Economic Benefits and Assistance

​​There are several financial benefits that a Veteran client may have earned and that their dependents may also be entitled to through the veteran’s service. For questions about your eligibility and how to file to claim the benefits you have earned, please contact your nearest Benefits Office. Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) can explain what benefits you’ve earned and can help you claim them. 

Military Retired Pay

Retired pay is a monthly benefit for military service members based on the years served and their pay at the time of discharge. Normally, this would only be granted after 20 years of active service or equivalent. However, those with medical retirements and those who were offered early retirement during force drawdown may draw this benefit with less than 20 years of service. Retired pay is administered by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). A retired service member may access their DFAS account electronically.

VA Pension

Veterans of periods of conflict and their surviving spouses may be eligible for Non-Service-Connected Pension or a survivor pension​. These are tax-free benefits for Veterans and their survivors who are low-income. 

VA Home Loan Program

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Program helps service members, Veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. This benefit helps eligible participants buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for personal occupancy. 

VA home loans are loans provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, where the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, enabling the lender to provide participants with more favorable terms that generally do not require a down payment. Participating financial institutions should have all of the information you need.

Federal VA Financial Hardship Assistance 

The Federal VA Financial Hardship Assistance program​ assists veterans who experience a sudden decrease in income or an increase in out-of-pocket health care expenses who can no longer afford their VA Co-pay bills. 

Service Organizations and other Non-Profits

Jobs & Hope
Jobs & Hope West Virginia is the state’s comprehensive response to the substance use disorder crisis. Established by the West Virginia Legislature, this program offers support through a statewide collaboration of agencies that provide West Virginians in recovery the opportunity to obtain career training and to ultimately secure meaningful employment.

United Way
The United Way has a database through WV 211 providing all types of resources for all populations. 

American Legion - Temporary Financial Assistance Program
The Temporary Financial Assistance Program has been in existence since 1925 and provides assistance to a veteran family in need. A qualifying veteran is one who was a member of the US Armed Forces who served on federal orders under Title 10 of the United States Code or any veteran possessing an up-to-date membership in the American Legion. A one-time non-repayable temporary financial assistance grant of up to $1.5 K will be permitted for the veteran's minor child(ren).

Veterans of Foreign Wars - Unmet Needs Program
The Unmet Needs Program offers a grant to active duty service members, including Gard and Reserve members, who have unexpected financial difficulties because of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. 

Operation Family Fund
Operation Family Fund is a private non-profit charitable organization. It is sponsored totally by private donations and run by volunteers; there are no paid staff. Their goal is to assist families of those who have been injured as part of the Global War on Terrorism with grants for transitioning to their new circumstances and attaining financial self-sufficiency.

Semper Fi & America’s Fund
Semper Fi & America's Fund has several programs to help Veterans. These include their Service Member and Family Support program, designed to give direct financial assistance to combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured service members and military families during hospitalization and recovery; Transition Program to help wounded and critically ill service members and veterans thrive beyond injury to recovery; Integrative Wellness Program, to provide a holistic approach to long-term health by providing tools to improve body mind and spirit. 

Operation First Response
Military Family Assistance Program​
Can offer assistance to veterans and first responders with personal and financial needs. Financial aid varies from case to case but is based on individual needs, which can include help with rent, utilities, vehicle payments, groceries, clothing, and medically necessary travel expenses.

USA Cares 
The USA Cares Veteran and Family Support System can provide possible immediate financial support, and also financial education to veteran families who are facing financial difficulty. 

Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project Financial Education Program and Financial Assistance provides financial education and other assistance to help veterans cope with civilian life, in addition to possible immediate financial assistance.