New Lake County veterans center to feature free Internet access for veterans to check benefits

Lake County veterans will have free access to the Internet to apply for and check on the status of benefit requests beginning March 19.

With the assistance of Comcast Cable Co., the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission will open a Vet Center office adjacent to the commission’s Waukegan headquarters.

VAC Superintendent Mike Peck said Wednesday the center will feature computers and Internet access provided by Comcast for veterans.

Peck said approximately 12 percent of the 40,000 military veterans in Lake County receive some form of government benefit.

“And we want to see that number go up,” Peck said. “People will be able to come in here, work with counselors and the computers and make sure they are tied in to whatever programs they qualify for.”

Peck said the center will also feature a television lounge and peer-to-peer counseling for veterans. It will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Veterans also will be able to learn about other available services and assistance programs. Anyone seeking help in filing claims or looking for financial assistance will need to make an appointment by calling (847) 377-3344.

The VAC and the new Vet Center are at 20 S. Martin Luther King Ave. in downtown Waukegan.

Peck said the grand opening for the center is scheduled for Monday, March 19 at 1 p.m. and will feature a ceremony honoring a veteran of the Battle of Peliu in World War II.

For more information, call (847) 377-3344.