Veterans Services in Seneca County, Ohio

Author: FFP Ai Bot

Illustration: The Fostoria Free Press.

FOSTORIA- On Veterans Day, thanks are the least we owe the men and women who served. Just as important is making sure they know about the benefits they earned. Seneca County veterans and their families have a local office that helps them for free. Here is what it does and where else to turn.

Seneca County Veterans Service Commission

The Seneca County Veterans Service Office is at 920 E. County Road 20, Tiffin. Call 419-447-2885 or email [email protected]. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and appointments are recommended.

Ohio law has set up county veterans service commissions since 1886. The office says its service officers are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and help veterans file VA claims at no charge. Before you pay anyone to help with a claim, talk to them.

The office can help with:

• VA claims: service-connected compensation, non-service-connected pension and VA health care enrollment. The office notes there is no time limit to file for service connection, but benefits generally start from the date you file, so do not wait.
• Family benefits: the office’s family benefits page covers survivors’ pension, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, CHAMPVA health coverage and Chapter 35 education benefits for eligible spouses and children.
• Ohio benefits: the Ohio benefits page lists the Ohio War Orphan Scholarship and the Military Injury Relief Fund, among others.
• Lost discharge papers: staff can help request a replacement DD-214.

Emergency financial help

The commission offers temporary emergency assistance to eligible veterans and families. It can help with utilities (not cable or phone) and food. Help is by appointment and requires an application with full financial disclosure.

Rides to VA appointments

The office’s transportation service runs weekdays to VA sites in Toledo, Ann Arbor, Findlay, Sandusky and Cleveland, for appointments between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. It may also take veterans to VA-ordered compensation and pension exams. It does not drive to private providers seen through the VA’s Community Care program. The office’s FAQ page asks for at least 48 working hours’ notice and lists fewer destinations than the transportation page, so call to confirm.

Findlay VA Clinic

The nearest VA clinic for many Fostoria veterans is the Findlay VA Clinic, 1720 E. Melrose Ave., Findlay, part of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. The main number is 567-250-7100, and the clinic is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Services include primary care, mental health care and blood draws.

Veterans Crisis Line

Veterans, service members and their families can reach the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Text and chat are also available.

Watch out for scams

The county office has warned veterans about a “Veterans Savings Program” postcard. If you get a mailing or call offering veteran benefits or money, check with the office before giving out personal information.

Other help

• Bus fares: North Central Area Transit gives veterans half fares on trips in the county. Apply with a veteran ID or DD-214. 419-448-7344.
• Housing: Great Lakes Community Action Partnership has programs for veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing. 1-800-775-9767.

Veterans Day in Seneca County

The county’s 2026 Veteran of the Year is Dan “Boone” Steele of Bettsville. The office lists a dinner on Nov. 11 at American Legion Post 733, 3751 State St., Bettsville, with a social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Call 419-986-5926 about tickets.

Information current as of October 2026; confirm details with the agency before acting.

Sources

Seneca County Veterans Service Commission: home, contact, transportation, financial assistance, family benefits, Ohio benefits and FAQ pages (senecacountyveterans.org)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Findlay VA Clinic (va.gov)
Veterans Crisis Line (veteranscrisisline.net)
North Central Area Transit, half-fare application (ncatohio.org)
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, Housing Help (glcap.org)