Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in Ohio

Last updated: August 2025

—

Quick Help Box — Same‑Day and Emergency Support

If you’re in crisis or need help now, start here. These are official, direct links and numbers.

Reality check: County Veterans Service Offices can often help same week (sometimes same day). Bring your DD‑214, photo ID, proof of Ohio residency, and bills or notices. Rules and grant amounts vary by county.

—

Who This Guide Helps

• Ohio veterans age 60+, their spouses/widows/widowers, and caregivers
• Senior veterans living on fixed incomes or with disabilities
• Rural veterans with limited transportation or internet
• Women veterans and LGBTQ+ veterans seeking welcoming care
• Homeless or housing‑insecure veterans

This is a practical, Ohio‑specific guide with direct links to official sources. When details can change, we link you to the source so you can verify.

---

How Ohio Organizes Veteran Support

• Federal: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides health care, disability compensation, pensions (including Aid & Attendance), caregiver support, housing programs, and more. Start at VA.gov.
• State: The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) coordinates statewide benefits, Ohio Veterans Homes, and a network of county offices: ODVS home page.
• Local: Every Ohio county has a County Veterans Service Office (CVSO). They help file VA claims and can provide emergency financial help, transportation to VA care, and referrals.

Tip: Your CVSO is your local guide. Contact them early, even if you “don’t think you qualify.” They know the ins and outs and are free to use.

---

A Simple 3‑Step Start Plan

1. Connect with your County Veterans Service Office

• Ask about emergency aid, transportation, and help filing VA claims.
• Bring: DD‑214 (or other discharge papers), photo ID, proof of address, and any bills you need help with.
• Find your county: Ohio Department of Veterans Services – County Veterans Service Offices

2. Enroll (or confirm) VA Health Care

• Many seniors qualify based on service, income, or disability.
• Apply online, by phone, or with your CVSO.
• Start here: Apply for VA Health Care

3. Check Ohio‑Specific Benefits

• Property tax relief (Homestead Exemption and Disabled Veteran Homestead)
• Ohio Veterans Homes (long‑term care)
• County emergency funds and transportation
• Start here: Ohio Department of Veterans Services • Ohio Department of Taxation

Reality check: Benefits take paperwork and time. Keep copies of everything. If you’re denied, ask your CVSO to help you appeal or resubmit.

---

Money and Bills Relief in Ohio

County Veterans Service Offices: Emergency Assistance

What it is: Each county commission can offer temporary financial help for essential needs (rent, utilities, food, basic car repair, burial assistance) and rides to VA medical appointments. Rules and amounts vary by county.

• How to apply: Call or visit your county veterans office; they’ll tell you what documents to bring.
• Official source: Ohio Department of Veterans Services – County Veterans Service Offices

Reality check: Funds are limited and focused on immediate needs. Be ready to show bills, shut‑off notices, lease, and income details.

Property Tax Relief: Homestead Exemptions

Ohio has two main homestead programs. Apply through your county auditor.

Important: Exact savings, disability criteria, and income limits can change. Your county auditor’s website has the application and deadline.

Official references:

• Ohio Department of Taxation: Property Tax Relief and Homestead program
• Ohio Revised Code Homestead provisions: Ohio Revised Code Chapter 323

State Income Tax: Military Retirement Pay

Ohio generally excludes military retirement pay from state income tax. Check current rules and filing steps:

• Official source: Ohio Department of Taxation – Military Tax Information

Tip: If you receive VA disability compensation, it’s not taxable federally. Confirm details with the IRS or a tax counselor:

• IRS – Veterans Tax Resources

VA Pension and Aid & Attendance (A&A)

What it is: A needs‑based monthly payment for wartime veterans (or surviving spouses) with limited income. Aid & Attendance is an extra amount if you need help with daily activities or are housebound.

• Who qualifies: Based on service dates, income/assets, and medical need.
• How to apply: File online or with CVSO help.
• Official sources:
  • VA Pension
  • Aid & Attendance and Housebound benefits

Reality check: Be ready with medical evidence and financial records. Processing can take months; you may get back pay from your claim date.

Energy, Heat, and Utility Help

Ohio runs several programs—especially in winter and summer.

Tip: Bring proof of income, utility bills, and ID. Your CVSO and Area Agency on Aging can help you connect.

Food Help: SNAP and Senior Food Boxes

• Apply for SNAP (food aid) and cash/medical help at the state portal: Ohio Benefits – Apply online
• Senior food boxes (CSFP) are distributed through foodbanks: Ohio Association of Foodbanks – Find help

---

Health Care and Mental Health

VA Health Care in Ohio

Ohio has several major VA facilities and many community clinics. Use the VA locator for addresses, hours, and phone numbers.

• Enroll: Apply for VA Health Care
• Travel pay to VA care (if eligible): VA Beneficiary Travel
• Community Care (when VA refers out): VA Community Care

Reality check: Appointment wait times vary by clinic and specialty. If it’s urgent, tell the scheduler. Ask about telehealth to speed things up.

Vet Centers (Counseling, Not in Hospitals)

Free counseling for combat veterans, survivors of MST, and their families. No need to be in VA health care.

• Find a Vet Center near you: Vet Center locator

Mental Health and Substance Use

• Crisis: Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, then press 1)
• Ongoing care: Request a mental health consult through your VA primary care or call a Vet Center.
• Homelessness + mental health: VA Homeless Programs

---

Long‑Term Care and In‑Home Support

Ohio Veterans Homes (Sandusky and Georgetown)

What they are: State‑run long‑term care and domiciliary communities for eligible veterans. They offer skilled nursing, memory care, and domiciliary (assisted living‑style) services.

• Who qualifies: Ohio residency and military service requirements apply; medical screening needed.
• How to apply and costs: Contact ODVS admissions for the latest requirements and rates.
• Official source: Ohio Department of Veterans Services – Veterans Homes

Reality check: Waitlists can happen. Get paperwork started early, and ask your CVSO to help.

Stay at Home: Ohio PASSPORT and Other Medicaid Waivers

What it is: PASSPORT is Ohio Medicaid’s in‑home care program for seniors who qualify medically and financially. Services can include personal care, homemaking, meals, adult day health, and more.

• Learn and apply:
  • Ohio Department of Aging – PASSPORT
  • Ohio Medicaid
  • Local help through your Area Agency on Aging: Find your AAA

Tip: You can get help through both VA and Medicaid programs, but the payer rules can be tricky. Tell each program about the other to avoid billing problems.

VA Long‑Term Services and Supports

• In‑home services, adult day health, respite, and nursing home care (Community Living Centers or community placements), based on eligibility and clinical need.
• Official info: VA Long‑Term Care
• Caregivers:
  • Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and General Caregiver Support (PGCSS): VA Caregiver Support Program

Reality check: Getting home‑care hours approved takes medical notes and care plans. Ask your VA primary care team for a geriatrics or social work consult.

---

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Tip: If you’re behind on rent, call SSVF first and your CVSO second—using both can cover gaps.

---

Transportation to Care

• County rides: Many county veterans offices provide or arrange rides to VA medical appointments. Ask your CVSO.
• DAV Volunteer Transportation Network: Rides to VA care where available. DAV Transportation Network
• VA travel pay reimbursement (if eligible): VA Beneficiary Travel
• Public transit: Some counties offer reduced fares for seniors/veterans; check your local transit agency.

Reality check: Rides often need 48‑72 hours’ notice. Have your clinic address, appointment time, and return plan ready.

---

Employment and Income (If You’re Still Working or Want Part‑Time)

• OhioMeansJobs – Veterans priority of service: OhioMeansJobs – Veterans
• DVOP/LVER specialists: Ask for the veterans representative at your local OhioMeansJobs center.
• SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program): Paid part‑time training jobs for low‑income adults 55+. U.S. DOL – SCSEP

Tip: Bring your DD‑214 to unlock priority and veteran‑specific services.

---

Legal Help, Records, and ID

• Free claims help and advocacy: Your CVSO can file VA claims and appeals at no cost. Find your CVSO
• Legal help: The Ohio Attorney General connects veterans to volunteer lawyers through MVLAP. Military & Veterans Legal Assistance Program (MVLAP)
• Discharge papers (DD‑214): Many Ohio County Recorders will record your DD‑214 at no cost and can issue a veteran ID card. Check your county recorder’s website.
• VA discharge upgrades: How to apply for a discharge upgrade
• Consumer protection (contracts, scams): Ohio Attorney General – Protecting Consumers

Reality check: Never pay for “VA back pay” or “secret claims.” Accredited help is free. Verify accreditation: Find VA‑accredited representatives

---

Recreation, Licenses, and Plates

• License plates: Ohio offers military and veteran plates, including some fee reductions for qualifying disabled veterans. Details and applications: Ohio BMV – Military & Veteran Plates
• Hunting and fishing: Ohio offers benefits for certain disabled veterans and active‑duty members. Check current rules and discounts: Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
• State parks: Discounts and perks may be available to veterans and disabled veterans; verify current offers: Ohio State Parks – ODNR

Tip: Bring proof of service (and disability rating if applicable) when buying licenses or requesting discounts.

---

Inclusivity: Tailored Help for Specific Groups

Women Veterans

• VA Women’s Health provides primary care, mental health, and specialty services designed for women veterans. VA Women Veterans Health Care
• Ask your VA facility for the Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM). They help coordinate care and address concerns.
• State connection: ODVS offers outreach and events for Ohio’s women veterans: Ohio Department of Veterans Services

Reality check: If you ever feel your concerns aren’t heard, ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager or Patient Advocate at your facility.

LGBTQ+ Senior Veterans

• VA provides inclusive care for LGBTQ+ veterans and has local LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators.
• Learn what’s available and how to find your local coordinator: VA LGBTQ+ Health Program

Tip: If you have a VA name or gender marker update, your Patient Registration and Equality/DEI staff can guide you.

Disabled Senior Veterans

• Property tax: Disabled Veteran Homestead can significantly reduce property tax on your primary home. Start with your county auditor.
• Home adaptations: Use SAH/SHA/HISA for safer bathrooms, ramps, or modifications. VA disability housing grants
• Mobility and equipment: Ask your VA primary care team for referrals to prosthetics/rehab engineering.

Rural Veterans with Limited Access

• VA Video Connect lets you see your provider by smartphone or computer. Ask your clinic to set it up.
• Internet or device barriers? Ask about options at your local library, AAA, or CVSO.
• Travel reimbursement and county ride programs can reduce the burden of long drives. VA Beneficiary Travel

Native/Tribal Veterans

Ohio does not have federally recognized tribal reservations today, but Native American veterans living in Ohio can still access all VA and state programs. If you have ties to a federally recognized tribe elsewhere:

• VA Native American Direct Loan (NADL) for home loans on trust land: VA NADL
• Indian Health Service and tribal veterans programs may offer additional support: Indian Health Service

---

Burial and Memorial Benefits

• National cemeteries in Ohio include Dayton National Cemetery and Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery (Rittman). Veterans, spouses, and some dependent children may be eligible.
• Pre‑need eligibility determination: NCA – Apply in advance
• Find a cemetery and learn about headstones/markers: National Cemetery Administration

Tip: Keep DD‑214 and pre‑need approval with your important papers. Tell your family where they are.

---

Resources by Region (Ohio)

Use the VA locator to confirm addresses/hours and to find community clinics.

• Northeast (Cleveland/Akron/Youngstown)
  • Hospital hub: Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC
  • Vet Centers: Check Cleveland/Akron listings
  • County help: Summit, Cuyahoga, Stark, Mahoning CVSOs: Find your county office
• Central (Columbus and surrounding counties)
  • Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center
  • Vet Center: Columbus
  • County help: Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Union: Find your county office
• Southwest (Cincinnati/Dayton)
  • Cincinnati VAMC; Dayton VAMC
  • Vet Centers: Cincinnati, Dayton
  • County help: Hamilton, Montgomery, Butler, Warren, Greene: Find your county office
• Northwest (Toledo/Lima)
  • CBOCs via Ann Arbor/Detroit or Toledo clinics; check locator
  • Vet Center: Toledo
  • County help: Lucas, Wood, Allen, Hancock: Find your county office
• Southeast and Appalachian counties
  • VA care via clinics and referrals; ask about travel pay
  • County help: Athens, Ross, Muskingum, Washington: Find your county office

Homeless veteran entry points (statewide):

• VA Homeless Programs – Start here
• SSVF Provider Search
• Also contact your CVSO for local rent/utility help.

---

Putting It All Together: A One‑Page Summary Table

---

Frequently Asked Questions (Ohio‑Specific)

Q: Where do I find my County Veterans Service Office and what can they do?
A: The Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS) lists every County Veterans Service Office (CVSO). CVSOs help with VA disability and pension claims, emergency financial assistance, and transportation to VA medical care. Start here:

Q: I’m 70 and own my home. How do I get the Homestead Exemption?
A: Apply through your county auditor. You’ll provide proof of age (or disability) and income if required. Learn the basics and download current forms: Ohio Department of Taxation – Homestead. Ask your CVSO if you also qualify for the Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption.

Q: Can I receive both VA Aid & Attendance and Ohio’s PASSPORT in‑home services?
A: Yes. Some veterans use both VA Aid & Attendance (A&A) and PASSPORT waiver services, but payment coordination can be complex. Tell each program about the other to avoid conflicts. Consult your VA social worker and your Area Agency on Aging (Find your AAA) for guidance.

Q: Does Ohio tax my military retirement pay?
A: Ohio generally excludes military retirement pay from state income tax. Always verify the latest rules before filing: Ohio Department of Taxation – Military Tax Information.

Q: Is there state long‑term care for veterans?
A: Yes. The Ohio Veterans Homes in Sandusky and Georgetown provide skilled nursing and domiciliary care for eligible veterans. Learn more about admission criteria and apply: ODVS – Veterans Homes.

Q: I need a copy of my DD‑214. What’s the fastest way?
A: Request your military records online from the National Archives (Get your military records). Also check with your county recorder—many Ohio counties can record and issue certified copies if your DD-214 is already on file.

Q: I’m a woman veteran. Is there someone at my VA hospital just for women’s care?
A: Yes. Each VA medical center has a Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) who coordinates comprehensive women’s health services. Learn more: VA Women’s Health.

Q: I live in a rural county and can’t drive. Can the VA still help me?
A: Ask your CVSO about DAV or county ride programs, use VA telehealth (where available), and apply for VA Beneficiary Travel if eligible to receive mileage or common-carrier reimbursement.

Q: Where do I get a veteran license plate or ID card in Ohio?
A: For plates, see Ohio BMV – Military & Veteran Plates. For veteran ID cards, many county recorders issue them—check your county recorder’s website for requirements and how to apply. Plates:  For ID, many county recorders issue veteran ID cards; check your county recorder’s website.

Q: I’m LGBTQ+. Will the VA respect my identity?
A: Yes. The VA has LGBTQ+ health coordinators and policies that ensure respectful, inclusive care for LGBTQ+ veterans. Learn more: VA LGBTQ+ Health.

---

Key Program Tables (Bookmark These)

Table: Major Health and Long‑Term Care Programs for Ohio Senior Veterans

Table: Financial and Housing Stability

Table: Taxes, Licenses, and ID

Table: Mental Health Support

---

Tips to Avoid Delays

• Keep a “benefits folder” with your DD‑214, photo ID, Social Security card, VA award letters, tax returns, bank statements, and any medical notes.
• Use your CVSO to file claims correctly the first time.
• If a program asks for the same document again, send it—systems don’t always talk to each other.
• If denied, ask why in writing and appeal quickly.
• For health care, ask for telehealth when travel is hard.

---

Sources and Official Links (Selected)

• Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS): dvs.ohio.gov
• VA – Apply for Health Care: va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply
• VA – Find Locations: va.gov/find-locations
• VA – Pension and Aid & Attendance: va.gov/pension
• VA – Caregiver Support: caregiver.va.gov
• VA – Homeless Programs and SSVF: va.gov/homeless | SSVF
• Ohio Department of Taxation – Homestead and Military: tax.ohio.gov
• Ohio Department of Development – Energy Assistance: development.ohio.gov
• Ohio Department of Aging – PASSPORT and AAAs: aging.ohio.gov
• Ohio BMV – Military Plates: bmv.ohio.gov
• ODNR – Parks, Hunting & Fishing: ohiodnr.gov
• Ohio Attorney General – MVLAP: ohioattorneygeneral.gov
• National Cemetery Administration: cem.va.gov
• Veterans Crisis Line: veteranscrisisline.net

Note: Some Ohio agency websites have changed addresses in recent years. If a direct page has moved, use the site’s search box with the exact program name.

---

Disclaimer

Program details, amounts, eligibility, and links can change. Always verify information with the official agency or your County Veterans Service Office before you apply or make decisions.

---

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.