Indiana Veteran's Benefits and Links to Veteran Services
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The American Legion national website now offers a handy state-by-state directory of veterans benefits, some of which are little-known. From health-care services to hunting and fishing license exemptions and free passes to state parks, the new online guide details state and federal benefits alike for those who have served the nation in uniform, and their families. In some states, different benefits are available for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
American Legion Past National Vice Commander Doug Haggan, a service-connected disabled veteran, said he discovered a few years ago that more benefits were available to him in Indiana than he realized. “For instance, if you’re 10 percent disabled in Indiana, your kids can go to a state school for free,” he said. “The more I hunted, the more I found. |
Haggan said state veterans benefits are not always well promoted. “Disabled or not disabled, there are many different benefits, but no one is there to hand the information off to you. A lot of people don’t know, for instance, they can often go to state parks for free for the weekend, or at discounted rates.”
His discovery in Indiana led him to look at all U.S. states, and he began to assemble a database of different veterans benefits, by state. “It was a big undertaking, but it was well worth the effort,” he said. “I hope people use it.” If there are benefits not mentioned below that you would like to see added, please contact Department Communications Director John Crosby at communications@indianalegion.org. |
Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs
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Since its establishment in 1945, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has remained focused on aiding and assisting "Hoosier" veterans, and qualified family members or survivors, who are eligible for benefits or advantages provided by Indiana and the U.S. government.
Indiana owes a great debt to its veterans, past and present, for their personal sacrifices and dedicated service. 75 Hoosiers (2 still living) have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in testimony to their courage and sacrifices. Today, Indiana is home to nearly 550,000 veterans. 52,000 veterans and survivors collect disability compensation or pension payments. There is no greater honor than to serve those who have given so much. |
We hope that you will find our web site user friendly and helpful in providing information about veteran benefits, activities, and organizations. Please feel free to contact this office or one of the 91 County Service Officers listed in our Directory who are ready to serve you in your home county.
We invite you to visit the following web page which pays tribute to the Hoosiers who have given their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom during the Global War on Terrorism OEF-OIF Indiana Honor Roll. Thank you for visiting and we hope you will return again. 24 Hour Veterans Crisis Line 800-273-8255 Press 1 |
