Dayton VA sets first-ever ‘enrollment fair’ to get VA benefits

Wonder if you qualify for VA benefits?

You can find out at the Dayton VA Medical Center first benefits enrollment fair Thursday, March 29, a spokesman says.

The VA traditionally tries to reach veterans through community events like fairs and festivals, but veterans often aren’t prepared with the documents or information they need to sign up for benefits, said Dayton VA spokesman Ted Froats.

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“It’s a whole bureaucratic thing you’re trying to do when maybe when that was not your objective when you came to the event,” he said.

Veterans can check their benefit eligibility and enroll from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Building 305’s auditorium on the corner of Iowa and Kentucky. Signs will direct visitors where to go on the campus, Froats said.

Attendees should bring photo identification, a Social Security card, DD-214 military discharge documents, and health insurance cards if currently insured, the VA says. Information on their household 2017 income and dates they served in a combat area help speed up the process, the VA says.

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Family members or others with “power of attorney” for a veteran should bring the signed document with them.

Thursday also marks Vietnam Veterans Day, and former service members who were in the war will receive a special pin, the VA said.

Veterans unable to attend the outing may call outreach specialist Michael Schneider at 937-262-2159.

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