State-level support programs for those in uniform, past and present, and their families can vary widely. And thanks to frequent military moves and program eligibility changes, it may not be clear which programs are available.

The Defense-State Liaison Office (DSLO) has backed an easy way to close that information gap: The Ask the Question Campaign is one of the group’s key issues for 2022, and it’s possibly the most straightforward, seeking state-level legislation requiring a variety of forms to include a line asking about the form user’s connection to military service.

Doing so widens the net of military and veteran community support beyond various veterans and family agencies. It allows health care, social services, housing, and education departments to identify those entitled to military and veterans benefits. These could range from expanded K-12 support, college tuition discounts or waivers, VA claims assistance, and many more programs.

[FROM AF.MIL: Why Does My Kid’s School Need to Know We Are Military?]

Fourteen states have passed Ask the Question legislation, and two others have legislation under consideration. One example: In Nebraska, individuals who self-identify as servicemembers, veterans, or military family members receive a pamphlet outlining state benefits and contact information for a variety of state agencies.

You can track progress on this issue and other DSLO priority issues via MOAA’s Military State Report Card and Tax Guide. For the latest spouse and family news, along with national military family resources and MOAA spouse and family programs, visit MOAA’s Military Spouse Page.