Veteran families can face many different financial challenges, including housing costs, utility bills, food expenses, medical bills, childcare, transportation, and unexpected emergencies. Depending on the family's circumstances, help may be available through VA programs, government benefits, nonprofit organizations, and community assistance programs.
Some programs are specifically for Veterans and their families, while others are based on income, disability, household size, location, or a particular financial need. A government benefits finder can also help families explore programs for food, housing, healthcare, education, disabilities, military and veteran needs, and other expenses.
Who May Qualify for Financial Help?
Potential assistance may be available to:
- Veterans and their spouses
- Veteran families with children
- Low-income Veteran households
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Recently separated Veterans
- Surviving spouses and dependents
- Veteran families facing housing instability
- Families dealing with medical or other unexpected expenses
- Veterans who need help transitioning to civilian employment
Eligibility varies significantly by program. Being a Veteran does not automatically qualify a household for every type of financial assistance.
Check What You May Qualify For
Available programs can vary based on your eligibility, location, household situation, and Veteran status. OpenGrants Network helps you discover legitimate programs that may match your situation.
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Programs vary based on eligibility, location, household situation, and the type of help you need.
Types of Financial Help for Veteran Families
VA Benefits and Monthly Payments
Some Veterans may qualify for monthly VA disability compensation or other VA benefits. Certain spouses, children, and survivors may also qualify for specific benefits. VA's family and caregiver resources include benefits for spouses, dependent children, surviving spouses, surviving children, and surviving parents.
Help With Housing Costs
Veteran families experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness may be able to receive assistance through the VA's Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. SSVF providers can connect eligible low-income Veteran families with housing stability services, case management, mainstream benefits, and temporary financial assistance.
Food and Basic Needs Assistance
Veteran families may also qualify for broader government programs based on household income and circumstances. These can include food assistance and other programs for families experiencing financial hardship.
Medical and Healthcare Assistance
Veterans may qualify for VA healthcare based on their circumstances. Family members may also have access to certain benefits depending on their relationship to the Veteran and the applicable program. Families dealing with medical expenses should also check state, local, insurance, and nonprofit assistance programs.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Some military and Veteran organizations provide assistance for specific emergency expenses. For example, USA Cares provides financial assistance to eligible post-9/11 Veterans, service members, and their families facing temporary financial hardship. Military relief organizations can also provide certain types of emergency assistance, depending on eligibility and the service branch, including help with rent, utilities, vehicle repairs, medical expenses, food, and other urgent needs.
Employment and Career Assistance
A Veteran's household may become more financially stable through employment, training, or career-transition assistance. Recent Veterans may also find transition services, employment resources, education programs, and other support through Military OneSource and VA resources.
Education and Family Benefits
Some Veteran families may qualify for education-related benefits. Depending on eligibility, benefits can sometimes extend to spouses or children. VA also provides information about transferring eligible unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to family members.
How Veteran Family Assistance Typically Works
- Identify the household's biggest need. This could be food, housing, utilities, healthcare, transportation, childcare, or another expense.
- Check Veteran-specific programs. Start with VA and other military-related resources.
- Check general assistance programs. Your family may qualify for programs that are not limited to Veterans.
- Review eligibility requirements. Income, disability, service history, family size, location, and the type of expense may matter.
- Apply through the appropriate organization. Some programs provide direct benefits while others provide referrals, counseling, or temporary assistance.
- Keep documentation available. You may need identification, proof of income, service information, bills, or other records.