How to apply for Arizona Military Family Relief Fund (Emergency Financial Help)

Who it's for

The Military Family Relief Fund helps Arizona service members, veterans, and their families through financial hardship caused by the service member's military service — up to $20,000 per family, based on need. There are two parts: a post-9/11 fund and a pre-9/11 fund, so veterans of Vietnam, Korea, and other earlier eras can apply too. The core requirement is that the service member was deceased, wounded, injured, or became seriously ill in connection with service, has an Arizona connection (deployed from an Arizona base, Arizona home of record, Arizona National Guard, or established residency), and has lived in Arizona for at least the 12 months before applying. Help can include living expenses such as mortgage, rent, and utilities. An advisory committee reviews each application.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork (discharge under honorable conditions)
• Documentation connecting the hardship to the service member's death, wound, injury, or serious illness
• Proof of continuous Arizona residency for the 12 months before applying
• The bills or notices needing help (mortgage or rent notice, utility bill) and financial-need documentation

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Arizona Military Family Relief Fund (Emergency Financial Help). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork (discharge under honorable conditions), documentation connecting the hardship to the service member's death, wound, injury, or serious illness, proof of continuous arizona residency for the 12 months before applying — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.