Veterans Relief Fund

The Lenawee County Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans’ Relief Fund (VRF) was approved for funding by the County Commissioners in October 2010 under the provisions of Michigan County Law 35.21–35.27, Act 214 of 1899.

Following the creation of detailed policies, procedures, applications, forms, and bylaws—and the accumulation of funds through the approved tax levy—the VRF began assisting eligible applicants in April 2011.

Eligibility for Temporary Emergency Assistance

Proof of Eligible Wartime Military Service

  • The veteran must have been honorably discharged, retired, or on active-duty status under honorable conditions, with at least one day of wartime service (other than for training purposes).
  • Veterans awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal are also eligible, provided they served at least one day honorably on active duty.
  • National Guard and Reserve members are only eligible if they have a DD Form 214 showing federal activation (other than for training or state emergency).

Residency

  • The veteran and/or their legal dependent must provide proof of residency in Lenawee County, Michigan.

Dependency

  • Legal dependents include minor children and/or the unmarried surviving spouse of an eligible Michigan veteran.

Proof of Income

  • Applicants must submit documented proof of income for all household members. The VRF has an indigent income threshold limit.

Proof of an Unforeseen Emergency

  • Applicants must provide documentation of the emergency (e.g., house fire, medical leave from work, pending disability or unemployment benefits, shut-off notice, foreclosure, eviction, repossession notice, etc.).
  • Applicants must also submit:
    • Verification of attempts made to resolve the issue before seeking VRF aid.
    • Documents and information indicated on the provided VRF checklist. 
    • A written explanation describing why assistance is sought and how future financial obligations will be met.

Definition of Emergent Need

An emergent need is any unforeseen circumstance in the life of an honorably discharged veteran and/or their legal dependents that meets the prescribed eligibility requirements and requires immediate temporary assistance.

The VRF:

  • Supplements existing aid programs but is not intended to replace them.
  • Provides temporary, not long-term, assistance.
  • For necessary essential needs, not for a relief of an inconvenient.
  • Financial hardship cannot be caused by financial mismanagement, or due to bankruptcy. 

A request must demonstrate that VRF assistance will reasonably allow the applicant to resume meeting their own financial obligations in a timely manner. If there is no reasonable expectation of financial recovery, the request does not meet VRF policy.

Application Process

  1. Applicants will be informed of VRF eligibility requirements and given:
    • A checklist of required documents and information needed.
    • Referrals to other emergency aid agencies (if applicable).
  2. Once the applicant has gathered all required materials, an interview will be scheduled with a VRF representative to complete the application.
  3. Incomplete applications or failure to provide required documentation may result in denial.
  4. No cash assistance is provided. All payments are made directly to the vendor/creditor.

The Lenawee County Department of Veterans Affairs will assist applicants as much as possible, either through the VRF or by referring them to other programs that may better meet their needs.