Veterans Services

West Hartford veterans are entitled to a variety of services offered through the Town, State and Federal governments. Below is a list that captures benefits ranging from tax relief to medical services.

General Information

West Hartford Resident - Don't know where to begin? Call the Department of Social Services at 860-561-7561. The office is located in Room 306 of Town Hall. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM.

Waiver of CT Driver's License Fees- Any person in active service for one licensing period within two years of separation is eligible. Contact the Wethersfield DMV at 860-263-5700 or toll free at 1-800-842-8222.

Address - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20420.

Register- Call the Connecticut VA at 860-666-6951 and push choice #3.

Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Marines’ Fund - Provides temporary assistance to war-time veterans or dependents that need assistance with basic needs. Call 860-566-2677 for more information.

American Legion - Hayes-Velhage Post 96, 45 Raymond Road, West Hartford, CT 06107, 860-233-9029, email:ALPost96@comcast.net

Veterans of Foreign Wars Hannon - Hatch Post 9929, 83 South Street, West Hartford, CT 06110, 860-953-2065, email: Contact@VFW9929.org

Tax Relief

Health

Medical Benefits - The best way to receive medical benefits is to apply in person at the information desk at the VA Medical Center in Newington at 555 Willard Avenue (phone number is 860-666-6951). Bring discharge papers/DD214 and a photocopy of your latest tax return. Be prepared to spend some time with a benefits counselor.

Explore VA to learn about benefits for veterans and their families. Apply for benefits today.

Housing

Education

Continuing Education - West Hartford veterans receive a $10.00 discount on Continuing Education classes. Contact 860-561-6900 for more information.

Veterans Tuition Waiver Program – Certain veterans and children of MIA/POW may be eligible to attend state or technical colleges tuition free. Call the Education & Employment Center at 1-800-842-0229 or contact any public college or university for more information.

Employment

Reemployment Assistance for OEF/OIF Veterans –Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) – Protects reemployment rights of veterans or reservists regarding their civilian jobs. Educates, promotes and awards employers. Contact ESGR at 860-721-5901.

VETS – Organization that handles more formal reemployment complaints of veterans, reservists and National Guard members. Contact VETS at 860-263-6490.

Employment Services for Veterans - at CT Dept. of Labor – Employment assistance, veterans preference, training, job fairs, career coaching, resume preparation and unemployment insurance. Contact the CT Dept. of Labor at 860-263-6000 or for more information. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has an Employment web site to explore.

Counseling

Counseling / Hartford Veterans Center Benefits – Any combat veterans, spouses and families can contact the Hartford Veteran’s Center on 30 Jordan Lane, Wethersfield, CT at 860-563-2320 for individual/family counseling, benefits assistance/referrals, job referrals and bereavement counseling. They also act as a liaison with other VA facilities. Their hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM (evenings by appointment).

Military Support Program – Provides counseling assistance to citizens, soldiers and families affected by deployment in OEF/OIF. Call toll free 1-866-251-5913 for 24 hour live assistance.

Burial

Surviving Spouses and Dependents of Veterans Eligibility – Contact the Veterans’ Service Officer at the CT Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 860-721-5893 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Discounts on Fairview Cemetery Plots– As a West Hartford veteran who has served during wartime you may receive a 10% discount on cemetery plots at Fairview Cemetery. Contact 860-521-5270 for more information.

Burial Benefits– Veterans or spouses who predecease a veteran may be eligible for free marble headstones, delivered to the cemetery. Any reputable funeral home will have this information or you may make an appointment with the Veterans’ Service Representative at 860-721-5893. Also, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs has information on burial benefits and will pay for headstones. Go to http://www.cem.va.gov/ for more information.

West Hartford Memorial Paver- Information on purchasing a memorial paver for both living and deceased military is found on the West Hartford Veterans Memorial web page. Call 860-561-7520 or 860-561-7521 for more information.