Veterans Assistance Commission

Veterans Assistance Superintendent

Michael Haerr

110 W. Water Street, Suite #4 (lower level), Pontiac, IL 61764
Phone:  (815) 844-7378 ~ Fax:  (815) 844-1178

 

 

 

 

Mission Statement:

The function of this Commission is providing aid to indigent veterans and their families who qualify for and need assistance that may not be available from other agencies. In addition, the commission works closely with other service agencies who, at times, will share cost of assistance to veterans.

Veterans Assistance Commission:

There are presently approximately 4,000 veterans in Livingston County.  The Livingston County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC), formed by the County Board in 1989 at the request of County veteran’s organizations, is operated by and for veterans.  The agency is funded by County funds, pursuant to Illinois statutes, to provide aid to indigent veterans and their families who qualify for and need assistance that may not be available from other agencies.

To qualify for assistance, an individual must be an honorably discharged veteran, a resident of Livingston County, and meet specific income requirements.  Veterans are assisted with obtaining medical treatment at VA hospitals, pensions, compensation benefits, burial allowance, document processing, food, rent, utilities, and life skills.  The agency also works closely with other service agencies who, at times, will share cost of assistance to veterans.

 

Michael Haerr serves as the Superintendent of the Commission. He and Assistant Superintendent Natasha Furlano completed National Association of County Veteran Service Officer Accreditation in August 2022.

 

How is VAC different then the VA? There is often confusion over the roles of the Livingston County Veterans’ Assistance Commission and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

  • VAC is here to be your local advocate to ensure you obtain your earned benefits at the federal and state level.
  • While we do not dispense federal or state benefits, we help identify and apply for these benefits.
  • The VAC can assist veterans identify and use local and state resources not associated with either the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • VAC is here to help navigate these systems so the process of applying is less cumbersome to the veteran, surviving spouse or orphaned children.
  • To the veteran receiving VA medical care, VAC provides transportation to appointments.
  • Qualified veterans, surviving spouses or orphaned children in their time of need can contact VAC to apply for temporary emergency assistance.

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