BEnefits Corner
2018 STATE AND FEDERAL BENEFIT UPDATES
The Clackamas County Veterans Village was completed and officially opened this year. The project is intended to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing to homeless veterans as they seek to become self-supportive through accessing training, counseling, employment, permanent housing and other services. The quarters are in the form of 30 innovative “sleeping pods,” which were designed by Portland State architecture students and constructed from recycled trusses previously used for a stage at the Pickathon Music Festival.
Free flu shots for enrolled veterans at Walgreens
Sept. 20, 2018 — Walgreens is providing no-cost flu shots to enrolled veterans of the VA health care system. The program runs from August 15, 2018 through March 31, 2019. Veterans may also receive a no-cost flu shot during any scheduled VA appointment or at a walk-in flu station. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkvg. Veterans Village housing project opens in Clackamas
Sept. 13, 2018 — A transitional shelter village of pods designed by Portland State University students opened September 13 for veterans in Clackamas County. The village will be staffed by volunteers from Do Good Multnomah and aims to house up to 30 veterans. Clackamas County has a goal of ending veterans’ homelessness by 2019. Learn more: https://www.clackamas.us/transitionalhousing. VA expands Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (VR&E) to improve service
Aug. 30, 2018 — VA’s VR&E program is working to reduce the average counselor-to-caseload ratio through a hiring effort begun earlier this summer. For more information about VR&E, visit https://www.benefits. va.gov/vocrehab/. VA DoD Veteran Link now available to help veterans connect
Aug. 16, 2018 — VA DoD Veteran Link is a new social networking app 26
VETERANS NEWS MAGAZINE
just for veterans and current service members. Users can search for other veterans and service members with similar military backgrounds or interests. They can also join or create groups to talk about specific topics. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkva or get started at https:// mobile.va.gov/app/va-dod-veteran-link. Military OneSource is now available to veterans and their families for a full year after separating from the military
Aug. 13, 2018 — DoD is extending eligibility for Military OneSource benefits from the current 180 days to 365 days after separation or retirement from military service to ensure all service members and families have access to comprehensive support as they transition to civilian life. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkdM. Forever GI Bill expands VA educational benefits
Aug. 2, 2018 — Effective August 1, the VA implemented 15 more provisions of the Forever GI Bill, including expansion of benefits to post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients, expansion of the Yellow Ribbon Program, and increased eligibility for members of the National Guard and Reserve. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xPkdH. Reservists and National Guard members can transfer their remaining REAP entitlement to the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Aug. 1, 2018 — The “Forever GI Bill” allows certain members of the National Guard and Reserve to transfer into the Post-9/11 GI Bill after
