The VFW’s Unmet Needs Program assists eligible service members and veterans with basic life sustaining needs. Current active duty service members and recently discharged veterans who face unexpected financial difficulties due to military service may apply for assistance. Veterans discharged before 2001, and on a fixed income, may also be eligible.
The program is available to all U.S. service branches, Reserves, and National Guard.
Applicants may receive help up to $5,000 for housing expenses including rent, mortgage payments, repairs, utilities, and insurance; car payments and repairs; food and clothing for both adults and children; and some medical bills.
Help is in the form of grants--not loans--so recipients don’t need to repay them. Funds are paid directly to the applicant’s creditors. Food and clothing may be supplied in the form of gift cards.
