Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988, option 1.
Or text “help me” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741
Where to start
Military Branches Sources of Financial Aid
All four are private, nonprofit organizations — not government agencies — and all operate similarly: providing interest-free loans, grants, and financial counseling to service members and families in need. They also have a formal cooperation agreement, so if a member from one branch needs help where only another society has an office, they will assist each other’s members.
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
Mission: Build financial stability and well-being for Sailors, Marines and their families.
Vision: To be the most trusted resource to meet the emerging needs of our global community of Sailors and Marines.
Who is eligible?
Offices all over the world, which means help when and where you need it. Even if you don’t live near a location, they may still be able to help.
Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)
Mission: Helping Air Force and Space Force members and families meet financial challenges.
Services: Emergency assistance, education grants, car care programs, child care assistance.
What Assistance Can Help With
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)
Mission: Financial assistance and support for Coast Guard members and families.
Funeral Expenses Loan
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of funeral expenses. CGMA offers a Funeral Expenses Loan to help ease the financial burden during such a challenging time. This interest-free loan can be used to cover the costs of a modest funeral, allowing families to focus on honoring their loved one.
Financial assistance
Once A Soldier’s Financial Assistance Network of Charities
A vetted list of organizations that provide grants, loans, scholarships and emergency support to veteran families across the country.
The Armed Forces Foundation
The Armed Forces Foundation is a non profit organization that started in 2010 and is dedicated to providing comfort and solace to members of the military community through financial support, career counseling, housing assistance and recreational therapy programs. We offer these vital programs to active-duty and retired personnel, National Guard, Reserve components, and their loved ones. This website is full of wonderful assistance options for vets/families along with applications for assistance that are only 4 pages long! Go to AFF Programs to get more specific information.
Financial Planning Guide
This planning guide has been developed by a mortgage company but does not appear to solicit information. It has some good information that may be helpful to veterans and families. It may be one source that may offer helpful ideas.
Folds of Honor
FHF’s unique post-secondary educational scholarships can be applied to schooling now or held by the Foundation on behalf of young children until needed at the time of enrollment. Scholarships for children of veteransare to be used to subsidize the costs of tuition, school books, fees, room and board, special tools and equipment necessary for coursework, school-approved tutoring, and any other expense that the school in which the student is enrolled may deem appropriate and unmet.
Hope for the Warriors
The mission of Hope For The Warriors® is to enhance quality of life for U.S. service members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® actively seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet. Includes assistance for “immediate needs”, “family assistance”, “warriors wish”, etc.
Military Scholarships
The Scholarships for Military Children Program is primarily funded through the generosity of manufacturers and suppliers whose products are sold at military commissaries, worldwide. Go to “scholarships” and the right menu will provide qualifications and directions to apply.
Modest Needs Organization
To responsibly provide short-term financial assistance to individuals and families in temporary crisis who, because they are working and live just above the poverty level, are ineligible for most types of conventional social assistance but who (like many of us) are living one or two lost paychecks away from the kind of financial catastrophe that eventually leads to homelessness. Users must create a log in, have documentation and create an application on line. Total time may take from 30 -45 minutes. You will be applying for the Homecoming Heroes Grant.
Operation First Response
For many veterans and families, the financial hardship begins quickly and for others it is after the domino effect of extra costs and lost wages. At whatever stage they are in when they contact OFR they are committed to doing all we can to support these families. Application is on line.
Operation Home Front
This organization assists immediate family members of those who are wounded, ill, injured or deployed. Criteria is listed under each type of assistance that may be provided and will guide you to your local chapter. Click on “Get Assistance” and it will ask for your zip code and have an application to download.
Office of Service Members Affairs – CFPB
The central mission of the CFPB is to make consumer financial products, services and markets work for all Americans. Within the CFPB, the OSA serves specifically to protect service members, military families and veterans from financial harm, while also working to make the military community better educated consumers.
Rebuild Hope
Rebuild Hope offers an immediate and easy away to help these OEF/OIF families. Our one-of-a-kind, national network “connects” donors to beneficiaries, and we provide complementary services that increase the veteran’s odds of success. Rebuild Hope also recognizes their personal sacrifices and efforts to rebuild their lives by sharing their personal stories.
Red Cross
Collaborates with military aid societies in providing financial assistance when an urgent personal or family crisis arises-emergency travel, burial of a loved one or urgent health and welfare such as food and shelter. 1-877-272-7337 or website.
Salute Heroes
Since 2004, the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes has provided disabled American veterans from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom with millions of dollars worth of Emergency Financial Aid and support services. Application and eligibility requirements are on line.
Salute Inc.
To passionately pursue meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of military service members, veterans and their families. We strive to raise awareness of their sacrifices and provide a safety net to ensure every military family is treated with honor and dignity.
Semper Fi Fund
The Semper Fi Fund (SFF) provides relief for financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery as well as assistance for those with perpetuating needs. Our program provides support in a variety of ways including: Service Member and Family Support, Specialized & Adaptive Equipment, Adaptive Housing, Adaptive Transportation, Education and Career Transition Assistance, Therapeutic Arts and Team Semper Fi. Needed resources are directed to post 9-11 Marines and Sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force or Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces.
USA Cares
USA Cares provides financial and advocacy assistance to post 9/11 active duty US military service personnel, veterans and their families. We assist all branches of service, all ranks and components and treat all with privacy and dignity in appreciation for their service and sacrifice. We never charge fees nor accept repayment and rely on donations from private citizens, businesses and foundations for all funding.
American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337
Suicide Hotline
Thinking about suicide? Talk to someone about it. 800-273-8255
New 988 number.
Or text “help me” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741
Suicide Crisis Plan Development
If you are a certified professional and want to learn about developing a crisis response plan for suicide, visit crpforsuicide.com.
Star Behavioral Health Providers
SBHP helps veterans, service members and their families locate behavioral health professionals with specialized training in understanding and treating the military community. Providers listed have completed a series of trainings so they are better able to understand, assess and counsel members of the military. SBHP began in Indiana and is now offered in multiple states.
Assisted Living Benefits
There are two basic ways for eligible veterans to receive assistance: obtain an assisted living benefit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or apply for residency in a veteran’s home. This guide from AssistedLiving.org explains eligibility, how to apply, and what programs are available in your state.
