How to apply for Indiana Military Family Relief Fund (Emergency Grants up to $2,500)

Who it's for

The Military Family Relief Fund gives one-time emergency grants to Hoosier veterans and their families who hit a genuine financial hardship — needs like housing, utilities, food, medical services, and basic transportation that have become hard to afford. The lifetime maximum is $2,500, unless the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission approves a higher amount. The veteran must be an Indiana resident with a qualifying discharge, and household income cannot be more than 2 times the federal poverty guideline. Applications go to the Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs by email, fax, online, or in person, and generally take 10 to 14 days to process once complete. A County Veteran Service Officer can help put the paperwork together at no charge.

What you'll need

• DD-214 showing the type of discharge
• Statement letter written and signed by the veteran explaining the hardship
• Current bills, invoices, or estimates for the items needing help
• Recent bank statements for all accounts (including retirement, asset, and investment accounts)
• Completed application package: general information, grant request, budget worksheet, W-9, and direct deposit form (hand-signed)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Indiana Military Family Relief Fund (Emergency Grants up to $2,500). 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 showing the type of discharge, statement letter written and signed by the veteran explaining the hardship, current bills, invoices, or estimates for the items needing help — 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.

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility before applying. The veteran must be an Indiana resident with an honorable, under honorable conditions, or certain other-than-honorable discharge. Household income must be no more than 2 times the federal poverty guideline for the household size.
2. Gather your required documents: your DD-214 showing discharge type; a signed statement letter explaining the financial hardship; current bills, invoices, or estimates for the expenses needing help; and recent bank statements for all accounts, including retirement, asset, and investment accounts.
3. Complete the full application package. This includes the general information form, grant request form, budget worksheet, W-9, and direct deposit form. All forms must be hand-signed.
4. Write and sign your hardship statement letter. Describe the specific financial need — such as housing, utilities, food, medical services, or transportation — in your own words.
5. Consider reaching out to your County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) for free help pulling the paperwork together before you submit.
6. Submit the completed application package to the Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) online or by calling 800-457-8283 to get guidance on submitting by fax, email, or in person.

What to expect: Once IDVA receives your complete application, processing generally takes 10 to 14 days. Make sure every form is filled out and signed — incomplete applications can be closed after 30 days with no action. If approved, the grant is a one-time payment with a lifetime maximum of $2,500 across all grants, unless the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission approves a higher amount. There is no periodic renewal for this program, as it is a one-time emergency grant, but you may contact IDVA at 800-457-8283 with any questions about your application status or eligibility.