Welcome to the VA Resouce Page. Your Guide to taking control of you VA Benefits
As a district commander, you may encounter situations during your commandership where a veteran will approach you in reference to financial assistance. You should always refer them to the appropriate agencies within the veteran's community such as Red Cross, Veterans Trust Fund, Soldier/Sailor Relief Commission, etc. If, however, these options have been exhausted, department headquarters provides the following options based on eligibility and available resources.
The American Legion Department of Michigan Veteran Services Regional Office
Our staff is dedicated to providing the very best veterans’ advocacy to Michigan Veterans and their families. They can assist with Claims Preparation, Presentation and appeal counsel in Veterans’ benefits services. Assist you and your Dependents in getting the Benefits that you have earned by your service to your country.
Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building Room 1210
Office Phone (313) 964-6640 Fax (313) 964-5697
e-mail - al.vbadet@va.gov
Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
--------------------------------------
Find a County Veteran Service Office for Michigan veteran trust fund questions at michigan.gov/mvaa/county-filter-search-locations
American Legion National "Temporary Financial Assistance" Program: Application must be for wartime veterans who have minor children in the home. Application can be obtained from department headquarters by contacting Ron Runyan at 517.371.4720, ext. 14 or Department VAR Director Gary Easterling 313.964.6640.
Department Welfare Fund: To assist with emergency needs such as food, rent, or utilities. Wartime veterans who were honorably discharged, or the widow of said veteran, can apply for a maximum amount of $225 per calendar year. Applications can be obtained by contacting Department VAR Director Gary Easterling at 313.964.6640 or Department Reconnect Committee Chairman Gary Tanner at 313.550.4289.
National Emergency Fund: A national American Legion program that handles financial assistance for individuals or posts if the assistance needed is due to "declared" national disasters such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes or related adverse weather events. Individual grants are up to $1500, and post grants are up to $5,000. Contact Department Adjutant Ron Runyan 517.371.4720.
Heroes to Hometowns: A program designed to assist severely injured veterans from the War on Terrorism. Veterans must return to his/her local community upon discharge from a military hospital due to combat wounds. Contact Eddie Brown 734.246.5462.
Military Family Relief Fund: A Department of Military and Veterans Affairs program located in Lansing, designated for activated soldiers of the Michigan National Guard and Reserve components. Contact the Military Family Relief Fund toll-free at 1.866.271.4404.
As stated earlier, all applicants should seek assistance from their community agencies prior to applying to the above.
Lansing designated for activated soldiers of the Michigan National Guard and Reserve
components. Contact Military Family Relief Fund toll-free 1.866.271.4404.