American Legion Family members facing emergency situations, often caused by natural disasters, are eligible for immediate grant assistance. Here is an overview of several options to determine if you or a loved one qualifies.
AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL EMERGENCY FUND
What it is: The National Emergency Fund (NEF) provides grants up to $3,000 for eligible American Legion and Sons of The American Legion members, and up to $10,000 for Legion posts affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and wildfires.
Eligibility: Membership in the Legion or Sons must be active when the disaster strikes and when the application is filed.
What's covered: An NEF grant may be considered when the applicant:
- Has been displaced from his or her primary residence due to damage sustained during a declared natural disaster.
- Provides copies of receipts of items required to meet immediate needs (such as temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period immediately following the disaster.
Resources:
• For those recovering from a natural disaster, the application can be found at https://www.legion.org/emergency/apply
• For more information, please visit www.legion.org/NEF
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY EMERGENCY FUND
What it is: The Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) provides grants up to $2,400 to eligible members of the American Legion Auxiliary who have suffered a significant financial setback as the result of an act of nature or other personal crisis.
Eligibility: Auxiliary members whose dues are current and who have maintained membership for three consecutive years (the current year and immediate past two years) are eligible to apply.
What's covered: Temporary assistance may be considered when:
- A financial crisis hits, leaving a member without resources for shelter or utilities, and no other source of aid is readily available.
- A natural disaster leaves a member without shelter or food.
- In extreme circumstances, educational training is needed by a member lacking the necessary skills for employment.
Resources:
• In the case of a natural disaster, an expedited application can be found at
TEMPORARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
What it is: The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program awards cash grants up to $1,500 to current active duty servicemembers or American Legion members with minor children at home. These grants help families in need meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses.
Eligibility: The child or children of an active-duty veteran or American Legion member must not be older than 17, or 20, if still enrolled in high school, or is physically handicapped. The minor child must be the biological child, stepchild, or in the legal custody of a qualifying veteran.
What's covered: Temporary assistance may be considered when:
• A complete investigation is conducted at the post or department level, a legitimate family need is determined, and all other available assistance resources have been utilized or exhausted.
• Additionally, the TFA application must originate and be filled out by someone at the local level.
Resources:
• For those seeking Temporary Financial Assistance, the application can be found at https://www.legion.org/financialassistance/apply
• For more information, please visit https://www.legion.org/financialassistance