| 6 min read Financial Assistance

Transitioning out of active military duty can sometimes be a bumpy journey, and the path to civilian life can include many financial hardships. Whether you’re an active duty soldier in the military service or you’ve been out of the military for decades, we want to help you overcome financial hurdles. We’ve rounded up the best resources that offer financial help for veterans so you can begin finding hope and financial freedom.

Start a fundraiser

Financial assistance for disabled veterans

There are countless nonprofit programs for disabled veterans trying to pay for medical bills. The below organizations offer financial assistance for veterans through grants and stipends that can be used for living expenses and medical treatments. Visit the links below to see which providers and programs work best for your needs.

They provide short and long-term emergency financial aid for disabled veterans who were injured while serving in Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Funds can be used for medical and living expenses, among other needs.

This nonprofit has given $6.9 million to disabled veterans and their caregivers to date. The program’s emergency financial assistance fund can help cover everything from auto insurance to mortgage payments. You don’t have to be in a crisis situation to receive help.

Founded in 2004, this nonprofit provides financial help for disabled veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. Veterans can get assistance paying medical bills, car, rent, and mortgage payments, and other living expenses such as food and transportation costs.

Financial assistance for wounded veterans

For veterans who sustained injuries while serving, these programs offer ways to help them find healing without going into debt.

This organization’s Military Family Program is geared toward helping the caregivers of veterans. It provides emotional and financial support to families with children so they can help their veterans recover.

The Combat Injured program through USACares provides financial assistance for wounded veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and traumatic brain injuries.

VFW helps military families through its Unmet Needs Program. Families that are experiencing financial difficulties can receive grants of up to $1,500 to help pay for basic living expenses.

Financial assistance for female veterans

Female veterans currently make up about 9% of the veteran population, according to Pew Research Center. But that number is supposed to increase to 18% by 2045. While the above programs cater to both men and women, the following programs specifically help female veterans.

This nonprofit provides financial assistance for female veterans through education and advocacy initiatives. Female combat veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life can find help with basic living expenses through the organization’s emergency relief fund.

The Dixon Center offers one-time grants to female veterans and their families who are experiencing financial hardship. The grants can be used to cover the cost of everything from gas, to work training, to housing costs, and more.

This online mentorship program for veterans and other military personnel has helped over 6,700 women who are trying to navigate the civilian workforce. Mentors help find job resources for veterans and help them form and achieve career goals.

Organizations that help homeless veterans

Veterans currently make up about one-third of the adult homeless population, according to We Honor Veterans. If you’re a homeless veteran looking for help, the organizations on this list offer emergency financial assistance for veterans.

The housing program through Veterans Inc. aims to put a stop to chronic homelessness among veterans. It assists veterans in finding local housing, going through employment training, getting legal and medical advice, and more. Apply for housing quickly and easily through their website.

This organization understands the challenges that veterans may face after returning to civilian life. It works with veterans to find housing options within a week of intake and helps them look for long-term housing solutions.

The HUD-VASH program helps veterans across the country find permanent housing through a combination of HUD housing vouchers and veterans affairs services. As of 2015, HUD had given out over 78,000 vouchers. Call the HUD National Call Center to see which benefits you may be eligible for.

Need more funding? Crowdfunding can fill in the gaps

The US government and nonprofits have long sought to provide emergency financial help for veterans who have bravely fought for our country. But sometimes that assistance falls short of what many need to get back on their feet.

To offset expenses not covered by these programs, many have turned to crowdfunding. Through online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe, veterans can raise money for what they need most, whether that’s access to a service dog, counseling, treatment for addiction or mental health care, or general medical expenses. Allies of veterans can also start fundraisers on their behalf and help lift a financial burden.

Why GoFundMe ? Here are just a few reasons:

There are no eligibility requirements.

GoFundMe offers free fundraising , which means you can keep more of your donations.

We are backed by the GoFundMe guarantee policy and offer unparalleled safety.

You can receive your funds within days of receiving donations.

Our sharing tools make it easy to ask for help from your entire network of friends and family members.

Veteran crowdfunding success stories

Clinton is an Army veteran who served in Iraq for a year. While he survived a roadside bomb and recovered from his physical injuries, the PTSD he experienced after returning home was crippling. Clinton sought help and found a 42-day therapy program specifically for veterans suffering from PTSD and addiction. To afford the cost of the treatment program, he launched a GoFundMe and raised over $6,500.

Bryan and his friends wanted to give back to veterans who courageously served our country but had ended up on the streets. They started a GoFundMe so they could purchase basic necessities for veterans, like blankets, socks, and other items to keep them warm through the winter. Their GoFundMe raised over $8,00, and the group was able to pass out over 100 pounds of gear to the homeless population in New York City.

Find financial freedom right now

GoFundMe makes it easy to ask for help when you need it most. If you don’t know where else to turn, we’re here to help you find financial relief and the hope that comes along with it.

Whether you’re a veteran in need or you’re looking to help a veteran or nonprofit, crowdfunding allows you to raise funds and make a lasting difference. Sign up to create your fundraiser today.

Start a veteran fundraiser