15 Sources for Veteran Financial Assistance
Transitioning out of active military service can be a huge adjustment, and the path to civilian life can include many financial hardships. Whether you’re currently enlisted in active duty or you’ve been out of the military for decades, there are a variety of important resources that can help you to overcome these financial hurdles. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best veteran organizations, nonprofits, and financial assistance programs that will offer hope and help put you on the path to self-sufficiency.
Emergency financial assistance for disabled veterans
There are countless federal, state, and nonprofit programs that provide grants for disabled veterans, particularly those struggling to pay for medical bills, home repairs, and housing assistance. The organizations listed below offer veterans benefits through grants and stipends that can be used to cover medical treatments, housing needs, and day-to-day living expenses. Visit the links to see which providers are best suited to your needs.
1. Operation Family Fund
This private nonprofit gives short-term and long-term emergency assistance to disabled veterans who were injured while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. All funds raised are used to assist veterans, caregivers, and family members of personnel who were left severely disabled as a result of this operation, and can be used to cover everything from medical bills to essential living expenses.
2. Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes
Founded in 2004, this nonprofit provides financial assistance for veterans disabled in duty during Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. They have provided millions of dollars worth of emergency financial aid, helping those injured or disabled to pay for utility bills, rent, mortgage payments, and other living expenses such as food and transportation.
3. The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA)
The American Legion’s TFA program supports the minor children of veterans who are American Legion members or active duty service members. They provide cash grants to assist with expenses like food, shelter, utilities, and health costs, enabling dependent children to have the stability they need during difficult times.
Financial aid for veterans wounded in active duty
For veterans who have sustained injuries during active service, the following grants and assistance programs offer healing and life-changing support services.
4. The National Association of American Veterans, Inc. (NAAV)
The Military Family Program offers housing assistance, counselling, job training, respite care, and other services for families taking care of severely wounded veterans. They aim to make reintegration into the local community as smooth as possible.
5. USA Cares
The Military Assistance Response program from USA Cares offers financial support to veterans and loved ones experiencing hardship resulting from military service. Applications are verified thoroughly to determine if eligibility requirements are met, and all funds are allocated on a case-by-case basis.
6. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The VFW’s Unmet Needs program offers grants of up to $2,500 to help cover basic living expenses. The funds are awarded as grants, not loans, offering direct help without repayment obligations. Read through the Unmet Needs eligibility criteria today to see if you and your family qualify.
7. Operation First Response
Operation First Response helps wounded veterans cover basic needs such as groceries, clothing, and housing while they work through the Department of Veterans Affairs claims process.
8. Semper Fi & America’s Fund
Semper Fi & America’s Fund provides financial assistance tailored to the needs of wounded, ill, and injured service members, helping with transportation, home repairs, bedside support, and caregiver retreats.
Veteran financial assistance programs for female veterans
Female veterans now constitute roughly 11 percent of the veteran population. But that number is projected to climb to 18% by 2046, according to Pew Research Center. Though the programs above serve both men and women, the following programs are designed to help female veterans and those who are active service members:
9. Combat Female Veterans Families United (CFVF United)
The goal of this nonprofit is to support female veterans as if they were old friends, operating a three-pillared approach of transition, education, and advocacy initiatives. From housing and employment assistance to mentorship programs and political advocacy, CFVF United provides a comprehensive package of supports tailored to every stage of the vet reintegration process.
10. Dixon Center
The Dixon Center provides one-time grants to female veterans through its Women Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance program to assist service members and their families with emergency payments for basic needs. Their veteran grants can cover the cost of everything from food, housing, and utilities to baby supplies, car repairs, and more.
11. Center for Women Veterans (CWV)
An arm of the V.A., the CWV helps female service members achieve equitable outcomes in access to veterans’ services and benefits. From home loans, employment services, and life insurance to a range of specialized health care programs—this government division is one of the leading voices in female veteran advocacy.
Organizations that help homeless veterans
Veterans make up a significant portion of the homeless population. These organizations offer hope and help:
12. Veterans Inc.
The goal of the Veterans Inc. Housing Program is to end chronic homelessness for veterans. The program helps veterans with referrals for local housing, employment training, and access to legal and medical services. An online housing application can be submitted on their website, but you can also talk to them directly if you have inquiries.
13. Adjoin for Veterans
Adjoin uses a housing-first approach, assigning dedicated coordinators to help veterans find housing and access education, vocational services, and healthcare resources.
14. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
The HUD-VASH program offers rental vouchers and refers veterans for VA case management. They can also call the GOV’s National Call Center for Homeless Veterans for immediate assistance.
Many VA benefits are also available to members of the National Guard and Reserve, whether you’re engaged in active duty or serving the traditional two weeks per year.
15. Modest Needs Foundation
This nonprofit recognizes the many tough challenges that veterans can face when returning to civilian life. Their Homecoming Heroes Grant can be used to help with paying monthly mortgage or rent bills, or to cover a one-time emergency expense. The goal of this grant is to promote veteran self-sufficiency and prevent them from entering poverty upon returning from active duty.
Need more veteran financial support? Crowdfunding can fill in the gaps
Though government programs and groups such as Operation Homefront do what they can to provide assistance, there are times when a family could use a little extra help. For veterans in need of fast cash to cover healthcare, housing, or everyday expenses, crowdfunding through GoFundMe can be a saving grace.
Launching a fundraising site lets veterans and their family members get help in real time. It also covers the gap for those whose government-aid applications are delayed. Be sure to visit our fundraising FAQs for answers to some of the bigger questions, like how to get set up and share your fundraiser with no fuss, access to a service dog, counseling, addiction treatment, mental health services, or out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Are you wondering how you can support veterans this Veterans Day? Friends, family and allies of veterans can start fundraisers on their behalf to provide financial help for veterans.
Why Choose GoFundMe for your veteran fundraiser?
- GoFundMe does not require eligibility verifications.
- Donations are protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.
- Funds are processed quickly and sent directly to organizers.
- Sharing tools makes it easy to get help from friends, family, and the broader local community.
- Our platform is trusted by thousands of nonprofit organizations supporting veterans.
Veteran crowdfunding success stories
Help my elderly vet friend Donald!
Donald is a 91-year-old, disabled Air Force veteran who acts as a full-time carer for his wife, who was recently diagnosed with dementia. After his landlord raised their rent and put Donald further behind in paying his bills, the fear of displacement and losing his wife to a care home became overwhelming. Donald’s friend Jenelle Marie decided to appeal to the power of community and launched a GoFundMe page with an ambitious fundraising target of $450,000. After just a few short months of crowdfunding—and with the help of some lucky media attention—Donald’s veteran fundraiser spread far and wide, and their massive fundraising goal was surpassed.
Help U.S. Air Force Veteran DILLON MCCORMICK retire at 90!!!
On a blazingly hot Memorial Day in the parking lot of a Louisiana grocery store, one local woman spotted Dillion McCormick—a 90-year-old US Air Force veteran—pushing shopping carts back and forth. Social security payments were falling far short of what Dillon needed to live, forcing him to make ends meet by spending hours reorganising carts. Shocked at what this veteran was being forced to endure, Karen Swensen, the bystander who spotted him, turned to GoFundMe. Within just six months, a life-changing $240,000 was raised, and Dillon now enjoys a far more comfortable standard of living.
Please help a Veteran through heart surgery
Extensive medical costs can be a major struggle for anyone, but for 52-year-old veteran Robert Treat, it was a matter of life and death. Facing double bypass surgery and lacking the family, friends, and funds to see him through the recovery process, Robert enlisted the help of strangers by starting a GoFundMe. After successfully hitting his fundraising target of $25,000, Robert has since been able to afford a move to Oklahoma, where he will be able to receive reliable, ongoing medical care.
Find veteran financial support today
GoFundMe makes it easy to ask for help when you need it most. If you’re a struggling veteran and 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 just looking to offer your support, 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, and sign up to create your fundraiser today.