INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs has launched a new online benefits portal to help veterans and their families with obtaining state benefits.

Previously, anyone seeking benefits was faced with a lengthy and confusing process, including interpreting Indiana cod and statutory requirements.

The new portal, created by Indiana Interactive, allows veterans, people who assist veterans, and dependents or surviving spouses of veterans to determine which state veteran benefits they may be entitled to without picking up the phone or setting an appointment to meet with someone.

The portal will also help increase productivity and ease for those who serve veterans across the state, according to IDVA.

The change is just one of the many rolled out by the new IDVA director, who took over the embattled agency in January 2019.

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"The portal adds convenience and ease-of-use to a process that was previously considered laborious," said Dennis Wimer, IDVA director. "This initiative speaks directly to IDVA's vision to make Indiana the choice for veterans to live, work and thrive."

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After a veteran answers a series of short questions, the portal determines potential eligibility and also provides links to benefit applications.

A separate eligibility survey will be used for the Military Family Relief Fund, which is generated from specialty license plate revenue.

In November, Call 6 Investigates reported IDVA employees received benefits from the Military Family Relief Fund, above the $2,500 limit while the state agency denied other veterans.

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The portal does not assist in determining benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Veterans Health Administration, according to IDVA.

The portal can be found on IDVA's homepage or by clicking here [in.gov].

