The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announced the beginning of the application period for its Military Family Relief Fund Operation Holiday Program.
Beginning Nov. 1, the IDVA is accepting applications for the program through Dec. 31 until 4 p.m. EST. Veteran families around Indiana who may be experiencing hardship or difficulty making ends meet during the holidays may be eligible to receive up to $300 per dependent in their household and $200 for a holiday meal.
“The holiday season can often mean tough financial choices for our veterans and their families,” Dennis Wimer, director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, said in a statement. “The MFRF Operation Holiday program aims to ensure that they can step into the new year without financial hardship.”
Both Indiana veterans and active-duty service member families are able to apply for themselves and all eligible dependents. To be eligible, an applicant’s household income must fall below two times the poverty guidelines, and applicants need to provide the following documentation:
- DD-214
- Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), if currently serving
- W-9
- Direct deposit form
- Proof of income
- Bank statement
- Proof of child’s residency
- Proof of child’s dependency
The Military Family Relief Fund Operation Holiday Program and its provided services are only available to veteran families – those previously or currently serving any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces that hold a DD-214, LES or National Guard Bureau (NGB) Form 22 – living in the state of Indiana and experiencing financial hardship.
For more information about the program and how to apply, visit in.gov/dva/about-idva/links/military-family-relief-fund.
Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
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