ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Veterans and their families looking for help with benefits, employment or other services will have a couple of opportunities to get answers in the coming weeks.
A workshop in Hendersonville will focus on benefits available to surviving family members of veterans, while a resource fair in Asheville will bring together more than 20 organizations that serve the military community.
A separate workshop will help real estate professionals better serve veterans and active-duty service members looking to buy a home.
Here’s what’s coming up.
Oct. 22: Survivor benefits workshop in Hendersonville
Figuring out what benefits are available after a veteran dies can be confusing. Henderson County Veterans Services is hosting a workshop to help families understand their options.
The workshop will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Hedrick-Rhodes Veterans Center, 900 N. Main St. in Hendersonville.
A veterans services officer will explain eligibility requirements and how to apply for three federal programs:
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): A benefit available to certain eligible survivors of veterans and service members.
Survivors Pension: A needs-based benefit for eligible surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of qualifying wartime veterans.
VA burial benefits: Benefits that may help eligible families with burial and funeral expenses.
The workshop will be held in the center’s first-floor meeting room, next to Pop’s Diner.
For more information, call Henderson County Veterans Services at 828-694-6500.
Nov. 7: Veterans Information Fair in Asheville
Veterans and military families looking for employment assistance, wellness programs or other support can meet with more than 20 organizations during a free Veterans Information Fair at Tanger Outlets Asheville.
The event, hosted by Tanger in partnership with the Western North Carolina Veterans Collaboration, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at 800 Brevard Road.
Organizations expected to participate include NCWorks, Warriors at Ease, Veteran Services of the Carolinas, Peace IS Possible, Veteran Treatment Court of WNC Foundations Inc. and VA clinics from the Asheville area.
Representatives will share information about employment opportunities, mentorship, wellness programs and other resources available to veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
The fair also gives veterans a chance to connect with others who have served and learn more about organizations working in the region.
The event is free and open to the public.
Oct. 19: VA mortgage workshop for real estate professionals
Real estate agents who work with veterans and military families can learn more about VA home loans during a mortgage training workshop in Asheville.
The VA Mortgage Masterclass, sponsored by loanDepot and other partners, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the Hilltop Event Center, 21 Restaurant Court.
David L. Smith, loanDepot’s vice president of national VA lending, will lead the session, which is designed to help real estate professionals better understand VA mortgages and serve military homebuyers.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion. Lunch will be provided.
For more information, contact Chip Brown at 919-395-7003.