resident no less than six months before serviceHonorable dischargeServed from January 1, 1993 – September 10, 2001 in a hostile area which qualified for any US campaign or service medal awarded for combat operations against hostile forces |
| Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) | $500 bonus | South Dakota resident no less than six months before serviceHonorable dischargeServed any active duty after September 11, 2001 |
Note: Any Veteran with qualifying service before December 31, 1992, during Desert Storm and after January 1, 1993, during Operation Iraqi Freedom may be entitled to receive two separate $500 bonus payments.
Veterans who have a service-related disability rated by the Veterans Administration as 10% or more disability will receive the maximum payment of $500. Verification of disability must be provided from the VA along with the application.
Applying for the South Dakota Veterans Bonus
Any servicemember interested in applying for the South Dakota Veterans Bonus must provide the branch of the military along with dates of service on a completed application. Certification of the application must be completed by local County or Tribal Veteran Service Officer. For applicants in other states, a certification must be completed by a Post Service Officer from one of the recognized Veterans Service organizations. All applications must be accompanied by a copy of your DD Form 214, which shows proof of military service.
Interested applicants can obtain an application online at the State website. Applicants living in South Dakota may request an application through the nearest County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer. See the official South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs for more information. Additionally, applications may be requested by calling 605-773-7251 or via mail:
SD Veterans Bonus
425 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
West Virginia Military Veterans Bonus
The veterans bonus in West Virginia focuses on more recent conflicts.
West Virginia Veterans Bonus
| Veteran Service | Bonus Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Kosovo | $600 bonus$2,000 bonus for surviving dependents of servicemembers killed in action (KIA) | West Virginia resident for 6+ month prior to serviceHonorable DischargeReceived a campaign badge or expeditionary medal for service between November 20, 1995, and December 31, 2000 |
| Afghanistan Conflict | $400 bonus$600 bonus$2,000 bonus for surviving dependents of servicemembers killed in action (KIA) | West Virginia resident for 6+ month prior to serviceHonorable DischargeServed in Afghanistan from October 7, 2001 to an unspecified time |
| Iraq Conflict | $400 bonus$600 bonus$2,000 bonus for surviving dependents of servicemembers killed in action (KIA) | West Virginia resident for 6+ month prior to serviceHonorable DischargeServed in Iraq from March 19, 2003 to an unspecified date |
Applying for the West Virginia Veterans Bonus
A surviving spouse or children of a veteran KIA during these periods may request an application for the bonus by calling 1-888-838-2332 or e-mailing the state at [email protected]. Applications can be mailed to:
West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs
1321 Plaza East
Suite 101
Charleston, WV 25301
Living veterans of each conflict must fill out forms that vary based on the area in which you served. For more information on which forms must be completed as well as any other documentation required to receive the West Virginia Veterans Bonus, please visit the West Virginia Division of Veteran’s Affairs for more information.
Be sure to include a copy of your DD Form 214 with your application. This form shows proof of military service, campaign medals, and other important information to prove your claim.
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Mike Trenkler says
Hi,
Are these one time bonuses? Or monthly or something like that?
Thanks
Ryan Guina says
Mike, these are generally one-time bonuses based on the criteria set by each state.
Jeffery Mccarty says
I served with the 101st Airborne in Desert shield and Desert storm . Did Michigan give bonus also
lowell says
Why haven’t you written about why California or other states not doing the same thing. There are veterans in California that are in need of these additional benefits especially in places where the cost of living is really high in some places that make veterans become homeless because they can’t afford living prices apartments and homes. Maybe if you have written about the states that aren’t doing the same then some veterans wouldn’t be homeless and that they can at least buy some food.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Lowell, we have made the decision to only cover states that offer a bonus to veterans to avoid any possible confusion that may arise from writing about states that “could” offer a bonus, but haven’t done so.
Crystal Bourgeois says
Thanks Ryan for always keeping the Veterans and Soldiers informed on information out there for us. I’m the go to person most Veterans call in my area for information. I always tell them to sign-up for the Military Wallet for all the latest and great information you provide to those signed up. I look forward for my Military Wallet in my in box.
Stay Blessed, Stay well.
MSG (Retired) C. Bourgeois
RICHARD SCALES says
my dad served between vietnan and korean conflict he was killed by drunk driver in 72 why was my family not elgible for any type of beneits
Leonard Eddie says
I received an increase in my VA disability rating in October 2018 with a retroactive date back to 2010. Since the increased rating was less than 50% the VA recouped all of the increase from my USAF retirement pay. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get a waiver for this or at least get the taxes I paid on my retirement pay refunded. This was over $30,000, and I could really use the money. I appreciate any help or advice you can give me.
Thank you in advance,
Leonard Eddie, MSgt, USAF, retired
sam jones says
any Vietnam bonus programs?
jeremy votaw says
My name is Jeremy Votaw and I was informed about the Ohio bonus program from my grandmother. I served in the Army from 03 to 06 as an Ohio resident. I now am a resident of Illinois. Knowing I do not qualify for the Ohio bonus I was wondering there was one for Illinois vets. Also I was wondering how would veterans who served in one state and due to economic challenges moved to another state how do they qualify? If I’m not mistaken it says that you must have been a resident and currently a resident of said state. This is my understanding of the program. Please by all means correct me if I’m wrong. Any info will be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Ryan Guina says
Thank you for your service, Jeremy. There is an IL veterans bonus, however, it does not include the sates you served.
Most states that offer a bonus only do so for veterans who joined the service from their state, and who become residents of that state after they separate from the military.
BILLY GRIFFITH says
I sent in application for Cold War Recognition Certificate about 3 or 4 months ago and have not heard anything. Who do I need to contact or should I fill out another application and send it in?
Jason Manley says
I was in the army for 9 years. I completed over 5 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. During my service I received 3 honorable discharges and Multiple medals for valor in combat. It is the proudest time in my life and am thankful for every experience. Sadly my love for serving in combat lead me to a severe case of PTSD. After my 4th tour I was diagnosed with chronic PTSD. Being the ranger I am I didn’t have quit in me and at the time mental health was still catching up to soldiers like me and I did another 3 tours before I hit my breaking point. And after all my service and acomplishments I began to loose it. I ended up getting in trouble while I waited for my medical board to finish and earned myself an other than honorable discharge. I got out and the va picked me up and determined me to be 100% disabled and due to all of my honorable discharges was able to award me with full benefits.
So my question is if I received multiple honorable discharges after the periods I would qualify for this bonus will I be eligible based on those or does my last discharge trump all the discharges I had prior?
Maurice Isler says
I applied for the bonus, sent all of my paperwork in certified mail, notarized and all. I received a notice with a claim number on it, which you can go to the Ohio veterans bonus website to check the status of your claim. [email protected]. That’s as far as I’ve gotten though. Seveal calls and emails, have done nothing but produce vague responses. They claimed they sent my approval letter and maybe it got lost in my spam inbox, but I added their email address [email protected] to my contact list…so It wasn’t lost. I asked my provider to recover my deleted mail, rechecked my inbox and spam no “approval letter”. Finally when I presented this information to them, they emailed my approval letter.
The following email was the last correspondence I received on July 23, 2012 nearly a month after I mailed may application.
Good Afternoon Mr. Isler
Attached is a copy of the approval letter you requested.
As you indicated, we continue to experience issues with the year-end/new fiscal year procession of warrants. We are working towards a solution to this matter. You will be notified when we have resolved. Thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,
Beth
Beth A. Deck
Veterans Bonus Program Manager
I’ve received several vague emails prior to this. Basically I think the state of Ohio has misappropriated the funds. There was supposedly 172 million dollars in the fund and only 42 million claimed and paid out as of Nov 2011. There’s no way they’ve paid out 131 million dollars in 8 months. As veterans we know the routing, when all else fails, screw the vet. They’re not thankful for anything…the people who paid into the fund are…but the government could care less.
SHELL says
how often can you apply for this bonus
SSG Jones, Douglas says
I have served in three different conflicts why is it that I cannot get a 1500 bonus or more from my state of residence, I have tour Kosovo in 1999, civil war in Macedonia during 911, Iraq in 2003, and Afghanistan in 2010 I just think that all states should show some type of appreciation for us I have been in for almost 16 years protecting my country.
John G says
Hello,
Even though I am 100% disabled and an Ohio vet all my life, I cannot get this boiuns because my dates are not in the “window”…What I dont understand is that all of these eligibility period “conflicts have no end date, and my dates of service was from 15APR93-20AUG94, why am I bing squeezed out?
…And are there any other programs like this for vets to receive financial help? …not including education?
Thanks and have a good one,
JG
John G says
Some people are really hurting right now and this can really help them. You can’t put a price or a benefit on the service we have provided.
I find your “quit your ********” comment out of line soldier.
There should be tons and tons of help for veterans no matter what the help is.
I am 100% service connected, and unemployable, so there is no way I can earn anymore funds, so this program is good for those who need it, especially in todays world financial meltdown.
MPGunner says
Iraq Veteran, twice, my wife is serving in Afghanistan currently. It’s sad to see all these negative posts about and complaining about free money. 1st of all, it’s taxpayer’s money, why would you want to take somebody else’s money, secondly if your counting on this for holidays or bills, then maybe you need to seek some financial counseling. From one vet to another, this is not how we should be reacting. looking at the states who do have a vet bonus program, only Ohio, I believe has one for the OIF/OEF campaigns. and it’s quite substantial. So quit your complaining and be glad your back on us soil. and healthy
NC Stanley says
Both me and my husband received the check (both disable vets) but my husband have to contact them a few times. However, since the new Governor took the office, a letter came in the mail that said we can no longer applied for the bonus (we were told that we could get the bonus once a year, until 2013). They need to show us the report of where the millions of dollars that was put a side for Veterans bonus went? I am so sick of politics, I might just have to run for the Governor!
John Dinger says
the Governor and the veterans affair board needs to get off their butts and do something for us Ohio veterans i think its time for ohioians to decide if this man we have as the governor is what we need for another 4 years we need someone who cares for the people of ohio and its veterans and get someone who cares and not try and delay things that was promise to us ohio veterans so let us ohio veterans stand up and vote no for relected Ted Strictland as our Governor for the next election for Ohio Governor
John Dinger says
Ohio goverment are trying to figure out on how to give us american fighting men annd women that served with pride and fought for our country that holiday bonus that they been promising us for years but dont know how to pay for it but yet they can find a way to give themselves a huge raise every year and so they forget about us that fought for our country i served almost 10 years in the army fought in desert storm of 1991 and got a check from the government for 200 dollars thats all that we are worth to ohio while the governor and other officials in in Ohio are living high on the hog and dont have to worrying about getting a bounus from serving their country or if they did we the ohio veterans are suffering and waiting on how or when they will decide on how to give us that holiday bonus ! They(the govrenment of ohio have no respect for us that served this great nation of ours but instead are filling their pockets with their pay raises
david l vargo says
I too was a Vietnam Vet who the summer I returned home from Active Duty began getting flashbacks (strange auras’) that after years I went to a neurologist in Columbus Oh… and found I had contacted complex partial epilepsy. Epilepsy caused me to loose my job which I held for 23 years. After applying I was granted a pension and disability which my monthly checks keep my family and 4 children partially alive. I take the drug lyrica which has caused memory impairment and to loose my job. I tried to file a claim but was denied compensation because Epilepsy was not caused by Agent Orange. But any money a Viet Nan Vet could receive would greatly be appreciated. I created ads for the Yellow Pages and still would like any job available.
hezekiah grice says
i finally received my bonus check for 1500. it took me some time and i had to resubmit some paper work but I did get a check. it took me some time to figure out that this is not a monthly thing but it was nice to get something back for my service. so to all those that are waiting for a check have patience trust me this is not a scam.
Terry Glass says
Does this program include veterans from OIF and OEF?
Ben says
I am a vet that is still currently active duty. I entered in Ohio and still pay taxes and have Ohio as my home of record. I submitted my packet back in August, 2010. I checked the status of my application often and finally in November recieved information saying that I had to submit my LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) showing that I still pay Ohio taxes. I did so and called them about a week later to verify they recieved it. They stated they did and told that it was going to be reviewed again, which would take 8 more weeks. Now it is February 10th 2011 and still no word. This is a mockery of my continued service to our country. I think as veterans we need to make this right. I am going to contact local VFW, DAV, and AMVETS to get the word out that we need to do something about this.
James says
I submitted my paper work back on Dec. 20, 2010. I did receive a letter from…The Department of Veteran Services…on Dec. 24th stating that my application was received on Dec. 22nd. It was signed by a guy named…John Cook, who’s title is…Veterans Bonus Program Director.
Tracy says
Hello, I wanted to give an update. Finally able to get in contact with someone at the vets bonus program office. They told me that they were overwhelmed with applications in the beginning and they are just now as of today(Dec 6) processing applications received in September. She told me not to expect the payment until 2011.
Tracy says
My husband also submitted the paper work on September 14th. A week later on the website it stated that the paperwork had been received and that processing would take 6 to 8 weeks. Not a single word since. They were suppsed to email if there was a problem with the application. Tried to call and after sitting on hold for over an hour was told that they couldn’t guarantee processing times and they hung up. If they did not have the money to fund this then they shouldn’t have opened up the application process. I know that people are counting on this money for the holiday. I guess that is a sad mistake on our part trusting the government to handle it. A new story claimed that it was estimated that over 175,00 would be eligible and that only 32,600 applications had been received. Out of the applications received 6,000 had been denied..only 3,000 checks have gone out in 3 months….that leads me to believe that they don’t have the money to pay for their program and are not being forthcoming with the information. What a poor way to treat those who served their country, some giving their lives.
Candice says
Has anyone received a document stating the application was received and is being reviewed?
Ryan Guina says
Justin, I understand your point. I am currently an OH resident, but I wasn’t when I joined, so I am not eligible for this bonus. I am also not eligible for any bonuses in Texas, which is where I was a resident when I joined, while I was in, and for a short time afterward. Many states implement these rules to keep their money in-state (which makes sense) and to prevent veterans from making similar claims in multiple states. In fact, some states have a provision the precludes veterans from receiving a state bonus if they have already received a similar bonus from another state.
James Poland says
They received my paper work august 31, status kept saying under review, finally called 29 Nov. I spent 20 years active duty Navy born and raised in Ohio, went in 1977 thru Columbus Ohio. Did 4 years and got out in 1981 and went back in after 9 months apr 1982. Because i re-inter in Arizona they say I am not eligable. I retire in 1998 and moved back to Ohio where I’ve been ever since. I sent two DD-214 the first with Columbus Ohio, the second with Arizona. I only was out there for about a month when i went back in. I asked them why they never e-mail me after 3 months no answer. She said she would looked back into it, and call back. Never called back 4 hours later my status said not eligible. Born and raised in Ohio first enter active duty Ohio a month after high school and not eligible. I love Ohio but now feel like 20 years and 29 days is not enough. Because I spent a month in Arizona where my wife’s family were I am not eligible.
Will says
I’m beginning to think this is going to fall through. I still haven’t heard anything about funding being provided for this. They tried to use the rainy day fund. but that got turned down. I submitted my paperwork late September and was expecting to get the check around this time to have some extra money for the holidays, but nothing. I have not heard of a single person receiving this check. Too bad.
Ryan Guina says
Megan, sorry to hear about your troubles – hopefully you will be able to get the bonus approved. The Character of Service at discharge is simply the type of discharge your husband received (for example, Honorable, Under Honorable Conditions (General), Under Other Than Honorable Conditions, Bad Conduct, Dishonorable, or Uncharacterized). This information will be found on the copy of the DD214 that they are requesting. The good news is you can request a new copy of your DD Form 214 from the government at no charge. Hopefully all you will need to do is obtain a new copy of the DD214 and submit it along with your husband’s claim. Best of luck, and thank you for your husband’s service and your support.
Justin says
This is great for Ohio veterans, except there’s a few vets getting lost in the mix.
This bonus requires you to have entered military service as a resident of Ohio AND also be a current resident.
But what about all of those vets who entered service as an Ohio resident, was an Ohio resident during all of their time in service, and was an Ohio resident for years after their honorable discharge, but are currently a resident of another state? What if this reason for leaving the state was to take advantage of their GI Bill?
As it is now, if all 50 states were to implement bonuses exactly like this one, any vet who ever relocated, either because of a job, schooling or other reason, will find themselves cheated out of a good program.
I was an Ohio resident before, during and after my military service — “after” for 2 years, and still consider it my permanent address, but I moved to California for college. I was even still a resident of Ohio when this bonus program was proposed, so I can’t help but feel that some of us have been (and will continue to be, by other states) forgotten.
M says
My husband too is awaiting his bonus…he filed and overnighted certified all needed paperwork…they recieved all said paperwork…and stated it would take 6-8 weeks to process. That was 15 Sept. It is now almost 10 weeks later and not a single word or payment. He spent over an hour on hold to be hung up on then he called back and waited again….the answer was it is awaiting approval…that is all they could say….no how long approval would take….not any kind of explaination as to why it was now in the 10th week…we actually mailed it 1 Sept to them….what a joke and a slap in the face. I know some vets…filed it early as soon as possible so they could have a little extra money for the holidays…like I said what a slap in the face to those who serve our country.
megan says
I am the spouse of an Iraq War Veteran. We submitted the paperwork they asked for but got an email today asking for “Supporting documents for Character of Service at discharge or continued active duty” which we’re not sure what exactly they want for that. They also said the DD214 he sent wasn’t good enough. They didn’t want the worksheet one. All he was given was the worksheet one. Do any of you have any idea what they are talking about or where we can go for help? Our local office seems as confused as us. ANY help what so ever would be appreciated. We are still fighting to get him disability for major PTSD with many denials. I hate to have to fight another battle for something he is entitled to.
Thanks in advance:) And good luck to everyone.
Robert Danley says
Same thing has happened to me. They say they never recieved my application with an original copy of my DD-214 (which they asked for). I have told them they WILL find my DD-214 and return it to me. If the State of Ohio has lost and is losing such important FEDERAL documents it is inexcusable. No recourse? I beg to differ. I have written my state representative and will contact my U.S. Congressman. I will contact attorneys to find out if the State of Ohio can made to answer for this.
This may be a case where those of us who have defended this Country may have to band together again to make this “news worthy”. Can you say “Class Action Lawsuit”?
James says
Hello Candice, in response to your question. I submitted my paper work back on Dec. 20, 2010. I did receive a letter from…The Department of Veteran Services…on Dec. 24th stating that my application was received on Dec. 22nd. It was signed by a guy named…John Cook, who’s title is…Veterans Bonus Program Director.
Anthony Cornett says
I was told the same thing. My wife and I both are vets and summited our applications on the same day. They updated our status the same day, saying that it was recieved. This was back in late August or 1st week in Sept. Her status has been updated this week saying you will receive bonus in less than 2 weeks. My status hasnt changed, called them and got the same response, being overwhelmed….blah blah blah, they hired more people to help process…blah blah blah, you will NOT have a check till after the 1st of the year, have a nice day!
James Given says
This is a SCAM. The voters of Ohio approved this LAST YEAR (2009) but this state run scam only became available in August. The reason I say it is a scam is because I am a disabled veteran and have many friends in Ohio that have applied for this bonus and ALL OF US have been excuse after excuse. They won’t pay the benefit because:
(1) They say they never receive your paperwork. After you resubmit they finally own up to getting it but then put it in for scanning then “review” then “re-review” then they need additional information that has already been submitted.
(2) The State of Ohio used 2 Million dollars of the Veterans Bonus fund that was created from the sale of bonds to pay for the web site, hire operators and buy new computer equipment.
(3) They have no oversight. There is not one agency of the state government that has been assigned to manage the program. They have absolutely no requirement to account for anything unless the Ohio congress asks them to.
(4) There is no complaint process other than to write a letter to the same P.O. Box that was used to submit your claim.
(5) As of October 29, 2010, no bonuses have been issued from this program.
(6) We have no recourse.
Please everyone read this and know that you will probably never receive this payment until it becomes an issue in the paper. I plan to travel to Columbus next week and meet with the Editor of the Columbus Dispatch. I attempted to contact the Dayton Daily News but this story is “not newsworthy” according to their editor.
William C. Fuller, MCPO, USCG (ret) says
Thomas, Ohio did pay out a Vietnam Veterans Bonus, I received mine in 1974. There was a deadline to apply for it.
Linda says
NC does not have a bonus, but here’s a link to everything veterans DO have from the state:
http://www.doa.state.nc.us/vets/benefits.htm
Ryan says
Thomas, I am not aware of a bonus at this time for Vietnam Vets. Your best bet is to contact the Ohio Department of Veterans Services for more information. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!
Thomas A galati says
What about VIET NAM VETS
Kate Kashman says
Been working all day on a post about this and other state veteran bonus programs! (And I’m still not finished.) Let’s get the word out to every Ohio veteran.
Ryan says
I live in OH now, but I wasn’t an OH resident when I joined the service, so I am ineligible. But I’ve been forwarding this to a lot of my military friends today. 🙂
I didn’t know there were other state programs… Looks like I need to do a little research!
troy says
Ryan is there a way to change your home of record was born and raised in ohio and all my other important papers to include my state id is ohio i get mail there im just trying to setup this i enlisted in the army in las vegas after only being there for three months so according to every state i was not a member of that state
Ryan Guina says
Shell, from my understanding, you can apply for it for each time you eet the eligibility requirements, however, the bonus is capped at $1,000 among all eligible deployments.