Veteran Services
The Veterans Assistance Program is operated by Skagit County Public Health, in partnership with Community Action’s Skagit Vets Connect Program. Veterans Assistance is provided to make sure that the residents of Skagit County, who have honorably served our country, are never forgotten.
Upon determining eligibility, the following services may be available to you and/or your family:
Veterans Document Support
- Military medical record review
- Military personnel record review
- Disability Benefits Administration aware letter review
- Verification of service statements
- Enrollment in VA healthcare and eBenefits
Disability Compensation and Pension Claims
- Support as veterans advocate and liaison
- Assist with VA benefits claims process
- Help determine best options for a claim
- Assist with claim tracking progress
- Review additional VA request for action
- Explain VA decision letters
- Provide guidance on submitting decision reviews and appeals
Elderly & Disabled Veteran & Widow Programs
- Veteran continuous relief
- Provides assistance for aid and attendance benefits
- Provides assistance for housebound benefits
- Assist surviving spouse with burial, disability indemnity compensation and widow pension
Emergency Assistance
The Veterans Assistance Fund (VAF) provides limited emergency financial assistance to veterans and their dependents in accordance with basic eligibility requirements.
- Food, gas, clothing
- Utilities with disconnect notice
- Mortgage, rental, security deposit
- Transportation assistance
Other VAF services
- Discharge documents/DD-214
- Transitional Housing Master Lease
- Dental Van
- Case management
- Budgeting
- Referrals and other assistance as appropriate
How to get more information about available services?
Contact our Veterans Assistance Specialist to discuss your individual needs. They can be reached in the following ways:
- Schedule a phone or virtual meeting by clicking here.
- By phone: (360) 588-5156 or (360) 391-1512
- By email: cdiaz@co.Skagit.wa.us
- Drop in location/hours:
- Community Action (160 Cascade Pl Ste 104, Burlington, WA 98233)
- Mondays from 1pm-3pm (except holidays) and Tuesdays 9am-11am
- East County Community Resource Center (45770 Main Street, Concrete, WA 98237)
- 1st Friday of each month from 10am-3pm
Required documentation to receive assistance:
The first step in obtaining relief is for the veteran to fill out a Household Information Intake Form for Assistance Request. These application forms can be obtained from the Veterans Services Specialist or from Community Action directly. The veteran will need to bring the completed form and the following documentation as applicable:
- DD-214 or Certificate of Discharge,
- Identification
- Original bills for which assistance is being sought
- Copies of marriage certificate and birth certificates of his/her children
- Proof of Skagit County residence
- Verification of income, or verification applicant is receiving public assistance
About Chris Diaz, Veterans Service Specialist/VSO
I’m accredited Veteran Service Officer with the Department of Veteran Affairs and assist veterans with claims. I can also assist veterans and their family members with answering questions, advising, and educating individuals and groups on what benefits are available from local resources, state resources and federal resources. Some of the those are life insurance, compensation and pension, health care, employment, housing, transportation, education and training, and Military records.
Skagit County Veterans Advisory Board
The Veterans Advisory Board advises the County’s legislative authority on the needs of local veterans, the resources available to local veterans, and programs that could benefit the needs of local veterans and their families.
The Advisory Board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 1800 Continental Pl, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, in the Skagit Room. Meetings are from 1pm to 2:30pm. At this time, meetings are also offered by ZOOM for those who prefer a remote option.
Join Zoom Meeting:
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Meeting ID: 850 9465 1762
Passcode: 818986
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Meeting ID: 850 9465 1762
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Meeting Minutes:
June 2022 VAB Meeting Minutes
May 2022 VAB Meeting Minutes
April 2022 VAB Meeting Minutes
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