AUBURN, CA (MPG) - Fueled both by the PACT Act, Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, and by expanded outreach efforts, Placer County’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) is helping more veterans than ever, handling a record 21,491 requests last year. This includes more than 10,000 in-person visits almost double the year before.

Placer County has approximately 25,000 veterans, and the Veterans Services Office offers free help with claims, healthcare, education and other benefits.

Veterans working with the Veterans Services Office received $14.8 million in Veterans Affairs benefits in 2024, a 26% increase from 2022. Compounded, the economic impact of benefits attained through the Veterans Services Office is $142 million since 2020. 

“Veterans shouldn’t have to struggle to get the benefits they earned and we’re here to make that process easier,” said Veterans Services Officer Steve Johnson. “Our team makes a big impact on an individual level as well as on a community level.”

In addition to the PACT Act, which expanded benefits for those exposed to toxic substances, the Veterans Services Office’s growth was also fueled by increased local outreach efforts. The Veterans Services Office took part in more than 30 community events last year, and also sits on the newly-formed Greater Sacramento Veterans Workforce Collaborative.

To keep up with surging demand, the county invested more than $900,000 in office upgrades, renovating the Veterans Services Office’s main lobby and adding digital signage and a check-in kiosk that debuted in 2024. The office also hired two new staff members. Still, Veterans Services Office staff serve a higher caseload than similarly-sized counties.

Maintaining easy access, including walk-in availability, is important to help ensure that local veterans do not fall prey to ‘claim sharks,’ or companies that charge veterans for help filing disability claims without Veterans Affairs accreditation. These companies often use aggressive or misleading tactics. By contrast, Placer’s Veterans Services Office is free of charge, accredited and all staff are experienced and trained. 

The Veterans Services Office has regular hours in Rocklin, Auburn and Carnelian Bay. Learn more at placer.ca.gov/Veterans or call 916-780-3290.