Ohio Veterans’ Bonus

Last November, voters overwhelmingly approved the Ohio Veterans Bonus. Veterans who served during the Iraq, Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf conflicts may be eligible to receive a bonus from the state of Ohio.
To be eligible for the bonus, veterans must have served in the U.S. armed forces on active duty anywhere in the world, for purposes other than training, between August 2, 1990 and March 3, 1991 or any time since October 7, 2001.
It’s easy to apply. Veterans can simply visit the Harrison County Veterans Service Office or go on line at www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov. They will need their Department of Defense form 214 or other proof of honorable, active duty service, plus documents such as an Ohio driver license or tax returns that prove they are an Ohio resident now and were an Ohio resident at the start of their active duty service.
Eligible veterans may receive $100 for each month spent on active duty service in the following locations or theaters during these dates: Persian Gulf between August 2, 1990 and March 3, 1991; Afghanistan since October 7, 2001; or Iraq since March 19, 2003. The maximum benefit for in-theater service is $1,000.
Eligible veterans serving on active duty (except active duty for training only) anywhere else during the above specified dates may receive $50 a month up to a total benefit of $500.
Veterans may receive a combined, maximum benefit of $1,500 for theater and non-theater service during the specified dates.
Eligible veterans who are medically discharged or medically retired from service due to combat-related disabilities sustained during Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or Iraq service are entitled to $1,000. These veterans may also receive $50 a month for their non-theater service up to a total of $500.
Families of deceased veterans may be eligible for $5,000 if the veteran lost his or her life as a result of injuries or illness sustained in Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or Iraq service. These families may also receive the bonus the veteran had earned per month, up to a maximum total benefit of $6,500.
Families of veterans whose death was not a result of injuries or illness sustained in Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or Iraq service may receive the bonus the veterans had earned per month, up to a total maximum benefit of $1,500.
Eligible veterans or families of eligible veterans who were classified by the Department of Defense as a prisoner of war or missing in action may receive a bonus payment of $5,000.
Call 740-942-8441 to apply for the bonus or to learn more about bonus eligibility requirements.

Short URL: http://thisismycounty.com/?p=3306

Dave Rose, of Scio, is the County Veterans Service Officer. He retired in 2008 as a Department of Army civilian from Fort Meade, Maryland with forty years of Federal service (military and civilian). He is a member of the Scio American Legion, Scio Ruritans, Harrison County Historical Society, Harrison County Military Support Group, and the Custer Memorial Association. His hobbies include collecting military insignia and reading Civil War history.