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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Michigan Events Helping Vets Missing Out on Benefits

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Thursday, August 25, 2016   

LANSING, Mich. – Some 640,000 U.S. military veterans live in Michigan and many are not taking advantage of benefits they've earned through their service.

But AARP Michigan and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency are teaming up to get the word out to veterans about what's available.

Melissa Seifert, associate state director for government affairs with AARP Michigan, explains available funds are going unused for things such as health care, education and vocational training because veterans may not know how to apply, or are unaware they exist.

"Some of those could be aid and attendance where you could be able to stay at your home and have a home aid worker come and take care of you if you're homebound,” Seifert points out. “There's also a trust fund if you need additional money to put a new roof on your house or a ramp on your house you can apply.”

Education and outreach events around the state over the next several weeks will connect veterans to benefits and resources.

This weekend, AARP volunteers will be in the fan plaza at the Michigan International Speedway.

According to federal data, Michigan ranks fifth to last among states for federal spending per veteran, with only 22 percent of veterans using their health benefits in 2013.

Representatives from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency will also be available to answer questions. Seifert says it's a natural partnership, given the agency's "no wrong door" approach to helping veterans.

"AARP really considers ourselves one of those doors,” she states. “We wanted to make sure that we were providing resources and being relevant and helpful to the individuals that did serve our country and we want to repay them the best that we can and get them a little extra assistance if possible."

Other resource events will be held in the coming weeks at the Delta Township District Library, the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department and the Traverse City Elks Lodge.

And Seifert notes there is also a resource center available over the phone for Michigan vets. The number is 800-MICH-VET.

"You actually talk to a live person and you can ask any question that you want, from a widow's pension to dependence assistance all the way to 'How do I get my ID card as a veteran to receive discounts?'" she relates.





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