Veteran Benefits for Ohio

• Military Pay Income Tax Deduction for Resident Service Members Stationed Outside Ohio: U.S. Armed Forces Service members serving on active duty and stationed outside Ohio can deduct their military pay from Ohio Income taxes (military pay must be included in federal adjusted gross income). In addition, they are not required to pay Ohio school district income tax. This includes the portion of military pay received by resident Service members stationed in Ohio while on temporary duty (TDY) outside of Ohio.
• Ohio Income Tax Deduction for Military Retired Pay: Military retired pay can be deducted from Ohio Income taxes.
• Ohio Income Tax Exemption for Military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/ Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)/ Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP): SBP, RCSBP and RSFPP annuities are not taxed in Ohio.
• Military Disability Retirement Pay Ohio Income Tax Exemption: Military Disability Retirement Pay received as a pension, annuity, or similar allowance for personal injury or sickness resulting from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be included in taxable income. Some of the payments that are considered disability benefits include:
  • Disability compensation and pension payments for disabilities paid to Veterans or their families
  • Grants for homes designed for wheelchair living
  • Grants for motor vehicles for Veterans who lost their sight or the use of limbs or
  • Benefits under a dependent-care assistance program
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Ohio Income Tax Exemption (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military Service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected injury or disease.
• Ohio Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Relief: Veterans with a 100% disability rating from the VA are eligible for expanded Homestead Exemption property tax relief on their primary residential home. Eligible Veterans can exempt $50,000 of the assessed value of their primary residential home from property taxes.
• Ohio Income Tax Exemption for Nonresident Military Spouses: A nonresident spouse with the same state of residence as a nonresident Service member stationed in Ohio under military orders is exempt from Ohio income taxes on wages earned in Ohio. In addition, a nonresident spouse is exempt from the Ohio School District Tax.

Sales Tax:

• Statewide: 5.75%
• Counties: can levy an additional sales tax of no more than 2.25%
• Current average sales tax (with local taxes included): 7.24%

Recreation

• Ohio Disabled Veteran and Former Prisoner of War (POW), Five-Year Free Hunting and Fishing License: Ohio offers a free five-year hunting and fishing license for eligible Veterans.
  • This benefit includes the fishing license, hunting license, fur taker permit, deer permit, wild turkey permit, wetlands habitat stamp, or any combination of those licenses.
• Active Duty Service Members, Ohio Hunting License Benefits: Service members serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces while on leave or furlough are not required to purchase a hunting license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit. All other licenses and permits are required.
  • Nonresident Service members serving active duty stationed in Ohio may purchase an Ohio hunting license for resident prices.
• Active Duty Service Members, Ohio Fishing License Benefits: Service members serving on active duty while on leave or furlough are not required to purchase a fishing license.
  • Nonresident Service members serving on active duty and stationed in Ohio may purchase an Ohio fishing license for resident prices.
• Free Ohio Registration of Watercraft for Eligible Ohio Veterans: Ohio offers free watercraft registration for resident Veterans who meet the following requirements:
  • 100% Disabled Veteran – Must provide a letter from the VA stating they have a 100% service-connected disability.
  • Medal of Honor Recipient – Must provide official documentation that they were awarded the Medal of Honor.
  • Former Prisoner of War (POW) – Must provide official documentation that they were a former POW and received an honorable discharge or that they were a former POW and are still serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Camping Discounts for Service Members and Veterans at Ohio State Parks: Active duty Service members and retired Service members can receive a 10% discount every night of the week for all overnight facilities. There is no residency restriction for military customers.
• Free Camping for Former Prisoners of War (POW) and 100% Disabled Veterans at Ohio State Parks: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers free camping for resident former POWs or honorably discharged Veterans who have a permanent and total disability (as determined by the VA). This discount is only for campsites and cannot be used for multiple campsites for the same period.

Ohio Military & Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits

• Short-Term Financial Assistance for Ohio Veterans and their Families: Each County Veterans Service Office provides short-term financial assistance to Veterans and their families. The amount and type of assistance varies according to the individual abilities of each county and may be used for rent, mortgage, food, utilities, car payment, or insurance.
• Ohio Patriot Program for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families: The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is proud to offer the following services to Veterans: active and reserve component Service members.
  • Consumer Protection– Provides information to assist service members and veterans better protect themselves from consumer scams.
  • Charities– Helps identify Veteran charity scams and can assist when starting a new charitable organization
  • Collections–Can assist with developing payment plans for state debts
  • Legal Assistance for Active Duty and Mobilized Service Members – Free legal services to active duty and mobilized Service members and their families for various legal issues:
    • Violations of the Service members Civil Relief Act and the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act
    • Creating wills and powers of attorney
  • Civil Rights– Protects active duty Service members and Veterans from discrimination based on military status in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
  • Identity Theft– Can assist Service members, Veterans, and their families if they have fallen victim to identity theft. They can place an “Active Duty Alert” on their credit report to reduce the risk of identity theft.

  Additional Services: In addition to the direct services listed above, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office can also assist Service members by providing information about other resources that may be available, such as:

  • Questions regarding payment of Ohio income taxes while on active duty
  • Questions about utility payments or shut-off
  • Providing information regarding the law and other helpful resources
  • Reporting patient abuse or neglect
  • Searching for concealed carry instructors
  • Information on bonuses for Veterans
• Ohio’s Veterans Courts: Ohio has special Veterans’ Courts that emphasize treatment and diversion rather than punishment. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services has established effective working relationships with these courts to assist Veterans in the court system. Veterans should contact their local County Veteran Service Officer for more information.
• Ohio Department of Veterans Services Military Records Office: Veterans can request military records through their County Veterans Service Office. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services maintains service records for Veterans who enlisted from Ohio and wartime bonus records.
• Ohio Concealed Carry License Exemption for Active Duty Service Members: Active duty Service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who have documentation that they completed firearms training that meets or exceeds the Ohio concealed carry license requirement do not need a concealed handgun license. Service members must carry proof of training and a valid military ID when carrying a weapon.
• Ohio Veterans Bonus: The Ohio Veterans Bonus program offers a bonus for military service from October 7, 2001, through August 30, 2021 (compensable period). Eligibility and compensation for the Ohio Veterans Bonus program is based on where and when the Veteran or Service member served during active duty. The following calculations are used to determine the bonus amount:
  • $100 per month, not to exceed $1,000, for service in Afghanistan
  • $50 per month, not to exceed $500, for service anywhere else in the world

  Once a Veteran has received $500 for service anywhere in the world, or $1,000 for service in Afghanistan, or the maximum $1,500 bonus, the Veteran is not eligible for additional funds, even if they served in multiple conflicts. Applications for the Bonus will be accepted until three years following the end of the Afghanistan conflict, August 30, 2024.

• Ohio Housing Finance Authority (OHFA), Ohio Heroes Home Loans: The OHFA Ohio Heroes loan offers Ohio residents who serve the public discounted mortgage interest rates.

  Applicants can choose to include down payment assistance in their Ohio Heroes loan. Down payment assistance is forgiven after seven years. If home buyers sell or refinance their home within seven years, they must repay all the services provided.

  Applicants must purchase a qualifying property limited to two acres within a municipal corporation and five acres outside a municipal corporation unless the local health or safety code requires additional acreage. Qualifying properties include:

  • Existing homes: single-family homes, conforming condominiums, duplexes, and up to four-unit properties
  • Newly built spec or nearly completed homes: one-unit single Family homes
  • Modular homes: one-unit single Family homes
  • Manufactured homes
• Reimbursement of U.S. Veterans Affairs Life Insurance Premiums for Ohio National Guard Service Members: Ohio National Guard Service members who have chosen to receive life insurance coverage under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance program can be reimbursed for their premium payments when ordered to state or federal active duty. This does not include Service members performing full-time Ohio National Guard duty or special work.

Education Programs

• High School Diplomas for Ohio Wartime Veterans: Ohio school districts or city boards of education will award high school diplomas to Veterans who left high school before graduating to serve in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Diplomas can be awarded posthumously.

  Who is eligible for High School Diplomas for Ohio Wartime Veterans? Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

  • Left school before graduation to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces or
  • Left school before graduation due to Family circumstances and then entered the U.S. Armed Forces and
  • Did not receive a diploma and
  • Received an honorable discharge
• Ohio War Orphan and Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship (WOS): The Ohio WOS offers tuition assistance to the children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio Veterans, Service members declared missing in action (MIA), or a prisoner of war (POW).

  The application deadline is May 15th of each year to be eligible for the following school year.

  For the 2022- 2023 academic year, the amount of the scholarship is:

  • Public Universities and Community Colleges: 80% of tuition and general fees
  • Private institutions: $6,170 per year
  • The scholarship can be used to pay general and instructional fees only. Students are authorized tuition assistance for up to five academic years.
• Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program (ONGSP): ONGSP provides tuition assistance for eligible National Guard Service members pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, professional license, or certification at a participating school in Ohio. The ONGSP will pay 100% of tuition at all state-funded public colleges and 100% of the state average tuition of the public schools for private colleges that participate in the ONGSP. Service members who enlist for 3-5 years will receive 48 semester hours towards their degree and 96 semester hours if they enlist for six years. ONGSP will pay only after all available federal and Department of Defense educational assistance is applied toward tuition costs.
• Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund: The Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund provides educational assistance to the children and spouses of a Service member who was killed in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

  The Memorial Fund will provide 100% of instructional and general fee charges at public colleges and universities and $8,606 per academic year at private post-secondary institutions. Eligibility is for a maximum of four academic years of full-time or part-time undergraduate study.

  • Students may also use this benefit for a certificate program to be at most $8,000 per academic year for instructional and student fee charges at public and private (non-profit and for-profit) post-secondary institutions. Students can receive tuition assistance for up to two certificate programs, at most the equivalent of four academic years of full-time or part-time undergraduate study.
• Ohio Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3): The purpose of this compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:
  • Facilitating the prompt enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements
  • Facilitating the student placement process through which variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content, or assessment do not disadvantage children of military families. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs, and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic, and social activities
  • Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families
  • Providing for the enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact
  • Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools, and military families under this compact
  • Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children
  • Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents, and the student to achieve academic success for the student
• Purple Star Designation for Ohio Military-Friendly Schools: The Purple Star Award recognizes schools that firmly commit to students and families connected to the U.S. Armed Forces. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display on site.
  • For a school to qualify for the Purple Star Award, they must appoint a school liaison specially trained to handle the unique challenges experienced by military families. This liaison will ensure that other teachers at their school are aware of special considerations that students from military families can benefit from. Each school will also have a dedicated page on their school website featuring resources for military families.
• Ohio Collegiate Purple Star Designation for Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities: The Ohio Collegiate Purple Star designation recognizes public and private universities and colleges in Ohio that are supportive and inclusive of military-connected students.

  Some of the requirements to be eligible for a Purple Star designation:

  • Establish a dedicated point of contact or military and Veteran center or office
  • Offer priority registration for Veterans and Service members
  • Accept and evaluate military experience and education for school credit
  • Link student Service members and Veterans with prospective employers
• Ohio GI Promise, Resident Tuition Rates for Nonresident Veterans and their Dependents: The Ohio GI Promise allows qualified nonresident Veterans and their dependents to skip the 12-month residency requirement to attend Ohio public colleges and universities at in-state tuition rates.

Housing: The following are the sites for Veterans Homes

Ohio State Veterans Homes: Ohio has three Veterans Homes that offer a combination of independent living, supervised living, intermediate nursing care, skilled nursing care, and memory care for eligible Veterans. Each offers a quality of life that emphasizes privacy, encourages independence, provides comfort and security, and meets social needs.

Ohio State Veterans Home at Georgetown

Ohio State Veterans Home at Sandusky

Who is eligible for care at Ohio State Veterans Homes: To qualify for admission, Veterans must meet the following criteria:

• A resident of Ohio for one year during their lifetime
• The most recent discharge must have been an Honorable Discharge or a General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions.
• Served on active duty (other than for training) during a period of war or declared armed conflict, or a recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or the Vietnam Service Medal
• Has a disability due to disease, wounds, or otherwise, and by reason of their disability, they are unable to earn a living

Employment and Job Training: Veteran Preference

• Ohio National Guard Compensation for State Active Duty: Ohio National Guard Service members ordered to state active duty are eligible for the same pay and allowances as provided to Service members of the same grade and time in service serving in the active duty U.S. Armed Forces, but not less than $75 as base pay per day, whichever is greater.
• Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD): OOD is a state agency that helps residents with disabilities through employment assistance, disability determinations, and increasing their independence. They help people with disabilities get or keep a job by partnering with businesses, educational programs, and non-profit organizations to create customized employment plans for disabled residents.
• Right of Reinstatement for Ohio State Employee After Active Duty Service: Ohio State employees who are called to active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces are to be reinstated to the same or similar position they left if they meet the following requirements:
  • Received an honorable discharge or was released from active duty in a honorable status from a period of active duty service in the U.S. Armed Forces and
  • Request in writing to be reinstated in state employment within the approved timeline:
    • Active duty service is less than 30 days – a request for reinstatement must be made immediately after release from active duty.
    • Active duty service of 31 to 180 days – request for reinstatement must be made within 14 days after release from active duty.
    • Active duty service for more than 180 days with no known date of return– request for reinstatement must be made within 90 days after release from active duty
• • Ohio State Employees May Maintain or Reinstate Health Care Benefits During and After Military Service: An Ohio State Employee called to federal active duty may maintain or reinstate their health care benefits as if they were still at work. If health care benefits are maintained or reinstated, the employee must still pay their portion of their premiums, and the state employer will still be responsible for their share of the premiums.
• Ohio State Employee Pay Supplements for Reserve Component Service Members Called to Federal Active Duty: A reserve component Service member who is an Ohio state employee can receive a pay supplement while on federal active duty under certain limited conditions.
  • • The pay supplement is the difference between the employee’s gross monthly salary as a state employee and their gross military pay and allowances while serving on federal active duty. The pay supplement cannot be more than their state employment salary.
• Ohio State Employment Veteran Hiring Preference: Veterans can receive 20% added to passing scores on an Ohio civil service exam. Current Service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces who complete initial entry-level training can receive 15% added to passing scores.

  Who is eligible for Ohio State Employment Veteran Hiring Preference? Ohio resident Veterans honorably discharged from active duty or transferred to a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces after serving 180 days of active duty are eligible for 20% added to their scores.

  • • Current resident Service members in good standing serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for 15% added to their Scores.

   

• Ohio Educator Licensing Benefits for Veterans, Service Members, and Spouses: The Ohio Department of Education has eliminated fees for educator licenses for Veterans, current Service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces (including Service members in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve) and spouses of active-duty Service members.

  In addition, the Ohio Department of Education offers a streamlined licensing process for educators involved with the military.

  •  One-Year-Out-Of-State-Educator-License- Incoming licensed teachers from other states – including Service members, spouses of Service members, and Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces – can receive this license soon after applying if they meet all requirements; this license allows someone to teach for a year in Ohio while they are meeting any additional requirements for full licensure.
  •  Military Extensions to Ohio Licenses– Service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces who are called to active duty and have a valid educator license in Ohio may have their license extended for the duration of their active duty service. Service members must receive an honorable discharge to be eligible for an extension
  • Alternative Routes to Ohio Licensure- The Ohio Credential Review Board will assist individuals who are pursuing an alternative educator license by considering factors such as successful experience, academic qualifications, and professional accomplishments that may serve as a basis for meeting licensure requirements through alternative means
  •  Temporary Military License- Temporary educator licenses may be issued to active duty Service members and their spouse who are stationed in Ohio and have a valid (active) out-of-state license; candidates must be in good standing in the issuing state and may teach only the grade levels and subject area(s) listed on the Ohio temporary license
• Ohio Troops to Teachers Program: The Ohio Troops to Teachers program was established to help transition service members and veterans start new careers as public school teachers.

  The goal of the Ohio Troops to Teachers Program is to identify potential teachers and help facilitate the process for them to earn a teaching certificate and find employment as an Ohio teacher.

• OhioMeansJobs Licensed Occupations for Veterans: The OhioMeansJobs website offers a guide to help Veterans and their spouses earn a license or certificate required for a civilian occupation in Ohio. Veterans can find more information on obtaining a state-issued license or certification and additional benefits offered to Veterans and their spouses by visiting these websites.

   

• Ohio Veteran Career Information Center: The Ohio Veteran Career Information Center offers resources available to Service members, Veterans, and their families searching for employment. Resources are grouped in the following categories:
  • Career Resources and Benefits
  • Employment and Entrepreneurship
  • Licensing, Education, and Training
  • Additional Resources
• Federal Employment Veteran’s Hiring Preferences:  Federal law mandates that Veterans, especially those with disabilities or those who served during specific time periods or in military campaigns, are granted preference over non-veterans when it comes to Federal civil service hiring and retention during workforce reductions. In various scoring processes for examinations and interviews, Veterans may be eligible for an additional 5 or 10 points.
• 5-point Hiring Preference: Five points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served:
  • During a war, or
  • During the period April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955, or
  • For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976, or
  • During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, or
  • For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010, the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or
  • In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti, qualifies for preference

  10-point Compensable Disability (CP) Preference:  Ten points are added to the examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30%.

  10-Point 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of a Veteran who served at any time and who has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.

  10-Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of:

  • A veteran who served at any time and has a present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the VA but does not qualify as a CP or CPS, or
  • Veteran who received a Purple Heart

  10-Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, Surviving spouses, or mothers of Veterans. Both a mother and a spouse (including a Surviving spouse) may be entitled to preference based on the same Veteran’s service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the Veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.

  Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of the spouse of a disabled Veteran who is disqualified for a federal position along the general lines of their usual occupation because of a service-connected disability. Such a disqualification may be presumed when the Veteran is unemployed and:

  • Is rated by appropriate military or VA authorities to be 100% disabled and/or unemployable, or
  • Has retired, been separated, or resigned from a civil service position because of a disability that is service-connected in origin, or
  • Has attempted to obtain a civil service position or other position along the lines of their usual occupation and has failed to qualify because of a service-connected disability

  Preference may be allowed in other circumstances but anything less than the above warrants a more careful analysis.

  A campaign medal holder or Gulf War Veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980, (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. The 24-month service requirement does not apply to 10-point preference eligible Veterans separated for disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or to Veterans separated for hardship or other reasons under Title 10 U.S.C. 1171 or 1173.

  Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for Veterans and members of reserve components. USERRA also protects Service member rights and benefits by clarifying the law, improving enforcement mechanisms, and adding Federal Government employees to those employees already eligible to receive Department of Labor assistance in processing claims.

  Absence from Work for Military Duty: USERRA establishes the cumulative length of time that an individual may be absent from work for military duty and retain reemployment rights for five years. Exceptions to the five-year limit, include initial enlistments lasting more than five years, periodic National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserve training duty, and involuntary active duty extensions and recalls, especially during a time of national emergency. USERRA establishes that reemployment protection does not depend on the timing, frequency, duration, or nature of an individual’s service if the basic eligibility criteria are met.

  Disability Accommodation: USERRA provides protection for disabled Veterans, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability. Service members recovering from injuries received during service or training may have up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs or apply for reemployment.

  Return to Work without Loss of Seniority:  USERRA provides that returning Service members are reemployed in the job that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status, and pay, as well as other rights and benefits determined by seniority. USERRA also requires that reasonable efforts (such as training or retraining) be made to enable returning Service members to refresh or upgrade their skills to help them qualify for reemployment. USERRA also provides that while an individual is performing military service, they are deemed to be on a furlough or leave of absence and are entitled to the non-seniority rights accorded to other individuals on non-military leaves of absence.

  Extension of Health and Pension Plans: Health and pension plan coverage for Service members is provided for by USERRA. Individuals performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue employer-sponsored health care for up to 24 months; however, they may be required to pay up to 102% of the full premium. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage is provided as if the Service member had remained employed. USERRA clarifies pension plan coverage by making explicit that all pension plans are protected.

  Who is eligible for USERRA Benefits? Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or National Guard Service members who leave a position for training or active military service are eligible.

  The Department of Labor, through the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), helps all who have claims under USERRA, including Federal and Postal Service employees.

Burials and Memorials

Please note that your preference regarding burial in a national cemetery and use of a headstone provided by VA should be documented and kept with your paperwork and medical records.

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) pays tribute to eligible Veterans and their family members by providing a final resting place and a lasting memorial to commemorate the Veteran’s dedicated service to the nation.

The burial benefits encompass a gravesite in any of our open cemeteries with available space, the opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, all at no cost to the family. Some Veterans may also meet the criteria for a burial allowance. Cremated remains are interred or inurned in national cemeteries with the same honors and respect as casketed remains.

Burial benefits extend to eligible spouses and dependents, including burial alongside the Veteran and perpetual care of the interment site. The name and relevant dates of birth and death of the spouse or dependent are inscribed on the Veteran’s headstone at no expense to the family. Importantly, spouses and qualified dependents are eligible for burial even if they pass away before the Veteran and are not required to be interred in the same national cemetery as the Veteran.

National Cemeteries include:

Cleveland: Woodland Cemetery Soldiers’ Lot

Columbus: Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery

Dayton: Dayton National Cemetery

Sandusky: Confederate Stockade Cemetery

Seville: Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery

Ohio VA Benefit Resources

Ohio provides Veterans with a Regional Benefits Office and VA Medical Centers.

Ohio VA Regional Benefits Office

• Cleveland: Cleveland Regional Office

Ohio VA Medical Centers

• Chillicothe: Chillicothe VA Medical Center
• Cincinnati: Cincinnati VA Medical Center
• Cleveland: Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
• Columbus: Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center
• Dayton: Dayton VA Medical Center

Important information for Ohio Veteran Benefits:

For Veterans applying for VA benefits for the first time, you must submit a copy of your DD 214 (discharge paperwork). This will provide your discharge status, full name, social security number, branch of service, and dates for which you served. Honorable and general discharges qualify a Veteran for most VA benefits.

You should always keep your paperwork and medical records in a safe place where you and your family can access them. It is imperative to have it in a location where it cannot be destroyed or tampered with, which includes a safe.

Your eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under conditions other than dishonorable. Active service means full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Services Administration, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Any Veteran discharged from the military under the conditions of “Dishonorable” due to bad conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial may bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees may be eligible for certain VA benefits. VA regional offices can clarify the eligibility of prisoners, parolees, and individuals with multiple discharges issued under differing conditions.

*This information is accurate as of December 2023

Ohio Veteran Benefits

If you are a disabled Veteran in Ohio and are VA rated 90% or less, you may be eligible for additional benefits. Contact Veterans Guardian for a free consultation with no obligation. Let us review your claim to determine whether you qualify for additional benefits.