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. Check that the veteran meets the basic rules before applying. The veteran must be an Indiana resident, have an eligible discharge, show a genuine financial hardship, and have household income at or below 2 times the federal poverty guideline for the household size.
2. Gather the required papers. Collect the DD-214 showing the type of discharge, a statement letter written and signed by the veteran explaining the hardship, current bills, invoices, or estimates for the items needing help, and recent bank statements for all accounts, including retirement, asset, and investment accounts.
3. Complete the full application package. Fill out the general information, grant request, budget worksheet, W-9, and direct deposit form, and make sure the direct deposit form is hand-signed.
4. Apply online or call 317-232-3910 to apply by phone. A County Veteran Service Officer can also help put the paperwork together at no charge.
5. Submit a complete application with all required documents. Review everything before sending it, because IDVA reviews each application and incomplete applications can be closed after 30 days.
6. Keep copies of the application and documents for your records. If you have questions about your case or timing, contact IDVA and ask for an update.

What to expect: After submission, IDVA reviews the application and checks the documents and hardship details. Processing generally takes 10 to 14 days once the application is complete, but timing can vary. This is a one-time emergency grant program, and the lifetime total is capped at $2,500 unless the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission approves more. No renewal schedule applies.