Disability Compensation
Veterans disabled by injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service can receive disability compensation. Separation or discharge under honorable conditions is essential to receiving benefits. Compensation is possible for injury or disease’s residual effects. Congress sets payment amounts, which are paid monthly and are exempt to federal or state income tax.

Pension Support
Veterans may qualify for pension support if they have limited income and have 90 days or more active military service, at least one day of which was during a war. Honorable discharge from active duty is required. Veterans must be permanently and totally disabled for reasons not traceable to military service or willful misconduct. Payments to qualified veterans can bring their total income, including other retirement or Social Security income, to an established support level. Un-reimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income. Pension support is not payable to those whose assets provide adequate maintenance.

Home Loan Guarantees
The VA loans funds to veterans and un-remarried surviving spouses for purchasing or refinancing homes, condominiums, and manufactured homes. VA guarantees part of the loan and helps veterans get a competitive interest rate, sometimes without a down payment. The VA requires a down payment on manufactured home purchases. The VA requires a down payment for a home or condominium if the purchase price exceeds the property’s reasonable value or a graduated payment feature exists. A VA guaranty protects the lender against loss up to the guaranty’s amount if the borrower defaults.

Veterans, use a VA loan guarantee to:

• Build a home
• Repair, alter, or improve a home
• Refinance an existing home loan
• Buy a manufactured home with or without a lot
• Buy and improve a manufactured home lot
• Install solar heating, cooling, or other weatherization improvements
• Purchase/improve a home with energy efficient improvements
• Refinance a VA loan to reduce the interest rate
• Refinance a manufactured home loan to acquire a lot

Life Insurance
Veterans, otherwise in good health, granted a service-connected disability can apply to the VA for up to $10,000 life insurance at standard insurance rates within two years of being rated “disabled.” This insurance is limited to veterans who left the service after April 24, 1951. Totally disabled veterans can apply for a premium waiver. Veterans eligible for this waiver can apply for an additional policy of up to $20,000. Premiums cannot be waived on this additional insurance.

Need information about government life insurance? Call the Philadelphia VA Insurance Center toll-free, 1.800.669.8477. Specialists will discuss premium payments, insurance dividends, address changes, policy loans, naming beneficiaries, and reporting the insured’s or beneficiary’s death.

Burial Benefits
Veterans and armed forces members who die during active duty are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. Burial benefits include gravesite, opening/closing the grave, and perpetual care. To be eligible, a veteran must have been honorably discharged or separated from active duty and have completed the required service period. Other qualifying circumstances may qualify. The VA may provide headstones and markers for unmarked graves of veterans or memorial plots, casket burial flags, and Presidential Memorial certificates. Eligible veterans may receive reimbursement for some burial expenses.

Long-term Care
Veterans not acutely ill or needing hospital care may receive long-term care in a VA facility or private nursing home. VA must provide nursing-home care to veterans at least 70 percent service-connected disabled. The VA may provide nursing-home care to other veterans, VA space and resources permitting. Veterans with a service-connected disability receive first priority for nursing-home care. The VA may provide other long-term care support.

Domiciliary Care
This care provides rehabilitative and long-term, health-maintenance care for veterans requiring minimal medical care but not needing a nursing home’s skilled services. The VA provides domiciliary care to veterans whose annual income doesn’t exceed the VA pension’s maximum annual rate and to veterans established as having no adequate means of support.

Vet Center Counceling
Veterans who served active duty during the Vietnam Era or in the war or conflict zones of Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Somalia or Persian Gulf theaters during war hostilities are entitled to counseling to resolve war-related psychological difficulties and better readjust to civilian life. Assistance includes group, individual, and family counseling, community outreach, and education. Veterans are placed with non-VA agencies if needed.

SC Vet Center Locations
1513 Pickens Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803.765.9944

5603A Rivers Avenue
N. Charleston, SC 29418
843.747.8387

14 Lavinia Street
Greenville, SC 29601
864.271.2711

 

VetCentral—Part of JobCentral, sanctioned by National Association of State Workforce Agencies

Attention! Job Fairs—Mark Your Calendars!
Meet employers face to face. Bring your resume and dress for success.

Federal Employment Opportunities
Opportunities in the U.S. Civil Service, U.S. Postal Service, and other areas.

Job Opps, Training, & Information
From training to veterans’ rights.

State Employment Opportunities
Various state jobs open to veterans.

 

This program provides weekly income for a limited time to qualifying former military personnel. It helps you meet basic needs while job hunting.

File a claim online with MyBenefits or visit the nearest DEW office. You will need your social security card and DD Form 214, which shows your character of discharge. You can file claims in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The state law where you first filed your claim after separation from the military determines your benefit rights. All state laws require that you have qualifying earnings during a past period; that you register for work, file a claim, and report regularly as directed and are able and available to work. Contact a veteran’s representative in your local DEW office.

 

VA hospital care covers the full range of medical services for eligible veterans. Eligibility falls into two categories: mandatory and discretionary. The VA must provide hospital care to mandatory category veterans at the nearest VA facility capable of furnishing timely care. If no VA facility is available, care must be furnished in a Defense Department facility or a facility where the VA has a sharing or contractual relationship. If space and resources at VA hospitals exist after caring for mandatory-care patients, the VA may furnish care to veterans in the discretionary category, if they pay for their care.

Veterans who must be provided hospital care and not subject to an income eligibility assessment include:

• Veterans with service-connected disabilities
• Veterans who were exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam
• Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or in the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
• Veterans for a condition related to service in the Persian Gulf
• Former prisoners of war
• Veterans on VA pension
• Veterans of the Mexican Border period of World War I
• Veterans eligible for Medicaid

South Carolina has eight community-based outpatient clinics. Outpatient medical treatment includes examination and related medical services, drugs/medicines, rehabilitation services, and mental health services. As part of outpatient medical treatment, veterans may qualify for home health services for disabilities treatment. Outpatient treatment also provided falls into various eligibility categories.

VA Medical Center
Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29209
803.776.4000 

VA Medical Center
109 Bee Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843.577.5011

Augusta VA Medical Center
1 Freedom Way
Augusta, GA 30904-6285
706.733.0188
Fax 706.823.3934

 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD provides rental assistance throughout the state to low- and moderate-income tenants. It provides federal mortgage insurance for:

• Home purchases
• Housing rehabilitation
• Borrowers, 62 or older, to convert home equity to monthly income or line of credit

Contact:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD
Strom Thurmond Federal Building
1835 Assembly Street, 11th Floor
Columbia, SC 29201
Rental Assistance 803.765.5671
Mortgage Insurance Programs 803.253.3213

 

Vocational Rehabilitation
Three conditions qualify veterans and service members for voc rehab:
(1) Having suffered a service-connected disability or disabilities on active service after September 15, 1940, and receiving at least 20 percent compensation or would except for receipt of military retirement pay. Veterans with a 10 percent disability and serious employment handicap may also be eligible.
(2) Having been discharged or released under other than dishonorable conditions or hospitalized awaiting separation for a service-connected disability.
(3) Needing voc rehab to overcome an employment handicap.

Evaluation establishes eligibility. A disabled veteran may receive employment assistance, self-employment assistance, training in a rehab facility, college, and other training. Severely disabled veterans may receive assistance helping them better live independently.

Department of Mental Health
This agency recruits health/non-health related positions and also administers state veteran's nursing homes.

S.C. Department of Mental Health
2414 Bull Street
P.O. Box 485
Columbia, SC 29202
Job Line 803.734.7674
Job Listings 803.734.7688/7670
Admission/Other Information 803.734.7766

Commission For the Blind
If blindness or severe visual impairment makes it difficult for you to perform normal daily activities, the Commission for the Blind provides rehabilitative services, adjustment to blindness training, counseling, and other services. Eligibility depends upon meeting the legal definition of blindness: a central visual acuity of 20/200 in the better eye with corrective lens or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. Individuals with a severe visual disability that will result in legal blindness within a 24-month period are also eligible for services. An acceptable eye exam must verify legal blindness. Financial eligibility requirements exist for some services. Contact:

South Carolina Commission for the Blind
1430 Confederate Avenue
Columbia, SC 29201
803.734.7520 / 1.800.922.2222

S.C. Office of Veterans Affairs
The South Carolina Office of Veterans Affairs (SCOVA) helps veterans obtain federal and state benefits due them, dependents, and survivors. SCOVA has field officers in the three VA Medical Centers and VA regional offices.

SCOVA
Edgar A. Brown State Office Building
1205 Pendleton Street Columbia, SC 29201
803.734.0200
Fax 803.734.0197

 

Veterans Employment and Training Service
The Veterans Employment and Training Service, operating under the U.S. Department of Labor, supervises eligible veterans’ registration in local S.C. Employment Service offices for employment, training, counseling, and job training programs. Under the Veteran's Re-employment Rights law, a person leaving a civilian job to enter active duty is entitled to his civilian job following discharge or release while meeting the law’s basic eligibility criteria. Questions? Contact:

Veteran's Employment and Training Service
P.O. Box 1755
Columbia, SC 29202
803.765.5195

Apprentice Training
Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT)
Apprenticeships vary from two to six years, depending on the trade and industry standards. On-the-job training takes place step by step under a skilled craftsman’s supervision. Starting wages are one half those of a fully trained craftsman and advance every six months until training is completed and a full journeyman's wage begins. Interested? Contact:

U.S. Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training
Strom Thurmond Building
1835 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803.765.5547

Veterans Apprenticeship and On-The-Job Training
The Veterans Education and Training section of the SC Commission on Higher Education Student Services Division approves programs where veterans and those eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits can achieve quality training. If you are eligible for GI Bill benefits and have been recently hired or promoted into a job that requires new skills, you may be able to use your GI Bill benefits for on-the-job training (OJT) or apprenticeship.

NOTE: You must already be employed in order to use your GI Bill benefits for OJT or apprenticeship training programs. The program is specifically for usage of GI Bill benefits. The Commission on Higher Education does not have an apprenticeship training program and does not place veterans in jobs or apprenticeships.

S.C. Commission on Higher Education
Veterans Education and Training
1333 Main Street, Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29201
803.737.2330
Fax 803.737.3610

One Stop Employment And Training System
South Carolina's One-Stop employment and training system provides instant access to the following information:

• 500,000 + jobs daily
• Training, free federal programs and assistance for qualifying workers.
• Education, schools and colleges and what they offer.
• Careers, fastest-growing occupations.
• Special Assistance, childcare, transportation, and more.

Questions? Email jobs@dew.sc.gov
Call 803.737.5627
Fax 803.737.0202.

Unemployment insurance questions? email ui@dew.sc.gov
Call 803.737.2400
Fax (803)737-0286.

Write Department of Employment and Workforce
PO Box 995
1550 Gadsden Street
Columbia, SC 29202

Transition Assistance Programs
One of the most comprehensive sources of job-hunting information for separatees and retirees is the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Workshop, a three-day series of workshops sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, in conjunction with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Service members with disabilities should attend the last day's session, the Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP), a half-day session that provides information of special interest.

USATC & Fort Jackson
ATTN: ATZJ-PCA-ACAP
Fort Jackson, SC 29207
803.751.6057
FAX 803.751.6126

Army Career and Alumni Program
This program’s free services help active duty, reserve, and National Guard soldiers, civilians, and family members transition from military to civilian life. Questions? Contact the Transition Assistance Office at 751.6064.6062 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

 

U.S. Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration helps veterans get into and stay in business. Services include pre-business workshops, in-depth management training and counseling through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Get management pamphlets and small business loans.
Contact:

U.S. Small Business Administration
1835 Assembly Street Room 358
Columbia, SC 29201
803.765.5913

Small Business Development Center of South Carolina  
The Frank L. Roddy Small Business Development Center of South Carolina offers services and management training courses meeting small-and medium-sized businesses’ needs. Consultants provide free managerial and technical assistance to those wishing to start or expand a business. Private industry and government experts provide assistance in highly technical and specialized areas.
Contact:

Small Business Development Center
Hipp Building, 6th Floor
College of Business Administration
University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208
803.777.4907

 

Veterans Service Organizations
The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, etc., provide veterans services. Most maintain full-time staff to help veterans prepare claims for the VA, VA hospitals, and other federal agencies. Need more information? Visit this directory.

Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA)
NCOA helps armed services personnel, retirees, veterans, National Guard members, reservists, and their families. Its Veteran's Employment Assistance program offers opportunities at job fairs, a worldwide computer network for employers, and a job seekers guide. Its Veterans Service Program helps file claims for federal and state benefits and represents veterans before the Board of Veteran’s Appeals in Washington, DC. Contact:

Beaufort, SC 843.525.1541
Charleston, SC 843.553.6262
Columbia, SC 803.782.8849
Sumter, SC 803.494.4427

 

Montgomery GI Bill Benefits
The Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty), known as Chapter 30, provides education benefits for individuals who entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985. Some individuals who had remaining entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill are also eligible.
The Montgomery GI Bill provides the following education opportunities:

• College/university courses leading to associate, bachelor, or graduate degrees, and accredited independent study. Cooperative training programs are available to individuals not on active duty.
• Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical, or vocational schools.
• Apprenticeship or on-job training programs for individuals not on active duty.
• Correspondence courses, under certain conditions.
• Flight training—Before beginning training, the veteran must have a private pilot license and meet a commercial license’s physical requirements. Benefits also may be received for solo flying hours up to the FAA-required minimum for the rating or certification being pursued.
• Tutorial assistance benefits if the individual is enrolled in school half time or more.
• Remedial, deficiency, and refresher training also may be available.

Family Support Center
Shaw Air Force Base
524 Stuart Avenue
Sumter, SC 29150
803.895.1252

Airman and Family Readiness Flight
Charleston Air Force Base
104 Simpson Street, Bldg 500
Charleston AFB, SC 29404
843.763.4406

Naval Weapons Station
Family Service Center
1005 Jefferson Ave, Bldg 500
Goose Creek, SC 29445
843.764.7480

Family Service Center
Career Resource Management Ctr.
Marine Corps Air Station
Beaufort, SC 29904-5023
843.522.7353

Family Service Center
Marine Corps Recruit Depot
Employment Resource Center
Parris Island, SC 29905-9001
843.525.4574

State Job Preference for Veterans
According to federal law, Title 38, and South Carolina Code 1-37, veterans seeking public employment should have preference over non-veterans.

Veteran-Student Work-Study Program
This program provides veterans and eligible persons enrolled in 3/4 time or more schooling supplemental funds. At a rate equal to the minimum daily hour wage, veteran-students may work 25 hours a week max times the number of weeks in a quarter/semester. You must be a veteran or other eligible person enrolled 3/4 time or more under Chapters 30, 31, 32, 35, or 106 of the GI Bill. Veterans having 30 percent or more service-connected disability receive preference. Apply though the veteran’s advisor on campus, the Regional Veterans Affairs Office, or with the local veterans employment representative at any employment service office.

Know Your Rights
The best way to protect your rights is to know them.

Veterans With Disabilities
A national directory for wounded, ill, and injured veterans and their families; a Wounded Warrior Resource Center and information on safeguarding your rights and more at Disability Program Navigator.