7. Identificación de los Tipos de Riesgo
1.11 Análisis de Amenazas
1.11.7 Análisis de Vulnerabilidad
1.11.7.5 Calificación de la Vulnerabilidad
State Veteran's Benefits
The state of Mississippi provides several veteran benefits. This section offers a brief description of each of the following benefits.
* Housing Benefits
* Financial Assistance Benefits * Employment Benefits * Education Benefits
* Other State Veteran Benefits
Mississippi Veteran Housing Programs
Mississippi Veterans Home Purchase Board
The Veterans Home Purchase Board provides low interest mortgage loans for eligible veterans and unmarried surviving spouses to purchase an existing single family home or to construct a new home. Eligibility requires that the veteran be a Mississippi resident prior to entering military service or be a resident for two (2) consecutive years prior to applying for the loan. The veteran must have or obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan Guaranty from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and be discharged from extended active duty under honorable conditions. The unmarried surviving spouse of eligible persons who died as a result of service or service-connected injuries qualifies, as well as the unremarried spouse of any eligible veteran who has not purchased a home since the veteran’s death are eligible.
State Veterans Nursing Homes
Each of the four State Veterans Nursing Homes have 150 beds and they provide skilled nursing home care for eligible veterans and spouses. Eligibility for admission to the Homes requires that a veteran be or have been a Mississippi resident, have active duty military service, have a "good" military discharge, or be the spouse of a veteran who resides in one of the Veterans Homes. Out of state veterans may be admitted to the Homes if there are no Mississippi residents waiting to accept a bed. Applicants must have a medical need for nursing home care and must be able to pay the daily charge for care in the Home. Applications for admission to the Veterans Homes can be obtained from any of our offices. Indigent veterans can request assistance with the expense of care in the facilities.
Privilege Tax
Persons who are 65 or older, blind, deaf, dumb, or with loss of hand or foot, or loss of use of the hand or foot or who can provide documentation that they are 50% disabled to perform physical labor and whose annual gross income is $900.00 or less are exempt from payment of privilege tax for specified businesses.
Ad Valorem Tax
Service-connected, totally disabled (100%) American veterans who were honorably discharged from military service are exempt from all ad valorem taxes on homesteads of $7,500.00 or less in assessed value.
Mississippi Employment Benefits
Re-employment
Any person who is a member of any reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States who, in order to perform duties or receive training with the Armed Forces of the United States or of the State of Mississippi leaves a position, other than a temporary position, in the employ of any employer, and who shall give evidence of the satisfactory completion of such duty or training, and who is still qualified to perform the duties of such position, shall be entitled to be restored to his previous or a similar position, in the same status, pay, and seniority. Such period of absence for military duty or training shall be construed as an absence with leave but may be without pay.
Employment Preference
The State Personnel Board grants each veteran who is fully qualified preference over other applicants for initial or promotional appointments (5 points). Disabled veterans are given additional preference (10 points). In state layoffs, veterans are granted preference and additional preference is given disabled veterans.
State Retirement
Members of the State Public Employees Retirement System who served in the Armed Forces of the United States or who served in Maritime Service during periods of hostility in WWII shall be entitled to up to four (4) years credit for active duty in the Armed Forces or in such Maritime Service, provided they entered State Service after discharge from the Armed Forces or after completion of such Maritime Service. Credit may be extended beyond four (4) years for those persons who can provide positive proof that they were retained in the Armed Forces or such Maritime Service during WWII by causes beyond his control and without opportunity for discharge.
Educational Assistance
Children of any member of the armed services whose official home of record and residence is within the State of Mississippi and who is officially reported as being either a prisoner of a foreign government or missing in action can receive an eight-semester scholarship, without cost, exclusive of books, food, school supplies, materials and dues or fees for extracurricular activities at any state supported college or university within the State.
The Adjutant General is authorized to pay the tuition for any member in good standing with the active Mississippi National Guard who is enrolled within the State of Mississippi in an accredited institution of higher learning and who is not eligible for GI Bill educational assistance and who meets requirements specified in Mississippi law.
Military personnel stationed in Mississippi are classified as state residents for the purposes of payment of tuition at state colleges and universities.
Mississippi Employment Security Commission
Veterans seeking assistance regarding employment or unemployment insurance benefits should contact their local Mississippi Employment Security Commission Office for assistance. MS Employment Security Commission offices are located in larger cities and towns throughout the state.
Other Mississippi State Veteran Benefits
Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board
The State Veterans Affairs Board is charged with assisting former and current members of the Armed Forces of the United States and their dependents in securing any benefits or privileges to which they are entitled, with operation of the four Mississippi State Veterans Nursing Homes, with approval of programs and institutions of education and training under the GI Bill, and with advising the governor and legislature on veterans’ affairs.
Administrative Division
SVAB receives and maintains copies of military discharges for individuals recently released from military service who list Mississippi as their home of record, maintains Mississippi draft records from WW II through post Korea, maintains some records pertaining to WWII and Korean War discharges, KIA's and non-battle deaths, and certifies POW and MOH status for automobile license plate purposes. SVAB provides speakers for meetings and works closely with the legislature, governor and veterans organizations regarding veterans issues.
State Veterans Claims Division
Claims Division veteran’s service officers provide free advice and guidance to veterans and dependents regarding VA claims, casework, hearings, appeals, and discharge upgrades. These service officers are also responsible for the training of county veterans service officers. Claims Division employees represent the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board and are accredited representatives for the American Ex-Prisoners of War, American Legion, American Red Cross, Blinded Veterans Association, Fleet Reserve Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Noncommissioned Officers Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
State VA Hospital Service Offices
State VA Hospital Service Offices provide free advice and guidance to veterans and dependents with VA claims, with VA medical care and treatment problems, hospitalization and nursing home placement issues. Our hospital service officers provide free representation to veterans on issues of disagreement and at personal hearings held in the VA Hospitals in Biloxi, Jackson and Memphis.
State Approving Agency Division
The State Approving Agency inspects and approves programs of education and training at universities, colleges, junior colleges, vo-tech schools, flight schools, on-the-job-training programs, etc., for GI Bill educational eligibility. If you have questions concerning a school or a training program being approved to teach veterans under the GI Bill, contact the State Approving Agency.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History maintains historical records and a reference library concerning Mississippi residents and units which served during the Civil War, the Spanish American War and World War I.
Mississippi State Personnel Board
Applications for state employment are processed by the State Personnel Board (SPB). The SPB also maintains an internet web site listing state jobs which are on recruitment. The SPB web site also provides job descriptions and minimum qualifications for the positions on recruitment.
Mississippi Military Department (Army and Air National Guard)
The Mississippi Military Department maintains personnel and military discharge records for members of the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard. Contact the Mississippi Military Department to request those records.
The majority of counties in Mississippi employ a County Veteran Service Officer who is employed to assist county residents with VA claims and provide hands on assistance. County Veteran Service Officers can answer questions about applying for VA benefits, contact the VA for claim status, assist in completing paperwork and provide advice and assistance to veterans and dependents. County Veterans Service Officers are required to attend training courses each year and are required to pass an annual test concerning VA benefits. Mississippi law requires that a County Veterans Service Officer be an honorably discharged veteran with wartime or police action military service or be the surviving spouse or child of such veteran. Look for the County Veterans Service Officers telephone number in the County Government section of the telephone book, or contact the Chancery Clerk or Board of Supervisors in your county for information.
County Veterans Service Officers
Counties may employ a County Veterans Service Officer who shall be (a) honorably discharged or honorably released veteran of any war or police action in which the Armed Forces of the United States have been, are or shall be committed for action; (b) the surviving spouse or child of any such deceased veteran; or (c) any person employed as a County Veterans Service Officer in any county of the State of Mississippi on March 30, 1990.
County Veterans Service Officers must be certified by the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board which requires that they (a) attend at least one of the two annual training programs provided each year and successfully complete a written examination each year on the duties and responsibilities of and assistance available to such officers and veterans. No County Veterans Service Officer shall be entitled to any compensation for their service unless they are annually certified by the State Veterans Affairs Board.
Documents
The State Bureau of Vital Statistics is to furnish, without charge, copies of birth and death certificates when they are needed to establish claims for dependency, disability, or survivors benefits for any veterans who are legal residents of the State of Mississippi or their claimants.
The State Bureau of Vital Statistics is to furnish, at no expense, and immediately upon application a certified copy of birth certificates for any person volunteering for service in one of the armed forces of the United States.
Chancery and Circuit Clerks are to furnish, without charge, copies of marriage licenses, divorce decrees, adoption decrees and any and all other records when the same are needed to establish claims for
dependency, disability or survivors benefits for any veterans who are legal residents of the State of Mississippi or their claimants.
Chancery Clerks shall record, without cost whatsoever to any person of the Armed Forces of the United States residing in the same county, all honorable discharges and all certificates of service of any and all members of the Armed Forces of the United States. Certified copies will be furnished free without cost to the soldier, sailor, marine, coast guardsman, or nurse.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Veterans who have a total service-connected disability from the Veterans Administration are not required to purchase a hunting or fishing license, but must have on their person proof of age, residency and disability status while engaged in hunting or fishing.
Vehicle License Plates
The following are special vehicle military license plates issued to eligible persons in Mississippi: * Congressional Medal of Honor
* Disabled American Veteran
* Distinguished Flying Cross & Air Medal * Former Prisoner of War
* Killed on Active Duty
* Missing in Action - Prisoners of War * Mississippi Veterans Monument * Pearl Harbor Survivors
* Purple Heart
* Reserve, National Guard, Merchant Marine, Retired * Silver Star or Bronze Star Medal
* United States Air Force Academy * United States Armed Forces Active Duty * United States Army Special Forces * United States Coast Guard Academy * United States Military Academy * United States Naval Academy * Veteran
MISSOURI
State Veteran's Benefits
The state of Missouri provides several veteran benefits. This section offers a brief description of each of the following benefits.
* Housing Benefits
* Financial Assistance Benefits * Employment Benefits * Other State Veteran Benefits
Missouri Veteran Housing Programs
Missouri Veterans Homes
A current total of seven skilled nursing homes are located throughout Missouri, providing 3 levels of skilled nursing care at minimal cost to the veteran. Under the management of Missouri Veterans Commission, these homes are located in Cameron, Warrensburg, Mexico, St. Louis, St. James, Cape Girardeau, and Mt. Vernon.
Property Tax Credits
If you or your spouse is a 100% service connected disabled veteran, you may qualify for a Property Tax Credit with the State of Missouri. Veterans and non-veterans may also qualify for this credit if they are over age 65 even if they are not 100% disabled.
Missouri Financial Assistance Benefits
Tax Exemption for AO Settle Payments
Agent Orange Settlement Payments made for the Agent Orange Fund to a veteran or his dependents are exempt from state tax.
Vietnam Veterans Survivor Grant Program
Legislation passed in 1991 provides that certain surviving widows and children of Vietnam Veterans may qualify to receive tuition-free scholarships to attend institutions of post-secondary education in Missouri. The veteran's death must be attributable to illness that could possibly be a result of exposure to toxic chemicals such as "Agent Orange" during the Vietnam conflict in order for the survivor to qualify. The maximum annual grant amount is the least of: the actual tuition charged at the school in which you are enrolled full time, or the average amount of tuition charged to a Missouri undergraduate resident enrolled
full time in the same class level and in the same academic major at the Missouri public four-year, regional institutions.
Missouri Employment Benefits
Veterans' Preference with State of Missouri Employment
Missouri Veterans receive a five-point preference when testing for any position with the state, with a ten- point preference for a service-connected disabled veteran. Spouses of eligible veterans can also qualify for Veterans Preference for State testing.
Employment
Priority for Qualified Veterans Employment
State agencies which administer federally funded employment and training programs for veterans shall give priority to qualified veterans and other eligible persons.
Other Missouri State Veteran Benefits
Veterans Service Officers
Located in nearly every county of the state, Veterans Service Officers and Assistants are highly trained individuals who provide counselling and assistance in completing and submitting applications for VA and State Veterans Benefits, as well as any necessary follow-up claimwork. These services are provided free of charge to Missouri's veterans and their dependents.
State Veterans Cemeteries
Missouri Veterans Commission currently operates four State Veterans Cemeteries, one each in Springfield, Higginsville, Bloomfield and Jacksonville. A fifth Cemetery has been proposed at Ft. Leonard Wood. Ft. Leonard Wood transferred 227 acres in April 2006 to the State of Missouri for the purpose of the Veterans cemetery.
World War II Medals and Medallions
The Veterans Award Program was first established in 2000 with the creation of the World War II Veterans’ Award Recognition.
The World War II Veterans’ Award Recognition consists of a medal, medallion and certificate. World War II veterans who participated in the D-Day invasion of Europe are also eligible to receive a replica of the Jubilee of Liberty medal.
Since the program began, over 41,000 Missouri veterans have been awarded the World War II Veterans’ Award Recognition.
In the 2003 legislative session, the Korean War Medallion was added. The Korean War award consists of a medal, medallion, and certificate.
Free Automobile License Plates
Veterans who are rated 100% for service-connected disabilities, or in need of adaptive equipment, as well as Medal of Honor recipients, former POWs and widows of former POWs qualify for Free Automobile License Plates. Other veteran plates are available for a $15.00 fee.
Free Fishing & Hunting License
Any honorably discharged resident veteran having a service-related disability of 60% or more, or who was a prisoner of war during military service, may take fish, live bait, clams, mussels, turtles and frogs without permit (except trout permit or daily tag in areas where prescribed), and may take wildlife as provided in Chapter 7 without permit (except deer and turkey hunting permits and the Migratory Bird Hunting Permit as prescribed); provided, while hunting or fishing s/he carries a certified statement of eligibility from the Veterans Administration.
MONTANA
State Veteran's Benefits
The state of Montana provides several veteran benefits. This section offers a brief description of each of the following benefits.
* Housing Benefits
* Financial Assistance Benefits * Employment Benefits * Education Benefits
* Other State Veteran Benefits
Montana Veteran Housing Programs
Location and Function of Homes -- Persons Admitted
The institutions at Columbia Falls and in eastern Montana are the Montana veterans' homes, and their primary function is to provide a home and subsistence for veterans. The department of public health and human services may also admit spouses or surviving spouses of veterans to the homes if space allows.
Certain Disabled or Deceased Veterans' Residences Exempt
A residence, including the lot on which it is built, that is owned and occupied by a veteran or a veteran's spouse is exempt from property taxation if the veteran:
• was killed while on active duty or died as a result of a service-connected disability; or
• if living:
o was honorably discharged from active service in any branch of the armed services; and
o is currently rated 100% disabled or is paid at the 100% disabled rate by the U.S. department of veterans affairs for a service-connected disability, as verified by official documentation from the U.S. department of veterans affairs.
Montana Financial Assistance Benefits
Interment Allowance for Veterans
A sum not to exceed $250 to defer interment expenses must be paid by the veteran's county of residence. The interment benefits are not available in the case of a veteran whose personal representative or heirs waive the benefits.
Whenever interment is of a resident of a Montana veterans' home, a sum not to exceed $250 to defer interment expenses must be paid by the veteran's county of residence.