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While a veteran’s transition from combat zone to conference room involves a focused job search, there’s more involved in supporting yourself and your family beyond landing a steady paycheck.
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Several organizations offer financial assistance to ease economic strains, which can be particularly helpful during inflation.
Here are six groups that help veterans.
Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes
Since 2004, the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes has handed out millions of dollars to post-9/11 disabled American veterans. Emergency financial aid includes utility bills, internet, cable and phone service, mortgage or rent payments, car loan payments, groceries, baby formula, household supplies, school supplies and school clothing. Help with auto and home repairs is also available.
Eligibility requirements are listed in the application form.
Modest Needs Foundation
Veterans who recently returned from overseas may tap into the Modest Needs Foundation’s Homecoming Heroes Grant. There are two types of stopgap assistance: for a onetime emergency expense that would otherwise create a significant hardship, and for help with a regular monthly bill such as rent or mortgage.
You need to have been on active military duty within the past five years and have applied for (or be waiting to receive) a source of income. The idea is that the veteran will be self-sufficient once the paychecks start to arrive.
Operation First Response
Operation First Response serves disabled veterans. Peggy Baker, founder and president of Operation First Response, told AARP Veteran Report: “Our heroes are often on a fixed income and when a vehicle repair, appliance replacement or any unexpected cost arises, this often sends the family into financial distress.”
Response to applications for assistance is generally made within 24 hours.
Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW)
The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors offers quality-of-life and comfort items via grants to wounded, injured and ill service members, veterans and their families. Unlike other programs offering assistance with rent or mortgage, utilities, cars and more, OCW commits to high-quality care such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and therapeutic recreation.
