Financial Support Resources for Veterans
Financial challenges can arise suddenly due to job transitions, medical expenses, housing instability, or family emergencies. The resources below are designed to provide timely, practical financial assistance and guidance to veterans and their families—locally in Washtenaw County and across Michigan.
County Veteran Services (CVSO)
Your first stop for local financial assistance and benefits
County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) help veterans, dependents, and survivors access emergency financial assistance, Michigan‑based relief funds, and state and federal veterans benefits. CVSOs provide direct, in‑person assistance with applications for the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, VA disability compensation, pensions, medical care enrollment, and other programs designed to stabilize veterans during periods of financial hardship.
Washtenaw County CVSO
Phone: 734‑973‑4540
More information: https://www.washtenaw.org/959/Veterans-Affairs
Lenawee County CVSO
Phone: 517‑264‑5335
Statewide CVSO locator (Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency):
More information: https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/county-filter-search-locations
Veteran Life County VA Offices Directory
Find your local Veteran Service Officer
Veteran Life maintains a statewide directory of County Veteran Affairs offices, making it easy to locate the correct local point of contact for financial assistance, benefits, and emergency support.
Website: https://www.vetlifetoday.org/countyvaoffices
Michigan Army National Guard – Soldier & Family Readiness Specialists (SFRS)
Resource referrals and support for service members and families
Soldier & Family Readiness Specialists, located on Michigan Army National Guard bases, provides counseling, financial guidance, and referrals to trusted resources. They help veterans and families connect with employment, financial, and community support programs.
More Information: https://minationalguard.dodlive.mil/Resources/Family-Programs/Family-Readiness-Support-Assistant/
Take Charge America
Non-profit credit and debt counseling
Take Charge America offers free or low-cost credit counseling, debt management programs, and financial education. These services help veterans regain control of debt, reduce interest payments, and build a more stable financial future.
More information: https://www.takechargeamerica.org/debt-help/credit-counseling/
VFW National Home
Education and long-term family support
The VFW National Home provides educational support and long-term assistance to military and veteran families, with a special focus on families of fallen or wounded service members.
More information: https://vfwnationalhome.org/how-we-help/education/
Fallen & Wounded Soldiers Fund
Emergency financial assistance with fast response
This organization provides direct emergency financial assistance to veterans whose hardships stem from service during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Support is focused on urgent needs such as housing, utilities, or transportation.
Phone: 800-397-3729
More Information: https://www.fwsf.org
Michigan Veteran Relief Fund & Michigan Veteran Trust Fund
State emergency financial assistance
These Michigan‑based programs provide emergency financial assistance to help veterans and eligible dependents address urgent needs such as housing, utilities, medical expenses, home repairs, and other short‑term hardships. Assistance is intended to stabilize veterans during unforeseen financial crises.
Most veterans apply for emergency assistance through a County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO), who helps prepare and submit applications to county‑level committees. Veterans may also begin the process through the State of Michigan’s emergency assistance intake form, which connects applicants with appropriate county and state resources.
Program information:
https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/quality-of-life/emergency-assistance/emergency-asst
Help getting started:
800‑MICH‑VET (800‑642‑4838)
VFW Financial Grants
Small grants for immediate needs
The VFW offers online financial assistance grants, often up to $1,500, to help
eligible veterans and their families manage temporary financial emergencies and stabilize essential needs.
More information: https://www.vfw.org/assistance/financial-grants
Michigan Bikers Helping Veterans (501(c)(3))
Fast, community-driven financial assistance
Michigan Bikers Helping Veterans (MBHV) is a Michigan‑based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing emergency financial assistance to veterans, active‑duty service members, and their families facing sudden financial hardship. Assistance is typically used for urgent needs such as rent, utilities, heat restoration, or other critical bills, with funds paid directly to service providers rather than to individuals.
MBHV emphasizes rapid response and community‑supported relief when other resources are delayed or unavailable. Applications and referrals are reviewed by a volunteer committee on a case‑by‑case basis.
More information and veteran help form: http://www.supportmiveterans.org/
Semper Fi and America’s Fund / Operation First Response
Direct aid for severely injured and ill veterans
These programs offer financial assistance to service members and veterans facing severe injuries or significant medical challenges, helping support families during recovery and transition.
Phone: 760‑725‑3680
More Information: https://operationfirstresponse.org/military-family-assistance-program
SA Note to Veterans
Financial hardship can happen—even after years of stability—and asking for help is a responsible step forward. These organizations exist to ensure veterans don’t have to shoulder emergencies alone.
W4 VETERANS NAVIGATION:
