Any veteran who is a citizen of this state and who, through disability or other causes incident to service in the armed forces in time of war, is in need of temporary financial assistance may be provided for by the commissioner by a method similar to that provided in section 27-82, the amount and continuance of such assistance to be discretionary with the commissioner. The widow, widower and each child, parent, brother or sister of any member of the armed forces, who died while in such active service, may be assisted by the commissioner if such person or persons are without sufficient means of support by reason of the death of such member of the armed forces. In carrying out his or her duties under the provisions of this section, the commissioner is directed to cooperate with such federal agencies as may aid in securing prompt and suitable treatment, care and relief of any such member of the armed forces or his or her dependents. The records of the agencies of the state shall be placed at the disposal of the commissioner and such agencies are directed to cooperate with and to assist the commissioner in carrying out his or her duties. As used in this section, “veteran” means any person (1) honorably discharged from, or released under honorable conditions from active service in, the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, or (2) with a qualifying condition, as defined in said section, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces.
(1949 Rev., S. 2945; 1957, P.A. 163, S. 33; P.A. 74-321, S. 18; P.A. 88-285, S. 21, 35; P.A. 15-246, S. 1; P.A. 18-47, S. 23.)
History: P.A. 74-321 added “widower” to those who may be assisted; P.A. 88-285 replaced veterans' home and hospital commission with commissioner; P.A. 15-246 made technical changes; P.A. 18-47 added definition of “veteran”.