Niagara County clerk reminds veterans there is no cost to file their DD214 discharge papers

Niagara County Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski reminds veterans it is important they file their DD214 discharge papers with his office. He stressed there is no cost to filing these forms, nor for requesting a certified copy should the need arise.

A press release said, “These forms are important for veterans to access many of the government programs and benefits for which they are entitled upon honorable discharge.”

Jastrzemski said, “It has been brought to the attention of county clerks across the state that there are businesses who are charging for filing a veteran’s DD214 forms with the local clerk’s office and obtaining copies, when this is completely unnecessary. Any veteran can file this themselves at no charge and receive a copy at no charge.”

Jastrzemski said it appears these businesses make the filing process seem much more complicated than it is, and sell their services as a go-between for the veteran with the local clerk’s office.

“Again, not only is this just a matter of bringing your DD214 papers to our office in Lockport, but our Veterans Service Agency is located in the same place so, in case there is some sort of question or issue, we have people readily available to help,” he said.

Jastrzemski said any veteran who has a question about filing their DD214, or any other question, should reach out the Veterans Service Agency at 716-438-4090.