Hey Veterans, Did You Know?

... you may qualify for free hearing aids?

To receive hearing aids through the Veterans Administration, you must first register at the health administration/enrollment section of the VA Medical Center of your choice. The following documents are usually needed at the time of registration: a copy of the Veteran's DD214, driver's license and health insurance (if available).

There are several ways to enroll: • In person at any VA Medical Center or Clinic • Online by filling out the Form 1010EZ. • By mailing completed Form 10-10EZ to the Medical Center of your choice (please be sure to sign your application or it cannot be processed for enrollment)

Once registered (or if already registered), you may schedule an appointment at the Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic for an evaluation of your hearing.

The audiologist will make a clinical determination on the need for hearing aids and/or other hearing assistive devices. If hearing aids are recommended and fit, the hearing aids, repairs, and future batteries will all be at no charge to you, as long as you maintain VA eligibility for care.

… you may qualify for special job referrals?

In Washington, WorkSource helps thousands of military veterans – including disabled veterans – find jobs each year. As a veteran, you can get priority access to WorkSource services. This includes priority referrals to jobs listed with WorkSource and other employment services.

WorkSource centers offer veterans and military spouses:

• Job listings, job referrals and hiring events • Resume, application and interviewing assistance • Use of computers, photocopiers and phones • Skill assessments and referrals to training and other resources

At worksourcespokane.com, you can identify yourself as a veteran to make it easier for vet-friendly employers to find you, and you can search for job openings where employers are giving veterans priority over other applicants.

Most WorkSource centers have veteran employment specialists whose sole job is to help military veterans with disabilities and other employment barriers. They’ll assess your skills and interests and help you put together an employment plan that’s right for you.

When: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: 130 S. Arthur St., Spokane, WA 99202

Contact: 509-532-3120 (main phone) or 844-704-6784 (fax) Online: wsspokane@esd.wa.gov Relay service: 711 Services offered: Hire a veteran: 509-598-9972 Business services: 509-532-3186 Email: talentsolutions@esd.wa.gov

… there are new eligibility requirements for presumptive exposure?

If you are a veteran or survivor who may be eligible for newly established military exposure presumptive conditions, the VA encourages you to apply for benefits.

Even if the illness or injury is not a presumptive, every veteran is still encouraged to file a claim for the benefits they have earned and deserve.

Visit blogs.va.gov/VAntage/96936/ are-you-eligible-to-file-for-benefitsbased-on-presumptive-exposure/ for more info or seek local help in the “How can I get help?” section on Page 5 of this publication.

… there’s help for homeless veterans?

The VA offers a variety of specialized programs for homeless veterans that include housing solutions, employment opportunities, health care, justice- and reentry-related services, and more. If you, or someone you know, is homeless or at risk of homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AIDVET (877-424-3838) for assistance.

You can also get info at www.va.gov/ homeless/for_at_risk_veterans.asp or find local help in the “How Can I Get Help?” on Page 5 of this section.

Learn about the National Resource Directory

The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a resource website that connects wounded warriors, Service Members, Veterans, their families, and caregivers to programs and services that support them. The NRD is hosted, managed, maintained, sustained and developed by the Defense Health Agency's Recovery Coordination Program. It provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Visitors can find information on a variety of topics that supply an abundance of vetted resources. For help finding resources on the site, visit the How to Use this Site section of the NRD.

Major categories include:

• American Red Cross • Benefits & Compensation • Choose Home • Community Of Care • Education & Training • Employment • Family & Caregiver Support • Health • Homeless Assistance • Housing • Military Adaptive Sports Program

Other services & resources

• Portfolio Of Veterans Benefits (PVB) • Transportation & Travel

Find links to all these resources on the NRD website nrd.gov/About-Us For local help see the “How can I get help?” on Page 5 of this publication.