As a member of the Military Veterans in Journalism, it was a series of articles I wrote called, ‘Be the Story’ about my experiences during the five months I resided at Borden Ave and the abhorrent living conditions there. Those articles and my testimony in front of the New York State Assembly on Department of Veterans Affairs precipitated being placed in my own apartment in Chelsea. In addition, I was invited to join the NYC Veterans Task Force which has provided me with an insight into how the lack of access to resources and wellness increases the likelihood of drug/alcohol abuse and other risky behaviors including veteran suicide.

For the transitioning veteran new to NYC, consider that the process for obtaining sustainable housing through the NYC HUD/VASH program is one of the longest in the country. It is imperative for the veteran to realize the challenges ahead and that mental health most likely be taxed during the process. For questions and/or comments:

Veterans Justice Project

Timothy Pena

tim.pena@vetjuspro.com

https://www.vetjuspro.com/

Pena says: I would recommend that every veteran coming into the NYC area visit the VA Regional Office to confirm their eligibility and update any information that otherwise might not be available including submitting an ‘Intent to File’ for any claims under the PACT Act. It is imperative the veteran to update their Award Letter with VA Disability rating and diagnosis every six months. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or suggestions.

New York City Veterans Affairs Regional Office

201 Varick St, 4th Floor

New York, NY 10014

(Main entrance is on W. Houston St.)

Housing applications processed through the VA MUST have an updated VA Award Letter every 180 days. Supportive housing applications MUST include a current psychiatric evaluation completed within the past six months, a current psychosocial assessment, as well as the actual HRA 2010e application form.

New York City Department of Veterans’ Services (NYCDVS)

Pena says: Since arriving in July 2022, I have maintained a working relationship with NYC DVS and consider the agency to be the more effective agency to address veterans experiencing homelessness and necessary resources. There are numerous programs available to the veterans in transition including housing, employment, counseling, and peer support. 

What is the NYCDVS: To honor the sacrifice of New York City Veterans, Mayor Bill de Blasio created the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) on April 8th, 2016, making DVS the first standalone City agency in the country dedicated to serving Veterans and their families. Veteran Resource Centers are satellite offices staffed by DVS employees who are ready to connect Veterans and their families to benefit assistance and other essential services. To learn more about available services and Veteran Resource Center hours of operations contact us by calling 212-416-5250 or click on: https://www.nyc.gov/site/veterans/index.page

If you need help filing a claim or appeal, you may want to work with an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). We trust these professionals because they’re trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes. They can help you with VA-related needs.

VSOs work on behalf of Veterans and service members—as well as their dependents and survivors. Find out more about accredited representatives and how they can help you. 

Accredited representatives and VSOs need to meet these requirements:

• Pass an exam
• Pass a background check
• Take continuing-education courses to make sure they’re providing the most up-to-date information

What does an accredited representative or a VSO do?

Accredited representatives and VSOs can help you understand and apply for VA benefits, like these:

• Financial support (monthly payments)
• Education
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
• Home loans
• Life insurance
• Pension
• Health care
• Burial benefits

These trained professionals can also help in these ways:

• Help you gather supporting documents (like a doctor’s report or medical test results)
• File a claim or appeal on your behalf
• Provide added support, like helping with transportation to medical appointments or emergency funds

Note: If your claim has a clear factual or legal error, your accredited representative or VSO can request a faster Higher-Level Review decision through a new pilot program called Claim Accuracy Request (CAR).

Veteran Service Organizations:

Recognized organizations and individuals can legally represent a Veteran, service member, dependent, or survivor before VA. 

Non-recognized organizations and individuals can provide information, but can’t be representatives.

Note: Veterans Service Officers work for Veterans Service Organizations (both are called VSOs), as well as for local government offices.

Veteran Service Organizations

201 Varick St, 4th Floor

New York, NY 10014

(Main entrance is on W. Houston St.)

American Legion

Room 212

(212)807-3066

Mon-Fri: 9am-2pm

Disabled American Veteran (DAV)

Room 204

(212)807-3157

Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri: 8:30am-3pm

Wednesday: 8:30-12pm

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Room 212A

(212)807-3114

Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm

United War Veterans

Room 208

(212)693-1476

Mon-Fri: 7am-4pm

New York State Division of Veterans Affairs

Room 205

(212)807-3162

Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm

New York State VA Vet Centers

(877)WAR-VETS

https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/

Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Readjustment counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military.

Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.

https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/index.asp

https://veterans.ny.gov/vet-centers-new-york-state

Manhattan Vet Center

32 Broadway Suite 200

New York, NY 10038

Phone: (212)951-6866

519 8th Ave

Suite 2401

New York, NY 10018

Phone: 212-951-6866

https://www.va.gov/manhattan-ny-vet-center/

Binghamton Vet Center

53 Chenango Street

Binghamton, NY 13901-2820

Phone: 607-722-2393

https://www.va.gov/binghamton-vet-center/

Buffalo Vet Center

2372 Sweet Home Road

Suite 1

Amherst, NY 14228-1164

Phone: 716-862-7350

https://www.va.gov/buffalo-vet-center/

Brooklyn Vet Center

25 Chapel Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201-1954

Phone: 718-630-2830

https://www.va.gov/brooklyn-vet-center/

Bronx Vet Center

2471 Morris Ave, Suite 1A

New York, NY 10468-5450

Phone: 718-367-3500

https://www.va.gov/bronx-vet-center/

Harlem Vet Center

2279 3rd Avenue

New York, NY 10035-2249

Phone: 646-273-8139

https://www.va.gov/harlem-vet-center/

Queens Vet Center

5005 Metropolitan Avenue

Ridgewood, NY 11385

Phone: 718-296-2871

https://www.va.gov/queens-vet-center/

Rochester Vet Center

2000 South Winton Road

Rochester, NY 14618

Phone: 585-393-7608

https://www.va.gov/rochester-vet-center/

Staten Island Vet Center

60 Bay Street

Staten Island, NY 10301

Phone: 718-816-4499

https://www.va.gov/staten-island-vet-center/

Syracuse Vet Center

109 Pine Street

Suite 101

Syracuse, NY 13210

Phone: 315-478-7127

https://www.va.gov/syracuse-vet-center/

Watertown Vet Center

1511 Washington Street

Watertown, NY 13601-4546

Phone: 315-782-5479

https://www.va.gov/watertown-vet-center/

HUD-VASH PROGRAM:

HUD-VASH is a program from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the US Department of Veterans Affairs VA to help veterans facing homelessness and their families find and sustain permanent housing under the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher (HCV).

The HUD/VASH program works as a rental subsidy that allows veterans to pay a reasonable amount of their income toward their rent. Think of Section 8 for veterans. Eligible veterans will receive a voucher to begin searching for housing. Generally, veterans will pay no more than 40 percent of their adjusted monthly income toward their rent share.

The VA pays the remaining amount to the owner on the veteran's behalf. HUD/VASH participants must comply with all program requirements, including completing their annual certification, accommodating Housing Quality Standards inspections, allowing property owners to make any needed repairs, and adhering to the terms of their lease. VA case managers connect these veterans with additional support services.

Eligibility:

• Veterans must be VA health care eligible (determined by the VA).
• Veterans must also meet the definition of homelessness defined in The McKinney Homeless Assistance Act
• HUD-VASH prioritizes the chronically homeless
• At least one member of the veteran family must meet the documentation requirements of citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Veterans must provide social security numbers for all family members who claim citizenship or eligible immigration status
• No member of the veteran household may have been convicted for production of methamphetamines in federally-assisted housing
• No member of the veteran household may be subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program
• The veteran must be within the appropriate income limits for their family size. Income limits can be found on the Section 8 eligibility page.

How to Apply:

• Call 877-424-3838 to be connected with your local VA homeless program and apply. Visit the HUD-VASH website for more information. https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp 

SSVF programs provide outreach and case management services and assist participants to obtain VA benefits and other public benefits. SSVF services include housing counseling, legal services, benefits advocacy, rental and utility assistance, child care supports, moving and storage costs, and transportation.

To receive supportive services under this program:

• Must be a member of a Veteran family.
• There must exist a documented housing crisis, either street/shelter homeless or documented imminent risk of becoming street or shelter homeless in 30 days or less.
• Proof that all other resources have been tried and denied, and “but for” the temporary financial assistance from SSVF, the Veteran will not become permanently housed or will return to homelessness in 30 days or less.

CALL (800)698-2411

HELP USA: 

From our beginning as a shelter for families in Brooklyn, we’ve expanded to become a leader in the fight against homelessness. Today, we serve people of all backgrounds, including families, individuals, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, people with health challenges and disabilities, and seniors.

815 Burke Ave,

Bronx, NY 10467

855‐HLP‐SSVF (855‐457‐7783) OR,

646‐619‐3277

(ssvfny@helpusa.org)

https://www.helpusa.org/ 

Jericho Project Veterans Initiative: 

The Jericho Project provides a dedicated Case Manager to work closely with veterans as they move from homelessness into independent housing in the community. The Case Manager helps the formerly homeless veterans become more stable in their new apartments and access the employment, health, and social support systems they need to sustain their housing.

39 Broadway, 5th Floor,

New York, NY 10006

(646)970-7170

(ssvf@jerichoproject.org)

https://jerichoproject.org/ 

Services for the Underserved

At S:US, we don’t prescribe paths that define people but offer solutions that support each person’s definition of a life of purpose. When you look closely, the injustices facing our society are really a universe of highly individual obstacles. When an individual’s life is put on hold for circumstances unique to them, establishing a relationship with them is step one. It’s our guide to the services we provide.

17 Battery Place Suite 1232,

NY, NY 10004

646-790-244

(services@sus.org)

https://sus.org/ 

Volunteers of America

Homelessness is not hopelessness. Working together for brighter futures behind every door. Guided by the experience of more than 16,000 professionals living and working to make life better in their local communities, our plan for today and tomorrow is clear: transform lives by improving the health, happiness, and stability of our communities.

349 East 149th Street

Bronx, NY 1045

(718)993‐3564

(voa4vets@voa‐gny.org)

https://www.voa.org/ 

Release of Information to a 3rd Party (VBA Form 21-0845)

At VA, we recognize and respect the importance of privacy. Personal information that we collect is kept confidential to the extent provided by law. In accordance with the Privacy Act and applicable confidentiality statutes, VA will only disclose the information in its custody or control in the following circumstances: where the individual identifies the particular information and consents to its use; where disclosure of the information is required by law; or where the disclosure is otherwise legally permitted, including release for a purpose compatible with the purpose for which it was collected.

By law, VA must have your written permission (an "authorization") to use or give out your claim or benefit information for any purpose that is not permitted by all applicable legal authorities. You may revoke your written permission at any time, except if VA has already acted based on your permission.

VA_21-0845

VA_21-0845_fill

VA_21-0845_instructions

To receive MST-related care, you don’t need to have reported the MST at the time or have other proof that the MST happened. Veterans don't need to have a service-connected disability rating, and you may be able to get MST-related care even if you aren’t eligible for other VA services. 

Here’s how to access VA's MST-related services:

If you have a VA health care provider, consider telling that person that you experienced MST. All VA primary care and mental health providers complete training on MST and the treatment needs of people who've experienced it. Your provider can offer treatment referrals and support as needed. Call your nearest VA medical center and ask to speak to the MST coordinator. You can ask to speak with a provider of a specific gender if that would make you feel more comfortable.

If you’re homeless or at risk of becoming homeless:

• Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A trained VA counselor will offer information about VA homeless programs, health care, and other services in your area. The call is free and confidential.

• Visit our website to learn about VA programs for Veterans who are homeless.

• Learn about our homelessness programs

• Call or visit your local VA Community Resource and Referral Center. Even if you don’t qualify for VA health care, our staff can help you find non-VA resources you may qualify for in your community.

• Find your local Community Resource and Referral Center

• You can also call the VA general information hotline at 800-827-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is pleased you have selected us to provide your health care. We will provide you with personalized, patient-driven, compassionate, state-of-the-art care. Our goal is to make your experience as positive and pleasant as we can. As part of our service to you, to other Veterans and to the Nation, we are committed to improving health care quality. Please talk with the VA treatment team members who are providing your care or to a patient advocate if you have any questions or would like more information about your rights and responsibilities.  https://www.va.gov/health/rights/patientrights.asp 

Congress has mandated that veterans can receive mental health services at any VA nationally regardless of eligibility. In addition, most shelters in NYC have mental health staff on site which will determine the immediate needs of the veteran and daily mental health checks, but not otherwise instrumental in the overall mental health of the veteran. For those veterans considering any type of supportive housing, you will most likely need a 2010e Mental Health Form completed by the veteran’s mental health provider. Supportive housing applications must include a current psychiatric evaluation completed within the past six months, a current psychosocial assessment, as well as the actual HRA 2010e application form. 

The Manhattan VA had already told me I didn’t need a 2010e for supportive housing and that is false. Neither NYCHA nor HRA are going to provide supportive housing services without confirmation of mental illness or other qualifying conditions. It is recommended to immediately seek out a mental health professional for mental health support during the transition process. Avoid relying on shelter mental health providers unless in immediate crisis. Listed below are both non-VA and VA contacts.

What is NYCHA?

NYCHA serves over 339,900 residents in 162,143 apartments within 277 housing developments through the conventional public housing program (Section 9). NYCHA also serves 29,789 authorized residents in 15,426 units within 58 developments that have been converted under the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program.

ABOUT NYCHA

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the largest public housing authority in North America was created in 1935 to provide decent, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers. To start the housing search process, it is not mandatory to have all the necessary documentation, but the quicker the veteran gets required documentation, the better.

Section 8 Tenants

The Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8, is a federally funded program that provides assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income families to rent housing in the private market. Eligibility for this program is based on a family's gross annual income and family size. To remain eligible for continued assistance, participants must:

Comply with Section 8 program rules and regulations,

Comply with the terms of the lease with the property owner,

Allow Housing Quality Standards inspections and provide the Section 8 property owner to make any needed repairs, and

Complete the annual recertification, and report family changes, on a timely basis.

A summary of program requirements can be found in the Housing Choice Voucher Program Guide for Voucher Holders.

NYCHA Locations

Customer Contact Center (CCC)

The CCC is NYCHA's single point of contact for public housing residents, Section 8 voucher holders, and Section 8 landlords.

Customer Contact Center (CCC): 718-707-7771

Customer Contact Center Walk-In Locations

Bronx/Manhattan/Queens 

478 East Fordham Road (1 Fordham Plaza), 2nd Floor

Bronx, NY 10458

Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm

Brooklyn/Staten Island/Queens 

787 Atlantic Avenue, 2nd Floor

Brooklyn, NY 11238

Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm

Borough Management Offices for Public Housing

If you’re a public housing resident and have an inquiry or complaint in your neighborhood, you may contact your local Borough Management Office.

Bronx: 718-409-8626

Brooklyn: 718-491-6967

Manhattan: 917-206-3500

Queens/Staten Island: 718-553-4700

NYCHA Eligibility

The Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8, is a federally funded program that provides assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income families to rent housing in the private market. Eligibility for this program is based on a family's gross annual income and family size. To remain eligible for continued assistance, participants must:

Comply with Section 8 program rules and regulations,

Comply with the terms of the lease with the property owner,

Allow Housing Quality Standards inspections and provide the Section 8 property owner to make any needed repairs, and

Complete the annual recertification, and report family changes, on a timely basis.

Apply for NYCHA

To be considered for an apartment in a public housing development, you must submit a completed application.

Applicants select a first and second borough choice, and provide information about:

Their total household income

Family composition

Current living situation

Apply for NYCHA

For the transitioning veteran, applying with HRA is first on the list. For those that qualify, cash assistance is available, but just as important is the access to EBT and nutritional assistance outside of the shelter system. For those veterans who qualify for supportive housing, HRA is the agency to facilitate that process. It is imperative that the veteran be aware of what the card actually does and then to assure that any/all documentation has been submitted to prevent the case from being closed do to lack of activity or supplemental documentation.

The veteran can use the NYCACCESS HRA mobile app to submit documents. If they don’t have all the documents, they can still apply. When possible, HRA and/or VA staff can help the veteran get them. 

For access to the official NYC Human Resources Administration

resource page, click on the QR code:

Free Government Phone

SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides free cell phone service each month for income-eligible customers. Click on: https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02961 

Cash Assistance

HRA's Family Independence Administration (FIA) provides temporary cash assistance under the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program and the New York State Safety Net program.

Employment Services

HRA's Employment Services, a part of the Family Independence Administration, connects HRA clients with employment and training opportunities in the private and public sector.

Public Health Insurance

With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, HRA now mainly caters towards specific Medicaid applicants, such as those over 65 or have disabilities.

Long Term Care Services

The Long Term Care Services Program offers a wide variety of in-home, community based or institutional assistance programs for the elderly and persons with disabilities who need medical care and help with daily tasks.

Supportive and Affordable Housing and Services:

The Office of Supportive and Affordable Housing and Services (OSAHS) is focused on developing permanent housing solutions for formerly homeless individuals and families. OSAHS works closely with other divisions of HRA and with other governmental and non-governmental service providers to develop new housing programs and to refer applicants to housing so the people we serve can achieve their maximum functional capacity in a safe supportive environment.

Home Care Services

The Home Care Services Program (HCSP) provides Medicaid-funded care programs to seniors or disabled individuals. Clients must be eligible for Medicaid to receive these services.

HIV/AIDS Services

The HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) helps New Yorkers living with AIDS or HIV gain access to benefits and support.

Domestic Violence and Emergency Intervention

The Office of Domestic Violence (ODV) provides support and temporary shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. ODV can provide counseling and advocacy on a client's behalf and help them obtain other HRA benefits they are eligible for.

Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services (APS) provides case management and services for mentally or physically impaired adults who are at risk of harm.

Child Support Services

The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) serves parents (both mothers and fathers) and guardians, regardless of income or immigration status.

Health Insurance Access

The Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access (OCHIA) helps connect uninsured New Yorkers with the NY State of Health.

New York City EBT and Food Stamps

The Family Independence Administration also provides access to food stamps to low-income families and individuals. The food stamp program is known as SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

USING THE EBT CARD

New York recipients may access their cash and SNAP benefits at participating EBT locations anywhere within New York State and nationwide. Cash benefits may also be accessed at participating ATM and authorized retail store locations. Some stores that accept EBT for cold food (including cold sandwiches):

Stop and Shop grocery stores

Whole Foods grocery stores

*Morton Williams grocery stores

Most dollar discount stores

*denotes stores that will accept EBT for hot food

Your EBT card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) are used at authorized retail stores with your cash or SNAP benefits. Many retail stores also provide cash back with your purchase. Check with the store for their cash back policy. Scan the QR code to access the EBT Connect portal. For more information, click:

https://www.connectebt.com/ 

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator 

SNAP Offices

Bronx

1375 Jerome Ave, Concourse 545

(929)252-8998

1910 Monterey Ave 5th floor, Crotona

(929)252-7436   

845 Barretto St. B-Level 

(929)252-4445

Brooklyn

2857-2865 W. 8th St, Coney Island

(929)221-3537

404 Pine St. 1st floor, East NYC

(929)221-8327

2 George St. 1st floor, Williamsburg

(212)331-4314

Manhattan

2322 Third Ave., 1st floor, East End

(212)860-5147

4055 10th Ave., lower level, Washington Heights

(212)569-9835

12 West 14th St., 4th floor, Waverly

(212)352-2524

Queens

165-08 88th Ave, Jamaica

(929)252-3713

32-20 Northern Blvd, Queens

(718)784-6315

219 Beach 59th St, Rockaway

(718)637-2750

Staten Island

201 Bay Street, 2nd floor

(718)390-6994

Self-service SNAP services

132 W. 125th St.

Manhattan, NY

(212)666-5678

Pena says: During the years 2000 2019, I spent 7 ½ of that in various Arizona prisons for DUI and marijuana possession. While I was incarcerated, my best friend was responsible for nearly $14k embezzled of my VA disability. 

Office of Civil Justice

New Yorkers facing housing issues in court can get free help through HRA’s Office of Civil Justice. If you qualify, we can connect you with a free lawyer.

Call:311 or email: civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov 

Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel

The mission of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is to identify and meet the legal needs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its primary objective is to ensure the just and faithful execution of the laws, regulations and policies that the Secretary has responsibility for administering, and by so doing enable the Department to accomplish its mission of service to our Nation's veterans.

Acting General Counsel: Richard J. Hipolit 

The General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs issues written legal opinions having precedential effect in adjudications and appeals involving veterans' benefits under laws administered by VA. The General Counsel's interpretations on legal matters, contained in such opinions, are conclusive as to all VA officials and employees not only in the matter at issue but also in future adjudications and appeals, in the absence of a change in controlling statute or regulation, Court decision, or a superseding written legal opinion of the General Counsel.  VA provides these opinions in order to give the public notice of those interpretations of the General Counsel that must be followed in future benefit matters and to assist veterans' benefit claimants and their representatives in the prosecution of benefit claim.

Legal Services NYC

1 West 125th Street, 2nd Floor

New York NY 10027

(518) 463-4741

The LSNYC Veterans Justice Project (VJP) provides comprehensive civil legal services to low-income military veterans, service members and their families. The VJP is designed to help veterans achieve greater housing and financial stability and connect veterans with social and mental health services in the City. The VJP works holistically to protect veterans and their family members from homelessness, resolve barriers to employment, preserve economic stability, and remedy many other problems that derail veterans’ successful reintegration into civilian life.

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program

2101 L Street NW, Suite 225

Washington, DC 20037

P: (888) 838-7727 (toll free)

P: (202) 628-8164

The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program is a leading national 501(c)(3) charity that has offered free legal representation to veterans, their families and survivors at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) since 1992.

Legal Services Corporation (LSC)

3333 K Street, NW

Washington, DC 20007

T: 202-295-1500

For more than 45 years, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and its grantees, along with other legal aid programs, have been providing this help. It is the mission of LSC’s Veterans Task Force to further access to justice for veterans by:

• Raising awareness of the legal issues faced by veterans;
• Identifying ways to strengthen the relationships between legal aid providers and other veteran-serving organizations, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, treatment courts, and veterans advocacy organizations;
• Highlighting model programs that provide effective, integrated services to veterans and making recommendations for replicating or expanding those programs; and
• Recommending strategies for engaging attorneys to provide legal assistance on a pro bono basis, including for complex legal issues.

For the veteran who is without any financial means, be sure to consult with NYC HRA for emergency cash assistance. While the SSVF programs offer financial services, the SSVF programs are showing themselves to be unreliable and disconnected from the veteran’s needs. For the veteran without a checking account, Citibank has free checking for veterans with direct deposit and is quite flexible in documentation required to open an account. Credit unions offer higher protections for military members. Additionally, there are several financial advisors in the area which I have listed below:

Citibank

Locations all around NYC  

(888)248-4226

https://banking.citi.com/

Navy Federal Credit Union

300 Steamboat Rd

Kings Point, NY 11024

(888)842-6328

https://www.navyfederal.org/ 

Emergency Medical Care: During a medical emergency, you should immediately seek care at the nearest emergency department (ED). A medical emergency is an injury, illness or symptom so severe that a delay in seeking immediate medical attention would be reasonably expected to be hazardous to life or health. If you believe your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.

Veterans Legacy Memorial: The Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) is the nation’s first digital platform dedicated entirely to the memory of more than 3.7 million veterans interred in VA's national cemeteries to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans and to keep their legacies alive. New veteran VLM profile pages are usually created the day of the internment, and prior internments displayed in VLM go back as far as the Revolutionary War.

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/ 

NCA Resources Guide: The National Cemetery Administration 

provides burial and memorial benefits for Veterans and their eligible family members, and maintains national cemeteries as national shrines, sacred to the honor and memory of those interred or memorialized there. The VA provides compassionate, professional services to ease families through the loss of their loved one. Learn more about VA Memorial Benefits. https://www.cem.va.gov/resources.asp 

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will (VA Form 10-0137)

This advance directive form is an official document where you can write down your preferences for your health care. If someday you can’t make health care decisions for yourself anymore, this advance directive can help guide the people who will make decisions for you.

You can use this form to: 

• Name specific people to make health care decisions for you 

• Describe your preferences for how you want to be treated 

• Describe your preferences for medical care, mental health care, long-term care, or other types of health care

You may complete some, none, or all sections of this form. If you need more space for any part of the form, you may attach extra pages. Be sure to initial and date every page that you attach. You also must initial the sections you complete and sign the form. If you are unable to initial or sign the form because of a physical impairment, you can place an “X”, thumbprint, or stamp on the form instead of your initials and signature.

If a physical impairment prevents you from doing any of these things, you can ask someone else who is with you to sign, place an “X”, thumbprint, or stamp on the form. When you complete this form, it's important that you also talk to a member of your health care team, family, and other loved ones to explain what you meant when you filled out the form. A member of your health care team can help you with this form and can answer any questions that you have. 

VA_10-0137

VA_10-0137_fill

VA_10-0137_instructions