The Temporary Financial Assistance program helps eligible veterans with minor children in the home with one-time financial assistance grants.
The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program provides one-time non-repayable cash grants of up to $1,500 to members of The American Legion and active duty servicemembers with minor child(ren) in the home. TFA helps veterans provide for the basic needs of their child(ren) when a hardship occurs.
A TFA application originates at the post or department level. If the applicant has received a TFA grant in the past, they are not eligible for another one. It is a one-time grant. A fillable PDF application can be obtained from department headquarters.
TFA eligibility:
- A veteran must be a member of The American Legion or on active duty serving on federal orders under Title 10 with minor child(ren) living in the home. The minor child(ren) must be unmarried and under the age of 18 and still in high school. A TFA grant will be considered if the child(ren) is under the age of 21, unmarried and still in high school.
- The minor child(ren) must be the biological child, stepchild, legally adopted or in the legal custody of a qualifying veteran or active-duty servicemember.
If they are not an American Legion member, a post can sponsor a membership to make the applicant eligible.
TFA helps pay for:
- Shelter (mortgage or rent)
- Utilities (electric, gas, propane, water, trash and sewer)
- Essentials (food, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies)
- Clothing for children
- Medical or dental care of the child(ren)
- Medications for the child(ren)
- Educational expenses and more (see Resolution No. 5)
TFA does not cover a car payment or other transportation fees, car repairs, home or cell phone, taxes, cable TV, etc.
Role of investigator
- A trained two-party team, that includes an official of The American Legion post or duly authorized persons, visits the home or another location (could be at a coffee shop) of the child(ren) to validate the information provided by the applicant and verifies the need. Before scheduling a two-party TFA investigation, it is recommended that investigators first confirm that the applicant meets the TFA requirements.
- The investigator completes the application form, including a detailed investigator’s report that provides, and attaches, all supporting documentation, which is critical. Supporting documentation can be current Legion membership card, birth certificates of child(ren), marriage license if applicable, death certificate of eligible veteran if applicable, custody documentation, divorce decrees and legal name changes (if applicable), all current bills, leases, eviction notices, etc. The report should detail the applicant’s need and that all other sources of assistance, including reasons for denial, approval amounts and when assistance was requested
- Complete the entire application. An “N/A” or incomplete sections will likely result in the application being returned for completion.
- The completed application is submitted by the investigator to the department Children & Youth chairman, adjutant or duly authorized department official.
TFA application procedures
- The department reviews and validates the TFA application, then submits it to the Americanism Division at National Headquarters in Indianapolis.
- Nation reviews the TFA application. If more information or documentation is needed, the application will be sent back to the department. This does not mean it’s denied. If the needed information/documentation can be sent, the application will be reviewed.
- Final approval is by the national adjutant of The American Legion.
Payment
- A two-party check to the applicant and creditor(s) is issued.
- Turnaround time once an application is sent to national is about one week.
Download the TFA investigator baseline PowerPoint for this information and more.
TFA don'ts
- Do not submit bills that are from a previous billing cycle or expect payment for a bill that was not in the TFA packet.
- Do not include original documents as supporting documents; they will not be returned.
- Do not provide illegible copies of documents.
- Do not provide National Headquarters contact information to the applicant so that they may follow-up on their application.
- Do not send application packets directly to National. TFA applications must first be reviewed and approved by the department.
- Do not promise the applicant or creditors ANYTHING.
- Do not be afraid to tell an applicant that they do not qualify.
- Dispatch