We find ourselves sometimes in need of financial assistance. We have all been there. On active duty there was the USO and various service-based financial assistance programs.
Our Post often receives a call for financial assistance. We help where we can, but we, like all Posts, have limited resources to assist a veteran.
The American Legion does not provide direct financial assistance. That means we do not give a vet cash or a check. We provide the funds to a landlord, utility, etc., directly.
“Since 1919, The American Legion has remained committed to he health and welfare of our nation’s veterans and families. Born out if this desire to serve, the Committee on Children & Youth established a form of direct aid to veterans’ children in 1925 — Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA). … Through TFA, an American Legion post can call upon the national organization for cash assistance to help maintain the basic needs of children of active-duty servicemembers or American Legion members. Non-repayable grants are awarded to eligible families with a child in need when all other available resources have been exhausted.”
The rules for TFA and application procedures are explained in a brochure that you can download here. That’s your first step. The next step is to contact our Veteran Service Officer (VSO). The VSO will visit you and help you complete an application. The process is explained in the brochure.
The TFA is a program for active duty servicemembers and members of the American Legion. You can join the American Legion when you meet the VSO and, of course, membership does not guarantee approval of your TFA request.
We ask that you please pay special attention to the Application Process section in the TFA brochure. Supporting documents are required and must be submitted with your application.
To reach the VSO, email them by clicking here: Email VSO [email protected]
Be sure to include a working telephone number and the best time to contact you.
Temporary Financial Assistance is a program funded by The American Legion Endowment Fund Corporation.
Interested in Joining the American Legion? Here is an application.