Employment, housing and challenges with the Social Security Administration are top concerns for Clark County veterans, according to a recent report.

Earlier this month, the Washington Attorney General’s Office released its annual Office of Military and Veteran Legal Assistance Civil Legal Needs Survey — which gathers feedback from veterans across the state on what civil legal needs are not being met.

Clark County was grouped with Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties for the survey. The region is home to about 44,000 veterans.

One of the top three concerns for the 37 Southwest Washington veterans who responded is civil legal problems at the end of employment. Respondents, particularly those with lower incomes, said they’ve run into complications when leaving a job, according to the report.

The second-ranked concern was problems with the Social Security Administration. According to the report, the agency provides three main benefits that veterans use: retirement benefits, disability insurance and supplemental security income. The report highlighted that there are various possible civil legal issues with Social Security that Southwest Washington veterans fear, such as denial of application for benefits.

Lastly, several Clark County veterans said they had problems moving into or applying to move into a rental unit.

Providers who assist veterans, service members and their families reported concerns about homelessness and housing problems. Washington is among 22 states that experienced an increase in veteran homelessness in 2024.

In Clark County, 39 veterans experienced homelessness in January, according to Council for the Homeless’ Point-in-Time Count.

Research indicates veterans are at greater risk of becoming homeless compared with the general population. Experts attribute this to trauma from combat, difficulty transitioning to civilian life, isolation and other factors.

 

Originally published in The Columbian.

Veterans’ top concerns in Clark County