The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announced this week the Military Family Relief Fund Operation Back to School program is now open for applicants. Indiana veteran families experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for up to $500 for each dependent for back-to-school supplies and other school-related expenses and needs.
This program runs now through Sept. 15. Any applications received after 4 p.m. on Sept. 15 cannot be processed and applications will be closed.
The veteran must have an honorable, under honorable conditions or certain other than honorable discharges. The household income cannot exceed twice the U.S. federal poverty guidelines.
An eligible child shall be under 18 years of age at the time of the application, or the child is 18 years of age and still enrolled in high school or a high school equivalently program.
If the veteran has received a previous award, the maximum lifetime amount an applicant may receive from the is $2,500, unless a higher amount is approved by the commission.
Required Documents Checklist
1) Application: General Information form and Grant Request.
2) W9 (must have handwritten signature), Direct Deposit Form (must have handwritten signature).
3) Proof that children reside with veteran. See list of accepted residency documents on grant request form.
4) DD214 that shows the type of discharge.
5) First page of the most current bank statement for all accounts you own, showing account balance.
6) Evidence of income for applicant and spouse (two weeks of most current pay stubs, VA compensation, Social Security, retirement, unemployment, etc.).
Click here to download the application and filing instructions.