Representative Neighbors Legislative Update: State Services Honor The Service Of Our Veterans

As Veteran’s Day approaches, we gather to honor our Kentucky’s veterans for the unwavering commitment and the sacrifices they made. In Kentucky, we recognize the unique needs of veterans and have established a range of services to honor and support them. The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs provides support, ensuring veterans and their families have access to essential benefits, counseling, and resources. From assistance with claims to educational opportunities, Kentucky stands ready to serve those who have served us.

Veteran Statistics

-As of November 2023, there are over 18 million U.S. veterans.

-Veterans make up about 6% of the adult population in the U.S.

-In Kentucky, about 7.2% of adults are veterans (over 250,000).

-Each of Kentucky’s 120 counties has at least 100 veterans.

KDVA Services

KDVA helps veterans and their dependents access federal and state benefits for free.

Services include:

-Assistance with claims for benefits and services.

-Access to veterans’ nursing homes.

-Burial honors in veterans cemeteries.

-Benefits counseling.

-Support for homeless and women veterans.

Special Kentucky Benefits

Kentucky offers benefits for service members, veterans, and their families, such as:

-Employment preferences.

-Education and tuition assistance.

-Special vehicle tags and hunting/fishing licenses.

-Eligibility for benefits may vary based on residency, military service, and disability status.

Dependent Tuition Waiver

The waiver allows children, stepchildren, spouses, and un-remarried widows/widowers of eligible veterans to attend Kentucky educational institutions for free. The veteran must currently reside in Kentucky or have been a resident at the time of death. The waiver is valid only for Kentucky schools, not private or out-of-state institutions. Eligible veterans must meet specific criteria, including:

-Died on active duty or due to a service-connected disability.

-100% service-connected disabled.

-Totally disabled with wartime service.

-Deceased and lived in Kentucky during wartime.

KDVA’s Office of Veteran Legal Services (OVLS)

-Established to help Kentucky veterans with legal issues related to their benefits.

-Aims to assist veterans in pursuing their claims and rights under various laws.

Kentucky Veterans Centers

Kentucky operates long-term care facilities for veterans, offering services like:

-24/7 skilled nursing care.

-Rehabilitation services (physical, occupational, speech).

-Secure environments for dementia/Alzheimer’s patients.

-Therapeutic recreational activities.

-Transportation to VA medical services.

-Nurse practitioner services

As we honor our veterans and express our heartfelt appreciation to them, let us remember that our commitment to veterans must extend beyond Veteran’s Day. It is a lifelong promise to uphold and support those who have served our nation.

We must also recognize the families of our veterans, the spouses, children, parents, and siblings whose support is crucial to the wellbeing of our veterans. I am proud to honor their strength and resilience.

Let us come together to celebrate our Kentucky veterans, not just for their past sacrifices, but for their ongoing journey. Our commitment to standing by them must not falter, we must ensure they receive the support and recognition they so rightfully deserve. To all our veterans, thank you for your bravery and your dedication. You are not just our heroes; you are our family. Together, let us ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at amy.neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

(Laura Leigh Goins, Deputy Chief of Staff for Media Relations – House Majority Leadership)