Cash Assistance for Veterans

There are programs in the country that will help veterans obtain food, pay rent, and pay for their heating bills. But there may be times when veterans need cash assistance, so that they can pay for additional living expenses. There are some programs in the country, offered through the government and organizations, that will provide cash assistance for veterans. These programs can be helpful when you need additional help, whether its one-time assistance or you need it on a monthly basis.

When veterans receive cash assistance from welfare-type programs, they do not have to ever pay it back. It’s not a loan, rather it is considered to be a gift to help those who are in need. The cash assistance can be used for a wide variety of living expenses, including paying bills, obtaining food, transportation, clothing, laundry, and more. Depending on where you get the cash assistance from, you may have to provide such things as proof of identity, address, and income when applying.

 Types of Cash Assistance for Veterans

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Veterans who have at least one minor dependent child may qualify for cash assistance through TANF. Offered around the country, the program is funded by the federal government. Those who qualify can receive a cash grant each month, with the amount determined by how many people live in the household and what your income level is. The cash assistance may be used on a variety of living expenses. To be eligible for TANF, you have to have a low income, and be a citizen or legal immigrant. You can apply in person at your local social services office, or you can apply in many states online. Most states limit the amount of time you can receive the benefit to 60 months in your adult lifetime. Some states require that you participate in a work training program to continue receiving TANF. In addition to the monthly cash assistance, some states offer one-time cash assistance payments to individuals who do not have minor dependent children, and one-time cash assistance payments to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. To apply, click here.

General Assistance (GA) – This program is offered in many states around the country, and is federally funded. It is similar to the TANF program, although it does not require that you have at least one minor dependent child to apply. The GA program is open to those who have a low income, whether they are single, married, or have dependents. The program provides one-time cash assistance payments, and short term monthly help, for those who qualify. The cash assistance can be used on a variety of living expenses. You can apply in person at your local social services office, and many states allow you to apply online. To apply, click here.

Catholic Charities – With locations around the country, this organization will provide some limited cash assistance for veterans. Their mission is to help end poverty, so in addition to providing people with free food and a variety of other assistance programs, they do provide some cash assistance as well. You need to contact the office that is closest to you to see if they offer a cash assistance program in your area, and how you go about applying for it. Locations that do not offer cash assistance may still help with paying bills and obtaining food, which will still help you make ends meet. Use the map on their website to find the location that is in your area. To apply, click here.

Salvation Army – Similar to Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army has locations around the country, and they will help people with paying bills, obtaining food, and they will give some cash assistance. You need to find the location that is closest to you to inquire about programs offered at that branch, and how to apply for them. In addition to cash, you may also be able to obtain free food, clothing, and other household items. To apply, click here.

Many people need cash because they have living expenses that cannot be paid for with food stamps or another type of benefit. There are cash assistance programs for veterans that will provide short term help, and may be able to help guide you toward programs that provide long term assistance.