May 17, 2013 1 min read

Washington County veterans, active military personnel and their dependents are advised that they can obtain free assistance in identifying and determining elibigility for a wide range of veterans benefits by contacting the county’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Last year the office processed more than $1.3 million in claims awards.

Barry Grimm, county director of veterans affairs, said that veterans and their families should never pay for help to apply for these benefits because free assistance is available from county offices, the Department of Military and Veterans Afairs, and several veterans organizations.

Help is available in preparing applications for county, state and federal veterans benefits and programs such as burial allowances, grave markers, disabled veterans real estate tax exemptions, veterans emergency assistance, education gratuity program, health care benefits, disability pensions and survivor benefits.

Grimm can be reached at 724-228-6865 or grimmb@washington.pa.us. Information is also available on the county’s website.