Financial Assistance

The purpose of the financial assistance program is to consider applications from veterans and their eligible dependents who need financial help.

This assistance is to be of a temporary or emergency nature. It is not meant to be a supplement to normal household income. Abuse of financial assistance over the years is a reason for denial.

Veterans who are experiencing extenuating financial circumstances or a temporary financial hardship would fall under emergency financial assistance. This includes crises such as floods, fires, accidents, property damage, loss of a job, the malfunction of major household fixtures (such as furnaces or hot water tanks), or the death of a family member.

What is — and isn't — supplemental income

Supplemental income is income in addition to personal wages or benefits. The Veterans Service Office is not to be used to fill self-induced deficiencies in one's income. Veterans may not use the Veterans Service Office to supplement their income. Misspending of personal funds does not count as an emergency financial need.

Eligibility requirements

• The financial assistance (bills) requested by the veteran must be in the name of the veteran or spouse. If in the spouse's name, they must reside in the same household.
• If a veteran resides in the same household with family or a friend and the mortgage or rental agreement is not in the name of the veteran, assistance will not be granted. If the client has no rental agreement, a form must be completed by the landlord.
• If the veteran's former spouse has custody of the veteran's dependents and they reside with the divorced spouse, the veteran's children, if a need is shown, shall be considered for food. Birth certificates and divorce papers awarding custody of dependent children must be provided to prove dependency and custody.
• A dependent is defined as a spouse, minor child, mentally dependent child, or child up to age 23 verified as a full-time student in an accredited school.
• Applicants will be required to present marriage certificates, death certificates, and birth certificates to prove dependency.
• If a veteran or widow is applying because of a theft, they must supply a police report verifying the incident. Not supplying a police report will result in a denial.

Application limits

• Applicants may apply for financial assistance up to three (3) times in a 12-month period; Veteran Service Commissioners will not grant exceptions.
• Applicants who have applied for financial assistance for two (2) continuous calendar years will not be eligible for one (1) calendar year, as the assistance is not meant to supplement income.
• Applications cannot be accepted less than six commission meetings from the meeting date of the most recent application.
• A release of information is required to file for financial assistance; without this approval the claim cannot be presented.

Deposits and lifetime caps

The Commission may assist with utility deposits as well as deposits for rent. Deposit assistance for rent/lease can only be obtained once per year and is at the Commission's discretion. Deposits for utilities are limited to first-time deposits.

The Veterans Service Commission may assist in paying for:

• Food
• Fuel cards
• Utilities (to be considered): electric, water, gas, trash — excludes special programs such as HEAP, PIP, etc.
• Heat bills or heat supplies
• Rent and mortgage
• Emergency tooth extraction
• Emergency home repairs
• Clothing assistance

The Commission does not consider these emergency issues:

• Rent, mortgage, or land contracts to any relative of the applicant living in the same household
• Personal taxes
• Phones
• Cable television / Direct TV or streaming services
• Personal loans
• Insurance
• Medical bills
• The expense of school projects or graduation expenses
• The expense of Christmas or other holidays
• Bills in a name other than the veteran, their spouse, or a payee for the applicant
• The Commission does not pay the landlord if the veteran is living with the landlord
• Legal fees, including court-ordered fines, penalties, bail, and child support payments
• No financial assistance will be granted to incarcerated claimants after release who were not residents of Fairfield County prior to incarceration
• Automobile payments / repairs
• Medication (except when approved by the VSC)

While it is required that the bills are past due, do not wait until they are shut off — we do not pay re-connect fees.

Grave Decoration

The Veterans Service Commission provides flag holders and flags to decorate Fairfield County cemeteries on Memorial Day. Our goal is that every veteran's grave has a flag displayed to commemorate the sacrifice made by serving their country.

Our thanks are expressed to the service organizations that provide the volunteers to place a flag in every flag holder on Memorial Day. Without them, this commemoration to honor our deceased veterans would not be possible.

If you find your loved one's flag holder is missing or damaged, you can obtain a replacement at the Veterans Service Commission Office. See the contact information on this page for our office location.

Hunting & Fishing License

Qualifying disabled veterans and former prisoners of war may be eligible for a free five-year hunting and fishing license through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Disabled Veterans & POWs 5-Year Free License form (PDF)

Veterans Organizations

Local veterans organizations — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS, and Vietnam Veterans of America — offer camaraderie, support, and assistance throughout Fairfield County.

Local veterans organizations and meeting times