Vet-Connect Program

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

The County of San Diego Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) connects active duty military, veterans and their families with federal, state and local agency benefit programs. For the past two years, the Vet-Connect Program has proven to be a successful partnership between the OMVA and the County Library in providing support to the county’s military and veteran community. The Vet-Connect Program embraces technology through the use of a video teleconferencing system installed in four County library branches. This allows veterans to connect with an accredited County Veteran Service Representative (VSR) to receive benefits counseling and assistance with completing VA and state benefits claim forms. All VA and CalVet forms can be completed on screen, reviewed by both the veteran and the VSR, electronically signed by the veteran, and submitted to the VA and CalVet instantaneously at the Vet-Connect library kiosk. This provides an expeditious and convenient way for active duty military and veterans to connect with a VSR and get help navigating the complex claims process. Vet-Connect also addresses the challenges of providing military and veterans services in the rural areas of the County. This program aligns with Live Well San Diego, the County of San Diego’s vision for a region that is healthy, safe and thriving.