Temporary Financial Assistance

Since its establishment in 1925, The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program has awarded cash grants to minor children of veterans who are eligible for American Legion membership.

These grants help families in need meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses, thereby keeping the child or children in a more stable environment.

Eligibility Requirements
Who is eligible for a grant? 

The minor child 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. A qualifying veteran is defined as a member of the United States Armed Forces serving on federal orders current under Title 10 of the United States Code, inclusive of all components, OR any veteran possessing an up-to-date membership in The American Legion. Active duty applicants can be considered without being a member of The American Legion. 

Children 18-20 years old will also be considered if a current disability requires special schooling or indefinite in-home care, or they are enrolled in an approved high school and unmarried. 

​To be eligible for Legion membership, the parent or guardian must have served  federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941,
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​No child is considered eligible for Temporary Financial Assistance until 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. You must take the application into a post to complete with an officer.

Indiana leads nation in TFA funds granted
For the last two program years, the Department of Indiana has ranked first in the nation in the amount of Temporary Financial Assistance disbursements.  In 2013 the Department was 2nd in such disbursements, a true testament to the service of Hoosier Legionnaires.

Past National Cmdr. and Indiana Programs Director Butch Miller credits this success to the volunteers in the field. 

​"I am well aware that these calls don’t always come at the most convenient times," said Miller. "I’m proud to say however, that on those occasions when I needed to call or email you and ask for your involvement in determining the validity and facts of a TFA related request,  I have never been greeted with anything but a willingness to assist. When it comes to veterans helping veterans and their families, obviously, Hoosier Legionnaires not only talk the talk, they consistently walk the walk."

IVETS & CEWF

The Indiana Veterans Emergency Transition System (IVETS) and Children's Education and Welfare Fund (CEWF) are the responsisbility of the Department of Indianan's Children's Education and Welfare Committee (CEWC). Both programs are designed to provide immediate financial assistance to veterans in need of such, and their families when applicable. CEWF or IVETS assistance may only be approved once per family. Having received assistance thru either the CEWF or IVETS program, a veteran/family may not request assistance through the other (CEWF or IVETS) program. To apply, contact a local post and speak with a service officer.

Contact Us
Department Veterans Assistance
317-630-1300
FAX:  317-237-9891
bmiller@indianalegion.org
programs@indianalegion.org