The American Red Cross: Assistance for Veterans

Military service members, veterans and their family members can access emergency services, educational resources and financial assistance from the American Red Cross. Working in partnership with the military aid societies, the American Red Cross serves the vital function of helping active military members and veterans and their families receive financial services and supports.

A network of chapters across the United States and offices on military installations worldwide are available to connect military members and their families with local, state and national resources. Information on services and supports can also be accessed via phone, email, virtual chat and the Hero Care app.

Individuals may be eligible for emergency financial assistance from the American Red Cross if they are:

• An active duty service member
• A member of an activated National Guard or Reserve unit
• An immediate family member of a service member in the above two categories
• A military retiree or spouse/widow(er) of a retiree

Eligibility will be determined over the phone. Be sure to have the following information about you or the service member on hand:

• Full legal name and date of birth
• Rank/rating and branch of service
• Social Security number
• Military unit address
• For deployed service members only, provide information about the deployed unit and home base unit.

Generally, the types of homemaker-companion services include:

• Assist with phone calls and correspondence
• Provide recreational activities and conversation
• Assist with errands and supervise activities as directed, such as getting dressed and ready for the day
• Provide transportation
• Household duties such as laundry, vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes and washing floor

The American Red Cross offers referrals to a wide range of services and supports to eligible military members and their immediate family members, including:

1. Education and Training: For questions regarding eligibility on programs including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Reserve Educational Assistance Program and more.
2. VA Health: Access to healthcare resources such as regular checkups and specialists including mental health providers. Also may include home health care, geriatric care, information on prosthetic and prescriptions.
3. Life Insurance: For questions on types, eligibility, payments, policies and other insurance needs.
4. Home Loans: Financial counseling and assistance regarding obtaining a home or refinancing a home loan.
5. Disability Compensation: Monetary benefits paid to veterans disabled by injury or illness during active service.
6. Burial and Memorial Services: Burial cost reimbursement and allowance and memorial services benefits such as burial at a national cemetery and an inscribed headstone.

Local American Red Cross offices also develop relationships with key community partners. If the Red Cross cannot directly provide assistance to an individual, they can identify their needs and connect them to the most appropriate resources. These include emergency needs for food, clothing or shelter, referrals to counseling services (e.g. financial, legal, jobs, mental health), and information on veterans cemeteries and burial benefits.

Reconnection Workshops

Active military members, veterans and family members can attend free 90-minute workshops to build skills for a successful transition back into the home and community. Workshops cover identifying mental health issues and communication, PTSD and coping with deployment.

Financial Assistance

The American Red Cross works in partnership with military aid societies across the United States to provide financial assistance 24/7/365. Assistance includes the above services and supports in addition to funds for emergency travel, emergency food and shelter, counseling and legal help and pre-deployment financial help.