The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Florida is proud to offer the “Because We Care” program, a vital initiative dedicated to providing financial assistance to eligible veterans and service members facing temporary financial hardships. This program underscores the VFW’s unwavering commitment to supporting those who have served our nation, ensuring they receive the help they need during challenging times.
Understanding the VFW Because We Care Program: Eligibility and How It Helps
The “Because We Care” program is designed to offer a safety net for veterans and service members in Florida who encounter unexpected financial difficulties. To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet specific criteria that reflect their recent military service and the nature of their financial hardship.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Recent Honorable Service: Applicants must have been honorably discharged from the military within the 12 months prior to applying, or be currently on active duty within 12 months of application. This ensures the program supports those in immediate transition or active service.
- DEERS Enrollment: The applicant must be the service member or be currently listed or eligible to be listed as a dependent of the service member under the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). This confirms the familial connection and support structure.
- Qualifying Hardship: The financial hardship must be primarily due to specific circumstances related to military service or unforeseen events. Eligible hardship causes include:
- Deployment or military service obligations
- Natural disasters impacting their living situation
- Medical emergencies or the death of the service member or a dependent
Hardships Not Covered:
It’s important to note that the program is designed for specific types of hardships and does not cover situations arising from:
- Civil, legal, or domestic issues, including separation or divorce proceedings.
- Financial mismanagement or bankruptcy.
One-Time Assistance and Direct Payments:
The “Because We Care” program provides a one-time grant to eligible applicants. Crucially, all grant payments are made directly to the creditor or service provider, not to the applicant. This ensures the funds are used for their intended purpose – alleviating the specific financial hardship.
What Expenses Are Eligible for Payment Through the Program?
The “Because We Care” program aims to cover essential needs to help veterans and service members regain financial stability. Eligible expenses include:
- Housing Expenses: Mortgage payments, rent, essential home repairs, and homeowner’s insurance. This helps maintain stable living situations.
- Vehicle Expenses: Car payments, auto insurance, and necessary vehicle repairs to ensure reliable transportation.
- Essential Utilities and Phone: Coverage for utilities (electricity, water, gas) and primary phone service to maintain essential communication and living conditions.
- Basic Needs: Funds for food, essential incidentals, children’s clothing, diapers, formula, and necessary school or childcare expenses to support families.
- Medical Expenses: Assistance with medical bills, prescription costs, and eyeglasses, specifically covering the patient’s portion of necessary or emergency medical care.
Expenses Not Covered by the Because We Care Program
To ensure the program’s resources are directed effectively, certain expenses are not eligible for payment. These include:
- Debts such as credit card bills, military charge cards, retail store cards, personal loans, student loans, and payday loans.
- Unauthorized travel expenses.
- Negative bank account balances or overdraft fees.
- Non-essential services like cable and internet bills, and secondary phone lines.
- Cosmetic or investigational medical procedures and related expenses.
- Taxes of any kind, including property taxes.
- Legal obligations such as child support, alimony, or legal fees.
- Debts owed to military entities or to friends and family members.
- Non-essential items like furniture, electronic equipment, and vehicle rentals.
- Down payments for homes or vehicles.
- Reimbursements for expenses already paid.
- Bills resulting from excessive usage or financial mismanagement.
How to Apply for the Because We Care Program
To apply for assistance from the VFW Department of Florida’s “Because We Care” program, you will need to submit a completed application along with supporting documentation. This documentation is crucial for verifying eligibility and processing your request efficiently.
Required Documents:
- DD-214: Proof of honorable discharge.
- Two Picture IDs: For identity verification.
- Verification of Military Status and Hardship: A statement from a VFW Post Family Assistance Center Representative or a VA Representative verifying the service member’s military status and the financial hardship. This statement must be signed and dated by the representative.
- Copies of Bills: Copies of the bills for which you are requesting assistance. These must clearly show the account holder’s name, account number, creditor’s name, and phone number (including area code).
- Estimates for Repairs or Services: If requesting assistance for repairs or other services, two written estimates on company letterhead are required. For example, for rent assistance, a copy of your lease agreement is necessary.
Submitting Your Application:
Ensure your application is complete with all required documents, as incomplete applications cannot be reviewed. You can send your completed application to:
State “Because We Care” Director
Dave Harris
9851 Gilchrist Drive
Seffner, Florida 33584
Or via email to: [email protected]
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Next Steps After Applying
Once your application is received, a VFW representative may contact you to discuss your case in detail or request further information. It is important to understand that this contact does not imply automatic approval.
You will be notified as soon as a final decision is made regarding your application. Due to the volume of applications, the program is unable to respond to status inquiries while your file is being processed. If you do not hear back within two business days after submitting your application, you are welcome to reach out to the program for follow up.
The VFW Department of Florida’s “Because We Care” program is a testament to their dedication to the veteran community, providing crucial support during times of financial strain. By understanding the eligibility criteria, covered expenses, and application process, eligible veterans and service members can access this valuable resource and receive the assistance they need to overcome temporary financial hurdles.
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Image: The VFW insignia, representing Veterans of Foreign Wars.
