A Message to All Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors You may be eligible for basic compensation or increased compensation benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if you… Have a disability resulting from illness or injury incurred or aggravated while serving on active duty. Are a widow(er) or unmarried child of a serviceman or Veteran whose death was due to a service-connected disease or injury. Are the surviving parent(s) of a serviceman whose death was due to an injury or ailment in the line of duty (must meet income eligibility). You may be eligible for certain educational and medical benefits if your… Spouse/parent has a disability rated as “100 percent service-connected” by the VA. You may be eligible for pension from the VA, depending upon your other income if you… Are a totally and permanently disabled wartime veteran unable to work. Are the eligible widow(er)/child of a deceased wartime Veteran. You are entitled to inpatient hospital medical care from the VA if you are a veteran… With a service-connected disability (for that disability). Who is a former prisoner of war (any disability). Who has been rated as being exposed to herbicides or ionizing radiation for any disability. You are eligible for outpatient care… For a service-connected disability. For any disability associated with or aggravating a service-connected disability. For any disability if you have a service-connected combined rating of 50 percent or more. For any 30 percent or 40 percent service-connected disabled Veteran to prevent the need for hospitalization. You may be eligible for outpatient care.... For any disability if you are a former prisoner of war. For any disability if you are receiving VA pension with aid and attendance or housebound benefits. A disabled non-service-connected Veteran may be provided medical care based on need, level of income, and availability of resources. A co-payment may be charged for medical services, nursing home, and prescriptions dependent upon disabilities and household income. Mission Escambia County’s Veterans Services assists all Veterans, their dependents, and survivors in accessing federal, state, and local benefits. Supports and manages veterans’ activities within Escambia County and acts as a single point of contact for outside government and private agencies concerning Veterans’ issues. Also provides outreach service and support to residents in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and private businesses.

Services Offered Compensation claim assistance. Help with initial and reopened claims for compensation and increase due to severity with new and material evidence. Assistance with new and reopened claims for income-based total disability pension. Annual Eligibility Report assistance. Widow Pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), as well as other VA entitlements. When you visit your Veterans Services Office… a trained service officer will provide the compassion and understanding needed to assist Veterans, or widows and children of veterans. They know the extent, meaning and… application of Veteran-related federal and state laws. They also have knowledge of the rules and regulations adopted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Staff is trained with specialized knowledge that will be applied to suit… the individual needs of each Veteran or beneficiary who seeks assistance. All information provided to staff is privileged and will be held in strict confidence. Service officers provide community outreach… by addressing groups, upon invitation, to advise its members about the Hillsborough County Veterans Services Office and other benefits for which they may be eligible. Florida State Veterans’ Homes Basic admission for all state Veterans’ homes in Florida include an honorable discharge, Florida residency for one year prior to admission, and certification of need of assisted living or skilled nursing care as determined by a VA physician. For additional admission or financial information, contact the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs at (727) ext Freshwater Fishing License Totally and permanently service disabled Veterans may fish without obtaining a license or a permit for fishing on recreational lands. Each person, while fishing shall possess documentation of the disability condition. F.S Identification Card A card will be issued upon request to a Veteran who is a permanent resident of the state and who is determined by the VA to have a service- connected, permanent and total, 100 percent disability rating. For more information, contact the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs at (727) F.S Exemption of Homestead Taxes Veterans must be a permanent resident of the state on Jan 1. Veterans who are service-connected 100 percent permanent and total disabled are exempt (may include surviving spouses). F.S Veterans with service-connected permanent and total disability, confined to wheelchairs and receive assistance from the VA for specially adapted housing are exempt from taxation. F.S Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10 percent or more, shall be entitled to a $5,000 property tax exemption. F.S

State Benefits Certification of Discharge or Separation The Clerk of the Circuit Court shall record certificates of discharge or separation from the Armed Forces. Note: When documents are recorded, they become public record. F.S Motor Vehicle License Plate (DV) A motor vehicle license plate will be issued for use on a motor vehicle owned by a disabled Veteran who has been a continuous resident of Florida for the last five years or has filed a domicile declaration upon application accompanied by proof that: The vehicle was acquired through financial assistance from the VA, or The Veteran has been determined by the VA to have a service-connected 100 percent disability rating, permanent and total for compensation, or The Veteran has been determined to have a service-connected disability of 100 percent and in receipt of disability retirement pay from any branch of the armed services. F.S Other Special License Plates: Former POWs who are U.S. Citizens Purple Heart Medal recipients Congressional Medal of Honor recipients Florida Salutes Veterans Veterans’ Home of Florida Domiciliary home care will be provided to honorably discharged, wartime Veterans at the Veterans’ Home of Florida in Lake City. The Veterans admitted must be able to feed and clothe themselves, be Florida residents, and have limited financial resources. Deferment of Education Registration Fees Veterans and other eligible students receiving benefits under Chapter 32, 34 or 35, 38 USC, shall be entitled to one deferment each academic year. F.S Preference for Veterans Reinstatement, Employment and Promotion in State Agencies and Political Subdivisions Requires reinstatement to the same or an equivalent position if the Veteran returns within one year of honorable separation from the Armed Forces. Provides for employment preference for recently discharged Veterans, certain spouses and widows of Veterans. The Veteran shall be promoted ahead of all those who appear in an equal or lesser position on the promotional register. The provision shall apply only to the first promotion after reinstatement or re-employment of the veteran. F.S If you believe preference in employment has not been received or correctly applied, you must file a written claim with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs within 21 days from the date you received notice that you were not hired. Occupational License Taxes A Veteran disabled from performing manual labor and their unremarried spouse shall be exempt from a sum not to exceed $50. The exemption is applicable to the surviving, unremarried spouses. F.S