15 Ways Veterans Can Get Financial Help
Transitioning out of active military duty can be a huge adjustment, and the path to civilian life can include many financial hardships. Whether you’re an active duty soldier in the military service or you’ve been out of the military for decades, we want to help you overcome financial hurdles. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best veteran resources that offer financial assistance for veterans so you can begin finding hope and financial freedom.
Emergency financial assistance for disabled veterans
There are countless federal, state, and nonprofit programs with grants for disabled veterans trying to pay for medical bills. The organizations listed below offer financial assistance for veterans through grants and stipends that can be used for living expenses and medical treatments. Visit the links to see which providers and programs work best for your needs.
1. Operation Family Fund
This private nonprofit provides short and long-term emergency financial assistance for disabled veterans who were injured while serving in Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Funds can be used for medical and living expenses, among other needs.
2. Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes
Founded in 2004, this nonprofit provides financial assistance for veterans disabled in duty during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. Veterans assistance (VA) coverage includes paying utility bills, car, rent, and mortgage payments, and other living expenses such as food and transportation costs.
3. The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA)
The American Legion’s TFA program supports minor children of veterans who are American Legion members or an active duty service member. By awarding cash grants to families to help with the cost of food, utilities, shelter, and health expenses, they hope to keep children in a stable home life.
Financial aid for veterans wounded in active duty
For veterans who sustained injuries while serving, these veterans assistance programs offer ways to help them find healing without going into debt.
4. The National Association of American Veterans, Inc. (NAAV)
This organization’s Military Family Program is geared toward helping the caregivers of veterans. The veterans assistance program provides emotional and financial support to families with children so they can help their veterans recover.
5. USACares
The Military Assistance Response program through USACares provides assistance for veterans bills due to a military service incident. The goal is to create long-term stability by improving the quality of life.
6. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The VFW helps military families through its Unmet Needs program. Families that are experiencing financial difficulties can receive grants of up to $1,500 to help pay for basic living expenses.
7. Operation First Response
Operation First Response offers a Family Assistance Program that lends wounded veterans financial assistance as they go through the VA claim process. The funds help veterans cover basic needs such as clothing, rent, groceries, car payments, and more.
8. Semper Fi & America’s Fund
The Fund is committed to providing veteran financial assistance and support to wounded, ill, and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Their Service Member & Family Support Program offers financial help with housing, transportation, bedside support, and caregiver support just to name a few.
Veteran financial assistance programs for female veterans
Female veterans currently make up about 11% of the veteran population, according to Pew Research Center. But that number is supposed to increase to 18% by 2046. While the above programs cater to both men and women, the following programs specifically help female veterans.
9. Combat Female Veterans Families United (CFVF United)
This nonprofit provides financial assistance for female veterans through transition, education, and advocacy initiatives. Female combat veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life can find help with basic living expenses through the organization’s emergency financial assistance.
10. Dixon Center
The Dixon Center offers one-time grants through their Women Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance program to female veterans and their families who are experiencing financial hardship. The grants for veterans can be used to cover the cost of everything from gas, to work training, to housing costs, and more.
11. eMentor
This online mentorship program for veterans and other military personnel has helped over 6,700 women who are trying to navigate the civilian workforce. Mentors help find job resources for veterans to help them form and achieve career goals.
Organizations that help homeless veterans
Veterans currently make up about one-third of the adult homeless population, according to We Honor Veterans. If you’re a homeless veteran looking for help, check out these organizations that help veterans pay bills and more.
12. Veterans Inc.
The housing program through Veterans Inc. aims to put a stop to chronic homelessness among veterans. It assists veterans in finding local housing, going through employment training, getting legal and medical advice, and more. An application for housing can be quickly and easily done through their website, or you can call them for details.
13. Adjoin for Veterans
This organization understands that every veteran deserves to have a home. Veterans work with a coordinator to find housing options. Temporary financial assistance is provided. Additionally, prevention services are offered to homeless veterans. It is important to note that they only serve veteran families in San Diego and Imperial Valley counties.
14. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD-VASH)
The HUD-VASH program helps veterans across the country find permanent housing through a combination of HUD housing vouchers and veterans affairs services. Check out the VA programs for homeless veterans for more information. The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is also available 24/7 to access VA services.
15. Modest Needs Foundation
This nonprofit recognizes the challenges that veterans may face after returning to civilian life. Their Homecoming Heroes Grant can either help with rental assistance for veterans or be used to cover a one-time emergency expense. The goal of this grant is to prevent veterans from entering poverty as they come back home from deployment.
Need more veteran bill pay assistance? Crowdfunding can fill in the gaps
The US government and nonprofits have long sought to grant emergency financial help for veterans who have bravely fought for our country. But sometimes that assistance can skip over what many need to get back on their feet.
To offset expenses not covered by these programs, many have turned to crowdfunding. Through online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe, veterans can raise money for what they need most. This can be for a range of things such as access to a service dog, counseling, treatment for addiction or mental health, or general out-of-pocket medical expenses. Are you wondering how you can support veterans this Veterans Day? Allies of veterans can start fundraisers on their behalf to provide financial help for veterans.
Why GoFundMe? Here are just a few reasons:
- There are no eligibility requirements.
- We are backed by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee policy and offer unparalleled safety.
- You can receive your funds within days of receiving donations.
- Our sharing tools make it easy to ask for help from your entire network of friends and family members, and even spread it through social media or email.
- Take a look at how GoFundMe works for more tips before you start fundraising.
Veteran crowdfunding success stories
PTSD Help For Struggling Veteran
Clinton is an Army veteran who served in Iraq for a year. While he survived a roadside bomb and recovered from his physical injuries, the PTSD he experienced after returning home was crippling. Clinton sought help and found a 42-day therapy program specifically for veterans suffering from PTSD and addiction. To afford the cost of the treatment program, he launched a GoFundMe and raised over $6,500.
The Fatigue Project
Bryan and his friends wanted to provide help for veterans who courageously served our country but ended up on the streets. They started a GoFundMe so they could offer financial assistance for veterans to cover the purchase of basic necessities like blankets, socks, and other items to keep them warm through the winter. Their GoFundMe raised over $8,700, and the group was able to pass out over 100 pounds of gear to the homeless population in New York City.
US Veterans Memoir
Inspired to create a book of short stories, poems, and firsthand experiences of soldiers, Marianna started a GoFundMe to help veterans grow and recover from their time served. Both the book sales and the more than $5,000 that was raised on GoFundMe went directly to veterans and their families.
Find financial freedom right now
GoFundMe makes it easy to ask for help when you need it most. If you don’t know where else to turn, we’re here to help you find financial relief and the hope that comes along with it.
Whether you’re a veteran in need or you’re looking to support veterans, crowdfunding allows you to raise funds and make a lasting difference. Check out our GoFundMe Heroes story on “Making a House a Home for Veterans” for more inspiration. Please sign up to create your fundraiser today.