Michigan has a significant
concentration of resident veterans – around 700,000. However, in December, it was revealed that
Michigan also has the lowest percentage of veterans who utilize benefits and
services available to them.
According to a report released by
the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, only 142,260 veterans use services
available to them such as health care and education resources. This number
accounts for just 20% of Michigan’s veteran population.
So why aren’t more Michigan
veterans taking advantage of these services and opportunities?
The disparity can be partly
attributed to poor information and lack of an organized method for distributing
information about these programs. With
no central database for this information, many veterans aren’t even aware of
the benefits available to them. Additionally,
the disparity is partly due to a shortage of trained and on-staff service
officers necessary to meet the needs of the growing number of veterans leaving
the armed forces and taking up residence in Michigan.
In an effort to increase
communication and awareness of these available programs, the Veterans Affairs
Agency has launched pilot programs in Wayne County and Grand Rapids. Part of these programs include increasing
staff levels to generate demand.
If you are a veteran and have
questions about what benefits you are entitled to, contact the experienced professionals
at Legal Help For Veterans. Our team of
lawyers and professionals are experts on veteran benefits and can help you get
the help you need. Contact us at
800-693-4800 or online at www.legalhelpforveterans.com.
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