VETERANS PRESS: Idaho veteran emergency relief grants availability, eligibility and process information
In this time of government transition and economic uncertainty, it is important to know what benefits are available to veterans if they cannot meet the expenses of basic needs.
Relief grants are provided to eligible individuals for the purchase of food, fuel, shelter, and other necessities of daily living in a time of temporary emergency need. No grants will be made to residents of domiciliary or long-term care facilities or to a potential recipient who refuses to take advantage of available government benefits or federal-state- local relief.
Applicants will be required to obtain certification that they have applied for available assistance programs. Emergency relief funds may not be used to duplicate assistance from other sources. Amounts of grants will depend upon facts and conditions as shown on the application submitted. A grant amount will be determined in proportion to the extent of the emergency and the length of time assistance is required. Grant recipients may receive only one (1) grant in a six (6) month period. In no case will a grant exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500), and the lifetime total of all grants awarded to a Veteran and their dependents shall not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500). All grants are subject to the availability of funds.
Basic Eligibility. The applicant must provide proof of the following eligibility criteria:
1. Bona Fide Resident. The applicant maintains, at the time of application, a principal or primary place of abode in the state of Idaho and has the present intent to remain at that home or abode and return to it after any period of absence.
2. Veteran Separated Under Honorable Conditions. Pursuant to Section 65-203, Idaho Code, the applicant is a person who served on active duty in the United States military, naval, or air service and was discharged or separated under honorable conditions after ninety (90) days of continuous active duty, or was separated or discharged from military service earlier than ninety (90) days under honorable conditions because of a service-connected disability.
3. Idaho as Home of Record. Idaho was the applicant’s home of record while completing their term of service. The Chief Administrator of IDVS may waive the home of record requirement if the applicant has resided in Idaho for a minimum of five (5) years. Persons to Receive Relief — Classifications. Emergency relief grants may be made by the Idaho Division of Veterans Services to veterans and their dependents who come under the following classifications:
1. Destitute Veterans. Those persons meeting the basic eligibility criteria who demonstrate a state of extreme emergency need resulting from an accident or catastrophic event which has occurred within ninety (90) days of the date of the application for emergency relief, unless such ninety (90) day period is waived by the Chief Administrator of IDVS.
2. Disabled Veterans. Those persons meeting the basic eligibility criteria who demonstrate a state of extreme emergency need who are unemployed as the result of a disabling condition which has occurred within ninety (90) days of the date of application for emergency relief, unless such ninety (90) day period is waived by the Division Administrator.
3. Surviving Spouse and Dependent Children. Surviving spouses and dependent children of Veterans meeting the above eligibility requirements.
Information is taken from the April Newsletter of American Legion Post 154, Inc, Rathdrum Idaho. Volumn 11 Issue 4 Editor Jean Bledsoe.
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Ruth Aresvik, 1st Vice Commander, Service Officer American Legion Post 154
An Application for Veterans Emergency Relief Grants and more information can be obtained at any of the Veteran Service Offices found in the North Idaho Resource Directory in this publication. North Idaho Office of Veterans Advocacy, 1-208-446-1096