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Veterans Services

QRG - Quick Reference Guide [PDF] (local interest)
This guide is designed for local counselors, social workers, and other agency staff to use in assisting veterans who may be eligible for services and benefits. It provides some general questions to help determine eligibility and gives local contact information.

Benefits

Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities (local interest)
Information for disabled veterans including how to obtain handicapped tags and a reserved residential parking space, exemptions from Metropolitan District fees and property taxes, how to find funding assistance for home modifications and more. Contact the Commission on Disabilities Office Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 4:30 at 410-887-3580 or TTY at 410-887-2799.

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents
Read online or download and print a copy of the current benefits booklet from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Also available in Spanish.

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (local interest)
Assisting Maryland veterans and their eligible dependents in acquiring various benefits. Also includes information about state veterans cemeteries, veterans memorials located in Maryland, the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home assisted living and long-term care facility, and legislation affecting veterans.

Maryland National Guard, Know Your Benefits (local interest)
The State Benefits Advisor (SBA) provides assistance to all active and non-active duty Guard members and their families to obtain state and federal benefits. From the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Guard Bureau.

Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation  (local interest)
Information for disabled veterans on when and how to apply for property tax exemptions.

MilitaryBenefits.com
Complete listing of information on all benefits available for active duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, returning veterans and military retirees. Search for benefits by military status or by type of benefit.

Returning Service Members - OEF/OIF
From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for service members of Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. Includes information on compensation and pensions with online applications for benefits. Also information on health care, tuition and transitional assistance for active duty and reserve members.

Veterans Benefits and Services
Information on veterans' compensation and pension benefits from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Request copies of military records online and apply for benefits online. You can enroll or update your information online at the Enroll for / Update your VA Medical Benefits page.

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Education and Training

Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Veterans Information  (local interest)
Find financial aid and veteran's benefits information. Provides contact information for the CCBC Office of Veterans Affairs, one at each campus.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Online application and information about how to apply for Federal Student Aid.

GI Bill
Also called the Montgomery GI Bill. Search for VA approved programs of education including colleges, licensing and certification granting providers and national testing providers. Download forms, check the status of your claim or find the most current GI Bill rates at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs web site.

Goucher College (local interest)
Provides basic information about financial aid for veterans, also lists phone number for help with specific financial aid questions.

Loyola College Veterans Information  (local interest)
Includes detailed registration and financial aid information for veterans seeking to earn a college degree. Also contains links to the Veteran's Benefits Registration Form and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) web site.

Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET) (local interest)
A non-profit organization established to provide veterans with comprehensive housing and supportive services including education, training and employment programs, emergency or transitional housing, and health care.

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Statewide Education Resources (local interest)
Information about education benefits, workforce training, scholarships, and financial aid specifically for veterans.

Maryland Higher Education Commission (local interest)
The Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance for college tuition.  In order to be eligible, Veterans must file a FAFSA form by March 1 of each year.

Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) (local interest)
Program offering MTA training to all qualified U.S. military veterans who are Maryland residents, including those who have served in the National Guard and Reserves. Veterans will have access to no cost MTA classes ranging from bus maintenance to computer skills training.

Military.com Scholarship Finder
A rich source of detailed scholarship information designed specifically for veterans.

Stevenson University Veterans Information (local interest)
Download forms, find admissions, registration and financial aid information.

Towson University (TU) Veterans Information (local interest)
The TU Veterans Affairs Office functions primarily to assist veterans in registering for college courses and to certify their enrollment to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Site provides specific registration information and TU Veterans Affairs Office contact information. Towson University now offers Thank You Grant to active duty and veterans of the military.

University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Veterans and ROTC Information (local interest)
Comprehensive source of information for veterans who are prospective students and for those currently attending UMBC. Also includes links to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) web site.

University of Maryland College Park (UMCP)
UMCP site offers information of interest to Veterans about everything from how to register for classes, to campus life, campus employment, and how military call-ups affect UMCP students.

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Baltimore County Department of Human Resources (local interest)
Lists job opportunities with Baltimore County government.

Baltimore County Fire Department (local interest)
Career opportunities with the Fire Department.

Baltimore County Fire Department Volunteer Opportunities (local interest)
Volunteer fire stations by area, list of contacts and how to apply to volunteer. Click on the area you are interested in to get started.

Baltimore County Office of Workforce Development  (local interest)
Provides resources to help with your job search, assistance in developing new job skills, tips and guidance on resume writing. Use of computers, telephones and fax machines available for job seekers. A veterans services representative is available to assist you at the Essex (Eastpoint) and Hunt Valley Workforce Development Centers.

Baltimore County Office of Information Technology (local interest)
Get periodic email announcements of technology-related job openings with Baltimore County government.

Baltimore County Police Department (local interest)
Career opportunities in local law enforcement.

Baltimore County Public Schools (local interest)
Employment opportunities with the local public school system.

CORA
Creating Opportunities by Recognizing Abilities (CORA) is a non-profit organization providing training and job placement assistance for disabled veterans, military spouses and special needs workers.

ESGR: Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Organization assisting in preventing, resolving, or reducing employer and/or employee problems and misunderstandings that result from National Guard or Reserve membership, training, or duty requirements through information services and informal mediation.

e-VETS Resource Advisor
Designed to assist veterans preparing to enter the job market. Based on your personal profile and/or the various services you select, the e-VETS Resource Advisor will provide a list of web site links most relevant to your specific needs and interests.

Helmets to Hardhats
Employment opportunities in building and construction fields for transitioning veterans.

Hire Vets First
U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) provides employment resources and assistance to veterans and transitioning service members by maximizing their employment opportunities and protecting their employment rights. Contact your local VETS office if you need assistance.

Key to Career Success
Connects veterans and service members with career planning, training and job search resources. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor through the CareerOneStop project.

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Resources
An excellent list with links to the federal and state employment resources and services available to Maryland veterans.

Maryland Division of Workforce Development Veterans Services
Helping veterans find employment and training opportunities, provides vocational guidance and referrals.

Maryland Troops to Teachers
The Troops to Teachers (TTT) program enriches the quality of American education by assisting veterans in pursuing careers in education; providing counseling, financial and placement assistance.

REALifelines
Helps wounded and injured service members and veterans access online resources and contact information for one-on-one employment assistance to help them transition into the civilian workforce. From the U.S. Department of Labor.

Recruit Military
A full service military-to-civilian recruiting program that matches military personnel to positions within corporate America.

Turbo TAP
Provides resources and information about employment and education for service members transitioning from military to civilian life, either active duty or guard/reserve.

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Baltimore County Department of Social Services District Offices and Locations (local interest)
Provides a listing of Social Services offices throughout Baltimore County and a map of their locations.

Baltimore County Department of Social Services Referral Information (local interest)
Provides an overview of programs and services offered by Baltimore County Department of Social Services and how to access them.

Baltimore County Financial Assistance (local interest)
Baltimore County Department of Social Services
Resources to help meet financial needs, find assistance with child care, housing and more.

Connections (local interest)
Baltimore County Children and Youth Council and Baltimore County Public Library
Your link to community organizations that can help you with decisions involving important issues such as counseling, legal rights, a new job, child care, or pregnancy.

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Blue Star Mothers (local interest)
Started by a group of mothers who currently have, or have had, children serving in the military. This non-profit service organization seeks to support its members and their children while promoting patriotism.

Military Spouse Resource Center
Information for military spouses on employment, education and relocation in the United States and other countries.

National Military Family Association
Provides a variety of information of particular interest to military families.

National Society of Military Widows
Non-profit organization that serves the interests of women whose husbands have died from service connected illnesses while on active duty, during disability or regular retirement from the armed forces.

Partners In Care [PDF] (local interest)
An initiative of the Maryland National Guard Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ-MD) Chaplain's Office with the purpose of coordinating support for Maryland National Guard (MDNG) members and families through partnership with local faith communities. Services include counseling, referrals, child care, child and teen education and mentoring, transportation, and emergency assistance.

Veterans' Families United Foundation
A non-profit foundation providing Resources for Veterans and Their Loved Ones.

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Health and Health Care

Baltimore County Department of Health (local interest)
Provides locations of health centers and substance abuse treatment programs in Baltimore County. Includes information about Health Department programs and services, as well as links to important information about your health from other sources.

Blinded Veterans Association
Promotes the health and welfare of blinded veterans and their families.

Brain Injury Association of Maryland (local interest)
Maryland affiliate of the national organization, the Brain Injury Association of America, dedicated to promoting brain injury prevention, research, education and advocacy.

Disabled American Veterans
Congressionally chartered organization that provides free services to disabled veterans, their families and survivors.

Military Vaccine Resource Directory
Information on the military's mandatory bioterrorism vaccines, including the anthrax and lariam (mefloquine) vaccines.

National Gulf War Resource Center, Inc. (NGWRC)
Contains information for sufferers of Gulf War Syndrome.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Initiative (local interest)
Information about the state's initiatives and services for individuals with TBI from the Maryland's Mental Hygiene Administration (MHA). For additional information about the State's TBI initiatives, contact MHA's Office of Adult Services at 410-402-8476.

Tricare: Military Health System
Official information on military health care from the Department of Defense. Provides details on health services, benefits and general health information for active duty and retired military personnel.

VA Maryland Health Care System
For Maryland returning veterans needing assistance receiving health care or navigating the various services available through the VA.

Women Veterans Health Care
The Veterans Health Administration provides information specifically addressing health issues of eligible women veterans.

Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline
National Hotline: 1-800-984-8523
The US Army hotline's call center offers wounded and injured Soldiers and family members help in resolving Soldier's medical issues. Also relays these issues directly to senior Army leadership for the purpose of improving how the Army serves the medical needs of Soldiers and their families.

Wounded Warrior Project
Assists severely wounded veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Housing

Baltimore County Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) (local interest)
Baltimore County Department of Social Services
Voluntary program that helps Section 8 participants achieve economic independence over a five-year period. Participants work with a case manager.

Baltimore County Home Ownership and Home Improvement Initiatives [PDF] (local interest)
Baltimore County Office of Community Conservation
Overview of financial assistance available for home ownership and home repair.

Baltimore County Housing Choice Voucher Program (local interest)
Baltimore County Department of Social Services
Also referred to as Section 8 Housing Assistance, this program helps low-income families or elderly/disabled persons pay their rent.

Baltimore County Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP) (local interest)
Baltimore County Office of Community Conservation
Financial assistance and educational instruction for first time homebuyers.

Baltimore Station (local interest)
A non-profit agency providing self-help programs in a residential setting to support men who are transitioning from the cycle of poverty, substance abuse and homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET) (local interest)
A non-profit organization established to provide veterans with comprehensive housing and supportive services including emergency or transitional housing, health care, education, vocational training and employment programs.

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
Non-profit organization serving to empower homeless veterans so they can support themselves.

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Veteran Resource Center (HUDVET)
Organization providing veterans and their families with information on HUD's community based housing programs as well as information on services designed to help homeless veterans or those veterans who are in danger of becoming homeless.

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Legal Resources

Baltimore County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (local interest)
Provides the client with initial legal consultation for a nominal fee then matches clients with specific needs to qualified lawyers.

Maryland Defense Force
Provides Maryland National Guard members and their families with legal assistance, including the preparation of wills and powers-of-attorney.

Maryland Legal Services Corporation
Lists Maryland agencies that provide pro bono and reduced cost legal services to low income families in cases of domestic violence, child custody, family law, housing and landlord/tenant matters, wills, disability law, elder law, and other legal matters.

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
Provides Maryland residents free or reduced fee representation to low-income individuals and non-profit organizations who have civil legal problems.

National Veterans Legal Services Program
Provides legal representation to Veterans and their dependents in seeking and securing benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Peoples Law Library
Self-help information on law and legal matters in Maryland.

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Mental Health

Baltimore County Emergency Mental Health System (local interest)
Crisis / Suicide Hotline: 410-931-2214
24-hours, 7 days a week, hotline available to help citizens, care providers and emergency response personnel find appropriate resources for those in need of emergency mental health services or crisis / suicide prevention. Provides telephone triage and linkage to treatment programs, in-Home Intervention Team, Urgent Care Clinic or Mobile Crisis Team (MCT). Mobile Crisis Teams are comprised of mental health clincians and plain clothed police officers and are available from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week throughout Baltimore County.

Baltimore County Department of Health, Bureau of Mental Health (local interest)
Information on adult, child, adolescent and geriatric services, outpatient clinics, case management, after-school programs, mobile crisis team, homeless support services, psychiatric emergency services, mental health resources for the uninsured, rehabilitation and residential treatment programs.

Maryland Vet Centers (local interest)
Vet Centers provide readjustment, marriage and substance abuse counseling to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for veteran's family members and all services are provided at no cost. For more information about Vet Centers or to find the Vet Center near you, see the Vet Center home page.

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Part of the Veterans Affairs health care system created to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders.

National Alliance on Mental Issues (NAMI) Veterans Resource Center
Providing resources for veterans and active duty military members, as well as their families, friends, and advocates. Includes links to information about mental health issues and how to find support services.

National Institute of Mental Health
Information on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Pro Bono Counseling Project (local interest)
A volunteer network of local social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, psychiatric advanced practice nurses and psychiatrists serving low income people who have neither health insurance nor the means to pay for counseling. A licensed clinician screens prospective patients and links them to appropriate services. Information and referrals are provided free of charge.

Self Assessment for Veterans
Web site providing anonymous self-assessment screenings designed specifically for veterans. The screening will help you determine if you have symptoms that are consistent with a condition or concern that would benefit from further evaluation or treatment. However, it will not provide a conclusive diagnosis. It will also give you guidance as to where you might seek assistance.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Resources
Information and services for veterans with substance abuse and/or metal health issues from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS)
VAMHCS offers the Returning Veterans Outreach Education and Care (RVOEC) program to provide early detection and intervention for post deployment mental health issues in OIF/OEF veterans. Inpatient and outpatient facilities are located throughout Maryland including Baltimore VA, Perry Point VA, Loch Raven clinic and Glen Burnie clinic. Use the Facilities Locator and Directory to find a facility near you.

Veterans' Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
A national suicide prevention hotline for veterans in emotional crisis offering free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Call the Lifeline number at, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press "1" to be connected to the Veterans Hotline counselors. Provided by The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

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Multi-Service Organizations

American Legion
National Hotline: 1-800-504-4098
A community service organization providing veterans and their families with support and assistance.

Baltimore Station
A non-profit agency providing self-help programs in a residential setting to support men who are transitioning from the cycle of poverty, substance abuse and homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
IAVA’s mission is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.

Iraq War Veterans Organization
Organization offering information and support for Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom veterans, active duty military personnel and their family members.

Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET) (local interest)
A non-profit organization established to provide veterans with comprehensive housing and supportive services including emergency or transitional housing, health care, education, vocational training and employment programs.

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (local interest)
Information and resources to help military personnel, their dependents and survivors obtain all entitlements under state and federal law.

National Veterans Foundation
National hotline: 1-800-777-4443
A non-profit organization offering emotional support and information about veteran services and resources available in your community and throughout the United States.

United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Provides a wide range of veteran benefits including health care, education, home loans, life insurance, memorial services, and pensions for veterans.

Veterans of Foreign Wars
An organization whose mission is to ensure that veterans and active duty service members are provided with all services and benefits they have earned.

Vietnam Veterans of America
The only nationally chartered Vietnam veterans organization. This non-profit organization extends services to all areas of veterans' care.

Way Station
Private, non-profit organization  providing Veterans a broad range of services in a variety of settings including job training, employment referrals, assistance in locating support services for counseling, mental health or substance abuse issues, housing needs, and help with health and VA related issues.

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Service Directories and Resource Locators

American Veterans and Servicemembers Survival Guide
A through manual detailing benefits and resources and how to find them. Includes information about legal and health services, job assistance and women's issues as well as step-by-step directions for navigating the bureaucracies that serve veterans, active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, and their families. Provided by Veterans for America.

Directory of Veterans Service Organizations
Provided by the Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, this website allows you to view a list of all VSOs or use the search feature to find a particular service or organization.

National Resource Directory (NRD)
A searchable database of resources and services for veterans, wounded, ill or injured service members, their family members, and caregivers. Provides federal, state and community resources, along with useful checklists, FAQs, and links to peer support groups.

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Seniors

Baltimore County Department of Aging Caregivers' Information (local interest)
Family caregiver resources and information.

Baltimore County Department of Aging Senior Information and Assistance (local interest)
Entry point for information about services and benefits available to seniors, their families, caregivers and professionals.

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Small Business

Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) (local interest)
Baltimore County Department of Economic Development
Offers new and existing businesses assistance with technical, financial and marketing issues free of charge. Services provided are outlined on the Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) web site.

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Business Assistance Programs
MDVA provides a list of state programs and loans designed to help Veterans who are Maryland residents and want to start a small business.

Resource Directory for the Small Business Owner in Baltimore County (local interest)
Baltimore County Public Library
Information and resources on opening and running a small business including legal requirements, small business counseling and assistance.

Vet Biz
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Web site designed to assist Veterans wanting to start or expand their own business. Includes information about business assistance programs, business coaching, networking and more.

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Still cannot find the answer to your question? Email us at veteran@baltimorecountymd.gov

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This page is provided by the Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, Maryland USA.
The text version of this page was last revised on 15 January 2010.
The graphics version of this page was last revised on 15 January 2010.
You are welcome to provide feedback.