EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND

We may not end the epidemic of homelessness among the veteran community, but can prevent it from happening in the future, one veteran at a time.

The Emergency Assistance Fund assists qualified active duty or veterans with critical needs such as overdue bills, rent/mortgage, groceries, auto payment/insurance, auto repair, child & dependent care and critical baby items.

Note: This Program will start on January 1, 2024.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND APPLICATION

OVERVIEW ELIGIBILITY CATEGORIES OF ASSISTANCE

OVERVIEW

All active duty and veterans (released with honorable or released under conditions other than dishonorable) that meet our criteria may be eligible for assistance from VAREP Cares’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Note: While we want to assist all that apply, that is not realistic due to our limited financial and human resources. Our priority is to rank and process the most critical cases. Approved applicants will awarded within the last week of each quarter.

Application - (1st Day through the 60th Day of Each Quarter)

Applications are accepted beginning the first day of each quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1 and Oct 1).
Applicants can apply online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please have all verifying documentation ready at the time of application.
The application period will close at 11:59 on the 60th day of each quarter.

Evaluation - (61st Day through the 80th Day of Each Quarter)

Caseworkers will process, analyze, and begin to prioritize applications based upon the most critical needs.
We emphasize that you put your best foot forward and submit a complete application illustrating your situation completely.
Applicants may receive a phone interview to determine if our short-term assistance can help put families on the path to long-term financial stability.

Notifications/Award - (81st Day though the 90th Day of Each Quarter)

Final funding decisions are made.
Caseworkers will notify clients about the status of their application and begin to process payments.
Caseworkers will notify those who will not receive assistance. Applicants who do not receive assistance in any quarter and continue to experience challenges may re-apply in subsequent quarters.

Post-Award Requirements

All applicants that receive assistance will be required to complete financial literacy education classes. Additionally, they will receive one-on-one counseling services free of charge for a period of two-years to ensure long-term financial stability.

ELIGIBILITY

VAREP Cares has limited resources, please make sure you read everything below before applying. Requests from ineligible individuals will not be considered and delay our ability to assist eligible applicants. If you are not eligible under our criteria listed below, we will point you in the right direction for other resources that may be better able to assist you with your needs.

Note: Only apply if you meet the criteria and can provide verifying documentation.

Criteria and Documents Required

Proof of all household income (i.e. most recent LES or RAS, civilian pay, disability benefits, etc.)
If wounded, provide documentation or other official record of a wound, illness, or injury being sustained in the line of duty.
If active duty, provide orders and/or deployment orders.
Veterans must provide DD214, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions).
Any documents to help verify, support and illustrate the applicant’s current critical needs.
Three Character References (personal and professional).
A credit report will be pulled (this will not impact our decision for your application, however it will determine the custom financial counseling you will receive if awarded).
A criminal background will be conducted. We will not award to convicted felons.

CATEGORIES OF ASSISTANCE

The categories below are serve as a guideline to the assistance we provide. If your need is not listed below, we encourage you apply if you feel that your request is reasonable and critical.

Categories

Auto payment and assistance

Auto repair

Child & dependent care

Critical baby items

Emergency dental

Food assistance/Groceries

Essential home items

Medical

Moving & relocation

Rent & Mortgage

Travel & Transportation

Utilities

Utilities

Other