The Chief Administrator of the Division of Veterans Services has the authority under Idaho Code, as the Idaho Veterans Affairs Commission shall determine to be reasonably required, to extend financial relief and assistance to destitute Veterans and to those dependent upon such destitute Veterans through what henceforth will be called the Veterans Services Emergency Relief Program.

Relief grants are provided to eligible individuals for the purchase of food, fuel, shelter, and other necessities of daily living in a time of temporary emergency need. No grants will be made to residents of domiciliaries or long-term care facilities or to a potential recipient who refuses to take advantage of available government benefits or federal-state- local relief. Applicants will be required to obtain certification that they have applied for available assistance programs. Emergency relief funds may not be used to duplicate assistance from other sources.

Amounts of grants will depend upon facts and conditions as shown on the application submitted. A grant amount will be determined in proportion to the extent of the emergency and the length of time assistance is required. Grant recipients may receive only one (1) grant in a six (6) month period. In no case will a grant exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500), and the lifetime total of all grants awarded to a Veteran and their dependents shall not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500). All grants are subject to the availability of funds.

Basic Eligibility.

The applicant must provide proof of the following eligibility criteria:

1. Bona Fide Resident. The applicant maintains, at the time of application, a principal or primary place of abode in the state of Idaho and has the present intent to remain at that home or abode and return to it after any period of absence.
2. Veteran Separated Under Honorable Conditions. Pursuant to Section 65-203, Idaho Code, the applicant is a person who served on active duty in the United States military, naval, or air service and was discharged or separated under honorable conditions after ninety (90) days of continuous active duty, or was separated or discharged from military service earlier than ninety (90) days under honorable conditions because of a service-connected disability.
3. Idaho as Home of Record. Idaho was the applicant’s home of record while completing their term of service. The Chief Administrator of IDVS may waive the home of record requirement if the applicant has resided in Idaho for a minimum of five (5) years.

Persons to Receive Relief – Classifications.

Emergency relief grants may be made by the Idaho Division of Veterans Services to veterans and their dependents who come under the following classifications:

1. Destitute Veterans. Those persons meeting the basic eligibility criteria who demonstrate a state of extreme emergency need resulting from an accident or catastrophic event which has occurred within ninety (90) days of the date of the application for emergency relief, unless such ninety (90) day period is waived by the Chief Administrator of IDVS.
2. Disabled Veterans. Those persons meeting the basic eligibility criteria who demonstrate a state of extreme emergency need who are unemployed as the result of a disabling condition which has occurred within ninety (90) days of the date of application for emergency relief, unless such ninety (90) day period is waived by the Division Administrator.
3. Surviving Spouse and Dependent Children. Surviving spouses and dependent children of Veterans meeting the above eligibility requirements.

IDVS–PO–19–01 Emergency Relief for Veterans Policy

The Veterans Support Fund was established by Idaho Statue, Section 65-209, Idaho Code, to fund programs to support veterans of the armed forces of the United States.

The Division’s policy is to fund programs operated both within and outside state and local government, which support Idaho veterans. Veterans Support Funds are not provided to support the basic needs of individual veterans or their families. Priority will be given to proposals that will serve the greatest number of veterans, and for which there is no other source of funding.

Eligible applicants include individuals, organizations, and governmental entities, including bureaus of the Idaho Division of Veterans Services.

Eligible activities and costs include:

• Programs to inform veterans and the public of services and programs for veterans.
• Programs providing career training to veterans, including programs providing educational scholarships.
• Programs providing training to individuals and organizations supporting veterans, including employees of public and private organizations assisting veterans with healthcare, education, and assistance in obtaining public benefits.
• Acquisition of equipment to support the health, rehabilitation, recreational activities and care of veterans.
• Financial support or sponsorship of ceremonies celebrating or honoring the service of veterans.
• Programs providing social, health, rehabilitation, recreational activities or care to veterans.

Unless specifically stated, no official or officer of recipient organization, individual recipient, or family member of an official or officer of a recipient organization or family member of an individual recipient shall personally profit financially from program funds.

If you feel your program meets the criteria above and you would like to apply for Veterans Support Funds, please complete the attached application and

mail to:
Idaho Division of Veterans Services
C/O Veterans Support Fund
351 Collins Road
Boise, Idaho 83702

or email: idvs@veterans.idaho.gov

Again, thank you for your interest in the Veterans Support Fund program. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Idaho Division of Veterans Services at 208-780-1300.

IDVS–PO–19–02 Veterans Support Fund Grant Policy