What benefits are available to disabled veterans in RI and how do you apply?
On Oct. 17 I wrote about federal benefits available to veterans with a 100% disability rating from the Veterans Administration. I promised a follow up column describing benefits the State of Rhode Island offers to those same veterans.
Once again, the basis for this column was information gathered by John Cianci from numerous online sources and published originally on the website RINewsToday.com.
Details about these benefits and more can be found on the website of the RI Office of Veterans Services at: https://vets.ri.gov/i-am-find-your-benefits/disabled-veteran
Veterans with a 100% VA disability rating are eligible for the following State of Rhode Island benefits.
First in a Series:What federal benefits are available to seriously disabled veterans and how do you apply?
Access to the Rhode Island Veterans Home at no charge
This 208-bed Bristol facility provides quality nursing and residential care to Rhode Island war veterans. As a general statement, fees are waived for veterans with service-connected disability ratings of 70% or more. Details, including eligibility, can be found at https://vets.ri.gov/i-am-find-your-benefits/world-war-ii-korean-war-veteran/ri-veterans-home-community-living-center.
Burial in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery
Burials for veterans are provided at no cost at this military cemetery located on 280 acres in Exeter. Additional information, including eligibility, can be found at https://vets.ri.gov/i-am-find-your-benefits/world-war-ii-korean-war-veteran/ri-veterans-memorial-cemetery
Priority placement in housing
Important note: These preferences are NOT limited to 100% disabled veterans unless so noted. But housing is so important we are including the full information here.
R.I. law gives wartime-disabled and honorably discharged veterans first placement in public housing for the elderly. (They must fulfill all other eligibility criteria for the housing project.)
Cities and towns offer veterans' preferences as well. Cranston, East Greenwich, East Providence and Woonsocket give preference in local housing developments. Johnston uses preference in elderly/disabled housing only.
East Greenwich, Lincoln, Warren, and Woonsocket offer specific preferences for veterans with a service-connected disability. Bristol applies that preference to elderly housing only. Burrillville’s preference is only for those with a 100% disability rating.
East Greenwich gives preference to the families of deceased veterans. Pawtucket has a Pilot Chronic Homeless Program, which allocates 10 units to chronically homeless applicants. Disabled Veterans and WWII Veterans have top priority.
To apply, contact the housing authority for your city or town at RI Housing: https://www.rihousing.com/ or https://psvets.ri.gov/i-am-find-your-benefits/world-war-ii-korean-war-veteran/city-housing-authorities-veterans
Free tuition at Rhode Island public colleges and universities
Applicants must be permanent residents of Rhode Island and have a minimum of 10% disability due to military service. They must also apply for and use financial aid first. For details visit the Veterans Resource website at CCRI, Rhode Island College or URI.
URI:Dedication of a new facility to help veterans transition to college life
Bus Pass Program for Veterans: 70% disability or higher
RIPTA provides no-fare and half-fare pass programs for people with disabilities. It is open to all veterans with a VA rating of 70% or higher. Low-income veterans are eligible for the no-fare program.
A Bus Pass ID Card costs $25 and is valid for 5 years. Any person holding a No Fare ID can ride free on all fixed route service. A Reduced (Half) Fare ID holder pays half-fare during off-peak hours and full-fare during peak hours. (Some individuals may qualify to travel with a personal care assistant, who rides free.)
For more details, visit the RIPTA facility at Kennedy Plaza in Providence, or call (401) 784-9500 x604.
The Office of Veterans Services offers bus passes to qualifying Veterans who might not be eligible for the RIPTA programs. Contact the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services at (401) 921-2119 or vets.ri.gov/riserves
Vehicle Registration and Driver’s Licenses
Wartime veterans with serious disabilities may be exempt from Rhode Island vehicle registration and driver’s license fees. They also qualify for one free set of Disabled Veteran license plates, which may be used on a vehicle weighing 6,300 lbs. or less.
Veterans must provide their discharge papers (or other proof of military service) and must request confirmation from the VA Regional Benefits Office confirming their 100% disability rating. That office is at 380 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02903 and the phone is (800) 827-1000.
Veterans can immediately print the required letter for the registry from https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters. Certified Veteran Service Officers at the Office of Veterans Services can also assist with the process.
Ask the DMV:When will Bronze Star license plates be available?
Free Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Log on to the Department of Environmental Management website and fill out an “Application for 100% Permanent Disability Fishing/ Combination License,” which can be found at: https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/programs/bpoladm/manserv/hfb/fishing/pdfs/fishdis.pdf
Free Rhode Island State Park Passes
The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking for any veteran who has a 100% service-connected disability. It can be used at any state-owned recreational facility. The veteran still must pay for additional services such as camping, picnic tables, use of equestrian areas, performing art centers, game fields, etc.
Apply in person at the State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and show official documentation from the VA confirming 100% service-connected disability.
R.I. State Parks and Recreation Headquarters, 1100 Tower Hill Rd., North Kingstown, RI 02852.
Phone: (401) 667-6200 or email: dem.riparks@dem.ri.gov
Free Golf
Any 100% disabled R.I. veteran can golf for free at the Goddard Park golf course. From April 1 through the third Saturday in November, call the clubhouse at (401) 884-9834. At other times, call Division Headquarters at (401) 667-6200.
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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI veteran benefits: What's available and how do you apply
