Veterans facing an unexpected financial crisis may be able to find emergency assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs and other veteran-focused programs.
Depending on the situation, help may include emergency housing, short-term financial assistance to prevent homelessness, transportation, food and essential supplies, healthcare resources, and connections to local community programs. Available assistance depends on eligibility, location, and the veteran's circumstances.
Who May Qualify for Emergency Assistance?
Emergency assistance may be available to veterans who are:
- Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
- Facing eviction or housing instability
- Having difficulty paying rent or utilities
- Experiencing an unexpected financial hardship
- In need of emergency shelter
- Struggling to afford basic necessities
- In need of transportation assistance
- Seeking help accessing healthcare or other VA services
- Experiencing circumstances that require immediate support
Specific eligibility requirements vary by program.
Check What You May Qualify For
Emergency situations can be difficult to navigate, especially when you are unsure which veteran assistance program applies to you.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
- ✓ Free guidance if needed
Programs vary based on veteran status, location, household circumstances, and the type of emergency.
Types of VA Emergency Assistance
Emergency Housing Assistance
VA homeless programs can help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find safe shelter, housing resources, and longer-term support.
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program can provide short-term financial assistance and other services designed to prevent homelessness. Assistance can include help addressing rental or utility arrears and other housing-related expenses.
Emergency Shelter
Veterans who are already homeless may be connected with temporary housing and emergency shelter through VA homeless programs.
Programs include Health Care for Homeless Veterans and Grant and Per Diem services, depending on the veteran's needs and local availability.
Help Preventing Eviction
If you are still housed but are at risk of losing your home, VA programs may provide short-term financial assistance, landlord coordination, case management, and referrals to other resources.
Emergency Transportation and Basic Needs
In 2026, VA announced a $29 million fund to provide eligible homeless veterans and veterans participating in HUD-VASH with goods and services such as food, shelter, clothing, hygiene supplies, technology, and transportation.
Healthcare Assistance
Veterans may also be able to access VA healthcare and other health-related resources. If you are experiencing an immediate medical emergency, VA advises calling 911 or going to an emergency room.
Help With VA Medical Costs
Veterans experiencing financial hardship may be able to request a VA hardship determination that can result in an exemption from certain VA healthcare copayments.
How to Find Emergency VA Assistance
- Identify your immediate need. Determine whether you need help with housing, rent, utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, or another urgent expense.
- Contact VA if housing is at risk. Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Explain your situation. A VA counselor can ask questions about your circumstances and connect you with appropriate local resources.
- Ask about short-term assistance. If you are at risk of losing housing, ask about programs that may provide temporary financial assistance or other homelessness-prevention services.
- Explore additional resources. VA can also connect veterans with healthcare, employment, housing, financial resources, and community services.
What Can Emergency Assistance Help With?
Depending on the program and circumstances, assistance may address:
- Rent or housing costs
- Rental arrears
- Utility arrears
- Emergency shelter
- Temporary housing
- Food and essential supplies
- Transportation
- Clothing and hygiene items
- Healthcare access
- Employment-related needs
- Other housing-stability expenses
Not every veteran will qualify for every type of assistance.