“Armed Forces” Designation on Ohio Driver License or ID Card
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The Ohio Department of Public Safety offers an “Armed Forces” designation on Ohio driver licenses and ID cards for Veterans and service members serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces. To apply, service members or Veterans must provide their Ohio driver license or ID card and one of the following: DD214; Active or retired military ID; Veteran ID card; Copy of current orders; There is no fee to add the designation, however, the normal fees apply for a first issuance, renewal, or a duplicate credential. The designation can be added either in-person at an Ohio…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
To apply, service members or Veterans must provide their Ohio driver license or ID card and one of the following: DD214; Active or retired military ID; Veteran ID card; Copy of current orders; There is no fee to add the designation, however, the normal fees apply for a first issuance, renewal, or a duplicate credential.
Expedited Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Dealer License for Service Members, Veterans and their Spouses
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The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers expedited dealer and salvage dealer licenses to service members, Veterans their spouses. For those eligible processing times can be reduced by two to four weeks. For more information, please call 844-644-6268.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Free Ohio Driver License for License for Disabled Veterans
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The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers no fee driver licenses to eligible disabled Veterans.
Who qualifies
Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA are eligible for new, renewal, and duplicate driver licenses at no cost. Veterans will be required to provide a copy of their in person at an to apply for a free license. For more information, please call 844-644-6268.
How to apply
Veterans will be required to provide a copy of their in person at an to apply for a free license.
Ohio Military and Veteran Special Vehicle License Plates
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The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offers 92 distinctive military and Veteran license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of Veterans, retired service members, service members and family members. There are no additional fees for these license plates. Some military license plates may be personalized for a $50 fee. Supporting documentation is required to determine eligibility for the desired license plate. Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability or receive assistance from the VA for a specially adapted vehicle are eligible to receive up to two free military and…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Applicants for all military and Veteran license plates, with the exception of the Medal of Honor or Former Prisoner of War license plates, can apply online at OPLATES.com , or in person at a . Applicants for Medal of Honor or Former Prisoner of War license plates must apply by mail.
Deadline
Applicants for Medal of Honor or Former Prisoner of War license plates must apply by mail.
Free Ohio Registration of Watercraft for Eligible Ohio Veterans
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Ohio offers free watercraft registration for resident Veterans who meet the following requirements: 100% Disabled Veteran – Must provide a stating they have a 100% service-connected disability rating; Medal of Honor Recipient – Must provide official documentation as proof they were awarded the Medal of Honor; Former Prisoner of War (POW) - Must provide official documentation as proof they were a former POW and received an honorable discharge, or they were a former POW and are still serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Camping Discounts for Service Members and Veterans at Ohio State Parks
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Active duty service members and retired service members can receive a 10% discount every night of the week for all overnight facilities. There is no residency restriction for military customers.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Free Camping for Former Prisoners of War (POW) and 100% Disabled Veterans at Ohio State Parks
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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers free camping for resident former POWs or honorably discharged Veterans who have a total and permanent disability rating from the VA. This discount is only for campsites and cannot be used for multiple campsites for the same time period. This discount is only available for reservations made through the call center. Please call 866- OHIOPARKS (866-644-6727) for reservations. What are the Ohio Military and Veterans Miscellaneous Benefits?
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Short Term Financial Assistance for Ohio Veterans and their Families
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Each County Veterans Service Office are authorized to provide short-term financial assistance to Veterans and their families for emergency situations. The amount and type of assistance varies based on each county. Those interested should contact their local County Veterans Service Office or call 877-OHIO-VET (877-644-6838) for more information.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Those interested should contact their local County Veterans Service Office or call 877-OHIO-VET (877-644-6838) for more information.
Ohio Attorney General’s Office Services for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
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The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is proud to offer the following services to Veterans, as well as active and reserve component service members. Services Provided: - Provides information to assist service members and Veterans to better protect themselves from consumer scams; – Helps identify Veteran charity scams and can assist when starting a new charitable organization; - Can assist with developing payment plans for state debts; - Protects active duty service members and Veterans from discrimination based on military status in employment, housing and public accommodations; – Can assist…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Ohio has special Veterans’ Courts that emphasize treatment and diversion rather than punishment. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services has established effective working relationships with these courts to assist Veterans involved in the court system. Contact information for Ohio Veterans’ Courts can be found at the bottom of the page at the “Learn more…” link below.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Contact information for Ohio Veterans’ Courts can be found at the bottom of the page at the “Learn more…” link below.
Ohio Department of Veterans Services Military Records Office
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The Ohio Department of Veterans Services maintains service records for Veterans who enlisted from Ohio and wartime bonus records (no longer active). Veterans can request military records through their County Veterans Service Office. To request their records Veterans must submit an by mail or fax to: Request for Military Service Record Ohio Department of Veterans Services 77 S. High Street, 7th Fl Columbus, OH 43215 Fax: 614-387-7317 For more information Veterans should call 888-387-6446 or contact their local County Veterans Service Office.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
To request their records Veterans must submit an by mail or fax to: Request for Military Service Record Ohio Department of Veterans Services 77 S. High Street, 7th Fl Columbus, OH 43215 Fax: 614-387-7317 For more information Veterans should call 888-387-6446 or contact their local County Veterans Service Office.
Ohio has three Veterans Homes that offer a combination of , , and , for eligible Veterans. Each offers a quality of life that emphasizes privacy, encourages independence, provides comfort and security, and meets social needs. – 168 bed facility (offers intermediate nursing care, skilled nursing care and memory care) 2003 Veterans Boulevard Georgetown, OH 45121 Phone: 937-378-2900 – 427 bed facility (offers intermediate nursing care, skilled nursing care and memory care) 3416 Columbus Avenue Sandusky, OH 44870 Phone: 419-625-2454 - 216 bed facility (for Veterans who need medical care but…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery offers a dignified final resting place for deceased Veterans who were residents of an Ohio Veterans Home. Veterans are provided the following at no cost: Gravesite and grave-liner; Opening and closing of the grave; Headstone or marker; Perpetual care; Burial flag for the Veteran;
Who qualifies
Veterans who are current residents of an Ohio Veterans Home are eligible for burial at the Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery. For more information, please call 419-626-2454.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Ohio MIRF provides a $500 tax-exempt payment to service members and Veterans who were serving in the U.S. Armed Forces after October 7, 2001, and were injured or diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of serving in combat. Those eligible can receive an MIRF grant for up to three fiscal years. All applicants must be Ohio residents at the time of application. Service members or Veterans can send their application and copies of required documentation (listed on the application) to: Ohio Department of Veterans Services Attn: MIRF P.O. Box 373 Sandusky, OH 44871 For more…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
All applicants must be Ohio residents at the time of application. Service members or Veterans can send their application and copies of required documentation (listed on the application) to: Ohio Department of Veterans Services Attn: MIRF P.O.
Ohio offers a County Veteran ID card for eligible resident Veterans. This ID card can be used as proof of eligibility for benefits. Who is eligible for an Ohio County Veteran ID Card: To be eligible Veterans must have received a discharge other than dishonorable. Veterans are required to provide a copy of their DD214 and two current, valid forms of ID (one must be a picture ID). ID cards are issued by participating county recorders or through their local County Veteran Service Office.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship
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Tuition assistance at Ohio colleges for the children of deceased or severely disabled veterans.
Who qualifies
Child aged 16–24, Ohio resident, of a veteran who served during qualifying periods and has an overall service-connected rating of 60%+ (or is deceased / P&T non-service-connected). Must be full-time and financially needy.
How to apply
Apply through the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Ohio school districts or city boards of education will award high school diplomas to Veterans who left high school before graduating to serve during World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam War. Diplomas can be awarded posthumously.
Who qualifies
Veterans must meet the following requirements to be eligible: Left school prior to graduation to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, or; Left school prior to graduation due to family circumstances and then entered the U.S. Armed Forces, and; Did not receive a diploma, and; Received an honorable discharge; Applications are available at County Veterans Service Offices (CVSOs). CVSOs will process requests through the local school district or board of education.
How to apply
Armed Forces, and; Did not receive a diploma, and; Received an honorable discharge; Applications are available at County Veterans Service Offices (CVSOs).
The Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund provides educational assistance to the children and spouse of a service member who was killed in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Memorial Fund will provide 100% of instructional and general fee charges at public colleges and universities, and $10,672 per academic year at independent post-secondary institutions. Eligibility is for a maximum of the equivalent of four academic years of full-time or part-time undergraduate study. Students enrolled in a certificate program are eligible for $8,000 per academic year at…
Who qualifies
Recipients must be the surviving spouse or child of a service member who was serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and was killed in the line of duty during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom or an officially designated combat zone. Recipients are required to be current Ohio residents; however, they are not required to have been Ohio residents at the time the service member died. Children are only eligible for this program if they are not eligible for the Ohio War Orphan and Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship. Students are required to provide a copy of the service member’s DD1300, Report of Casualty and a copy of their marriage or birth certificate (as applicable) to the educational institution they plan to attend. For more information, please call 614-752-9481.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Ohio Collegiate Purple Star Designation for Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities
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The Ohio Collegiate Purple Star designation recognizes public and independent universities and colleges in Ohio that are supportive and inclusive of military-connected students. Some of the requirements to be eligible for a Purple Star designation: Establish a dedicated point of contact or military and Veteran center or office; Offer priority registration for Veterans and service members; Accept and evaluate military experience and education for school credit; Link student service members and Veterans with prospective employers; A complete list of eligibility requirements can be found on…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Some of the requirements to be eligible for a Purple Star designation: Establish a dedicated point of contact or military and Veteran center or office; Offer priority registration for Veterans and service members; Accept and evaluate military experience and education for school credit; Link student service members and Veterans with prospective employers; A complete list of eligibility requirements can be found on the .
Ohio GI Promise, Resident Tuition Rates for Nonresident Veterans and their Dependents
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The Ohio GI Promise allows qualified nonresident Veterans and their dependents, to skip the 12-month residency requirement to attend Ohio public colleges and universities at in-state tuition rates.
Who qualifies
Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible: Veteran must have been honorably discharged or medically separated from the U.S. Armed Forces after at least one year of service; Dependents are eligible if the Veteran was killed in action, declared missing in action, or a prisoner of war; The Veteran must be domiciled in Ohio as of the first day of enrollment for their dependents to be eligible.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
The Ohio Hidden Heroes Scholarship Program provides educational financial assistance to caregivers of disabled Veterans. Scholarships may be used for tuition, fees, and books. Scholarship amounts are determined by each participating educational institution. Scholarships may be used at public and independent universities and colleges located in Ohio.
Who qualifies
Caregivers must meet the following criteria to be eligible: Enrolled in the and provide care to a Veteran who has a 100% service-connected disability rating; Ohio Resident; Not in default on any federal student loans; For more information, please contact the financial aid office at the educational institution the caregiver plans to attend.
How to apply
Caregivers must meet the following criteria to be eligible: Enrolled in the and provide care to a Veteran who has a 100% service-connected disability rating; Ohio Resident; Not in default on any federal student loans; For more information, please contact the financial aid office at the educational institution the caregiver plans to attend.
Veterans can receive 20% added to passing scores on an Ohio civil service exam. Current service members serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, who completes initial entry-level training, can receive 15% added to passing scores.
Who qualifies
Ohio resident Veterans who are honorably discharged from active duty or transfer to a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, after serving 180 days or more on active duty are eligible for 20% added to their scores. Current resident service members in good standing serving in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for 15% added to their Scores.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
Ohio Educator Licensing Benefits for Veterans, Service Members and Spouses
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The Ohio Department of Education has eliminated fees for educator licenses for Veterans, current service members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, (including service members serving in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserve) and spouses of active-duty service members. In addition, the Ohio Department of Education offers a streamlined licensing process for educators involved with the military. - Incoming licensed teachers from other states - including service members, spouses of service members and Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces – can receive this license soon after applying if…
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
For more information about military educational license benefits please contact the Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program by calling 614-466-4109, or by email to OhioMVEP@education.ohio.gov
The OhioMeansJobs website offers a guide to help Veterans, and their spouses earn a license or certificate required for a civilian occupation in Ohio. Veterans can find more information on how to obtain a state-issued license or certificate, and additional benefits offered to Veterans and their spouses by visiting these websites. They also offer a where Veterans can match their military experience to civilian jobs.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
Veterans can find more information on how to obtain a state-issued license or certificate, and additional benefits offered to Veterans and their spouses by visiting these websites.
The Ohio Veteran Career Information Center offers a collection of resources available to service members, Veterans and their families who are searching for employment. Resources are grouped in the following categories: Career resources and benefits; Entrepreneurship; Licensing, education and training; Additional resources; In addition, OhioMeansJobs Centers offers priority service to Veterans, service members, eligible spouses and family caregivers. For more information please fill out the and email it to ohiovetsfirst@jfs.ohio.gov , or visit an .
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
For more information please fill out the and email it to ohiovetsfirst@jfs.ohio.gov , or visit an .
OhioCares is a collaboration between state and local agencies to support the behavioral health of service members, Veterans and their families. This partnership identifies community-based resources to address behavioral health issues. For more information, please call 800-720-9616.
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
See the official source linked below for how to apply.
To be eligible for admission, Veterans must meet the following criteria: Resident of Ohio for one year at the time of application; Most recent discharge must have been an Honorable Discharge or a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions; Served on active duty (other than for training) during a period of war or declared armed conflict, or a recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, or the Vietnam Service Medal; Has a disability due to disease, wounds or otherwise and because of their disability they are unable to earn a living
Who qualifies
See the official source for full eligibility rules.
How to apply
To be eligible for admission, Veterans must meet the following criteria: Resident of Ohio for one year at the time of application; Most recent discharge must have been an Honorable Discharge or a General Discharge, Under Honorable Conditions; Served on active duty (other than for training) during a period of war or declared armed conflict, or a recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, or the Vietnam Service Medal; Has a disability due to disease, wounds or otherwise and because of thei
Ohio Housing Finance Authority (OHFA), Ohio Heroes Home Loans
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The OHFA Ohio Heroes program offers Ohio residents who serve the public discounted mortgage interest rates. Applicants can choose to include down payment assistance in their Ohio Heroes loan. Down payment assistance is forgiven after seven years. If home buyers sell or refinance their home within seven years, they must repay all the assistance provided. Applicants must purchase a qualifying property that is limited to two acres within a municipal corporation and up to five acres outside a municipal corporation, unless additional acreage is required by local health or safety code.…
Who qualifies
To qualify for an OHFA Ohio Heroes Home Loan applicants must meet the following criteria: Has not owned or had an ownership interest in their primary residence in the last three years, (Veterans are exempt from this requirement); Has credit score of 640 or higher, 650 or higher for an FHA Loan; Must meet ; Must meet debt to income ratios for loan type; And one of the following: Veteran or service member serving in an active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces; Surviving spouse of an eligible Veteran or service member; Qualified buyers are required to complete the or, they may complete a course offered by a in Ohio. Applicants can use the (located at the bottom of the webpage) to determine eligibility. To start the home buying process, please contact an OHFA participating lender or call 888-362-6432.
How to apply
To start the home buying process, please contact an OHFA participating lender or call 888-362-6432.
Free Ohio Removable Windshield Placard Disabled Veterans and Service Members
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Eligible Veterans, and active duty service members may qualify for a free removable windshield placard that authorizes drivers to park in parking spaces marked with the international symbol of access for persons with disabilities.
Who qualifies
Active duty service members or Veterans who have a documented service-connected disability that limits or impairs the ability to walk are eligible for the free placard. Active duty service members must provide a Department of War convalescent leave form or other documentary evidence supporting illness, injured casualty status, or placed on limited duties, and one of the following: Prescription from a health care provider that contains the following information: Date; Name of the person with the disability; Statement that the prescription is for a removable windshield placard; Expected duration of the disabling condition; Health care provider’s signature, or; ; Section C of the application completed by a health care provider; Veterans must provide a letter, dated within one year, from the VA indicating that the applicant’s disability is service-connected and one of the following: Prescrip
How to apply
Active duty service members must provide a Department of War convalescent leave form or other documentary evidence supporting illness, injured casualty status, or placed on limited duties, and one of the following: Prescription from a health care provider that contains the following information: Date; Name of the person with the disability; Statement that the prescription is for a removable windshield placard; Expected duration of the disabling condition; Health care provider’s signature, or; ;