County veterans receive the most benefits in the state

San Bernardino County veterans received more than $50 million in benefits, the most awarded to veterans by any county in the state, according to the California Association of County Veterans Services Officers.

The $50 million in benefits awarded to San Bernardino County’s veterans was part of nearly a half-billion dollars collected by California’s county veterans service offices in fiscal year 2017-2018. San Bernardino County served more than 100,000 veterans in 2017-2018. Los Angeles County, which provides services to more than 281,000 veterans, followed San Bernardino in providing more than $41 million in benefits to veterans.

“Our military service veterans devoted their lives to ensuring that Americans can continue to live in freedom,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “The least we can do for them is to make sure they are taken care of when they return from service. Our staff is here to help every veteran we can, and we will bring all the resources we have available as a county government to assist them. There is no higher priority in the County of San Bernardino.”

Frank Guevara, Director of San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs, credits his staff of 25 with their commitment to providing excellent service to veterans. The staff works closely with each veteran to ensure that each form is completed accurately to ensure veterans receive their needed benefits. The department also has a number of internal processes to ensure claims are approved as quickly as possible.

“Our department works each day to ensure that those who have served our country receive the best customer service possible,” said Guevara. “Our job is to ensure that each veteran will receive the benefits that can improve their quality of life.”

San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs is dedicated to helping the county’s veterans and their families obtain veteran’s benefits from federal, state and local agencies. The department is the oldest veterans’ service office in California and one of the oldest in the nation. With three offices, San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs is the initial point of contact for veterans who seek benefits earned through their military service. Staff works diligently for veterans and their families to secure a variety of benefits, such as disability compensation claims, pension for wartime veterans and college tuition/fee waivers.

Veterans Affairs is doing its part to help the community achieve the Countywide Vision by ensuring residents have the resources they need to provide the necessities of life to their families. Information on the Countywide Vision can be found at www.sbcounty.gov