Veteran Financial Assistance

Veterans Financial Assistance Program

The Veterans Assistance Program is a financial supportive supplemental program designed to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible Veterans of Rock Island County and families from all branches of service with the basic necessities of rent, utilities, food, and personal hygiene products not covered by other governmental, County, State or welfare program.

 Eligibility Standards, Procedures and Rules

Applicants for Veterans Assistance must meet the following:

  • Must be a resident and live in Rock Island County.

  • Applicants must have applied for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and shall not be receiving aid from another welfare agency. Must meet income guideline requirements. The VACRICO uses SNAP guidelines and income limits to determine qualification of a Veteran. See https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30357

  • Must have served on active duty and have proof of being Honorably discharged from such service with a DD214. Only active duty that produces a DD214 will be used to determine qualification. No other verification is accepted. 
  • If you entered active Service prior to September 7, 1980 you must have served at least 1 day active duty service.
  • If you entered active Service after September 7, 1980 must complete a minimum of 24 consecutive months’ active duty or one day of combat during a period of hostilities as recognized by the President and Congress of the United States of America.
  • If you are service connected with a VA disability, the 24 month requirement is waived but still need to meet the other eligibility requirements. VA Summary of Benefits letter is required for Verification. This office can assist with this requirement.

How to Apply

Every person has a right to receive and submit a written application for Veterans Assistance. Further, every person who applies for Veterans Assistance will be reviewed to determine if they qualify for the program. Fill out the Financial Assistance Application Packet to apply.

What is needed to apply:

  • DD 214
  • Summary of benefits letter from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) stating that you have been approved and amount you receive monthly. Contact your local DHS center. https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12&officetype=5&county=
  • Personal Identification such as a valid driver’s license, state ID, Veterans ID, or VA Health care ID.
  • VA disability Summary of Benefits (If applicable as stated above)

Method of Computation of Need

The actual income of an applicant for financial assistance must be taken into account in determining the applicant's need and the total amount of benefits to which the Veteran is entitled. If the amount of the applicant's current or anticipated income is less than the predetermined SNAP standards, the applicant is eligible for participation in this program and the amount of assistance payments will be based on the difference.

Indigence

Standards of indigence are applied by the Department of Human Resources in the State of Illinois and the Standards of Indigence set by the Veterans Assistance Commission.

The Following Assistance Is Given upon Qualifications

  • Food Orders (2X a month) and Personal Items (1X a month): Depending on size of family. Can only use specific stores given to you at time of program acceptance.
  • Utilities (1 X a month): (Water, Gas & Electric): Utility payments will be made, providing the applicant qualifies and paid directly to vendor providing service. No deposits will be paid to the utility company though this financial assistance.
  • Rent Payments (1 X a month): This Veterans Assistance office does not pay mortgage payments, security deposits, back rents or home-finding fees. Rent is paid directly to vendor providing housing.

Rules:

***Violation of any of the above can result in suspension or termination from the program***

This office is governed by the Illinois State Compiled Statute 305 ILCS 5/6-1.4, par. 6-1.4.