Grants for Veterans
- Grants provide financial support to veterans and do not need to be repaid.
- Certain grants help cover emergency needs, housing modifications, or business expenses.
- Service-connected disabilities and proof of financial hardship may be required to qualify.
- Veterans should gather essential documents like DD-214s and income statements before applying.
- Scams are common—always apply through official channels and avoid programs that charge fees.
From emergency assistance to career development and housing support, a variety of grant programs exist to honor veterans’ service and help meet essential needs. Knowing where to look and how to apply helps ensure you get the support you’ve earned.
Free Consultation with a Certified Debt Specialist
Start with a Free No-Obligation Consultation
From emergency assistance to career development and housing support, a variety of grant programs exist to honor veterans’ service and help meet essential needs. Knowing where to look and how to apply helps ensure you get the support you’ve earned.

Start Paying off Your Veteran Debt Today!
What Are Grants
Grants are a form of financial assistance that doesn’t need to be repaid. This makes them different than loans, which often come with interest and strict repayment terms. For veterans facing financial challenges, grants can offer much-needed support without adding to their debt burden.
While grants are available to many groups, certain grants are created specifically for veterans. These programs are designed to honor the service and sacrifice of those who’ve served in the military by providing aid in areas like housing, education, emergency expenses, and healthcare.
Types of Grants Available for Veterans
Veterans can access a wide range of grants to help with life’s essential needs—from housing to education to starting a business. Below are some of the most impactful grants currently available.
Emergency and Basic Needs Grants
These grants help veterans manage immediate financial challenges such as rent, utilities, food, or access to wellness services and housing support.
Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance Program
This program provides financial relief to eligible military families and veterans for essential needs such as housing costs, utility bills, groceries, and vehicle repairs. It’s aimed at helping families achieve long-term stability by addressing short-term financial crises.
USA Cares Emergency Assistance Grant
The USA Cares Emergency Assistance Grant offers immediate financial support to post-9/11 veterans and active-duty service members who are experiencing financial hardship due to their service. Funds are typically paid directly to service providers to ensure they are used for vital needs like rent or utilities.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) Disaster and Emergency Assistance Grants
These grants provide financial relief for urgent needs following emergencies such as natural disasters, fires, or other unexpected crises. Assistance can help cover costs like temporary housing, evacuation expenses, or replacing essential household items.
Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) Grants to Provide Stability (GPS)
The Grants to Provide Stability program offers financial assistance to veterans experiencing temporary financial hardships. Funds can be used for essential expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and in some cases, car payments or internet services tied to employment needs.
Housing and Accessibility Grants
These programs help veterans with service-connected disabilities live safely and independently by funding home purchases, adaptations, or modifications.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants
SAH grants help veterans with certain service-connected disabilities build, buy, or remodel homes to better accommodate their physical needs. These grants are intended to improve accessibility and independence by funding features such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and modified bathrooms.
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grants
TRA grants provide financial assistance to veterans who are temporarily living in a family member’s home and need modifications to make the space accessible. These grants help ensure that veterans with service-connected disabilities can live safely and comfortably while residing with loved ones.
Career and Business Grants
These grants support veterans who are pursuing new careers or building their own businesses after military service.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Grants
VR&E grants offer support to veterans with service-connected disabilities who need help preparing for, finding, or maintaining employment. This program may include services such as career counseling, tuition assistance, on-the-job training, and resume development.
StreetShares Foundation’s Veteran Small Business Grant
The StreetShares Foundation awards grants to veteran-owned small businesses that are making a positive impact in their communities. Grant recipients are selected through a competitive application process and may also receive access to business coaching and networking opportunities.
Warrior Rising Grant Program
The Warrior Rising program offers a combination of business development training, one-on-one mentorship, and financial grants to help veterans launch or expand their businesses. The program’s goal is to empower veterans to become successful entrepreneurs.
How to Qualify for Veteran Grants
Each grant program has its own specific eligibility requirements, but there are some common criteria that many veteran-focused grants share.
Veteran Status and Discharge Type
Most veteran grant programs require applicants to have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and to have received an honorable or general discharge. Some grants are limited to post-9/11 veterans or those with specific types of service, such as active-duty combat experience.
Proof of Financial Need or Hardship
Many grants are designed to support veterans experiencing financial challenges. You may be asked to provide documentation such as income statements, past-due bills, or eviction notices to demonstrate need.
Service-Connected Disabilities
Some grants, especially those related to housing and employment, are specifically intended for veterans with service-connected disabilities. To qualify, you may need to submit documentation from the VA confirming your disability rating.
Documentation Requirements
In nearly all cases, you will need to provide supporting documents. Commonly required materials include your DD-214 form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), proof of income, and identification. Some programs may also require letters of recommendation or personal statements.
Tips for Navigating the Grant Application Process
Each veteran grant program has its own rules, paperwork, and timeline. While this can make things feel overwhelming, there are some helpful strategies that can make the process smoother and increase your chances of success:
- Start with the official source. Always apply through the official organization or government agency that offers the grant. Be cautious of third-party sites that ask for unnecessary personal information or fees.
- Double-check eligibility before applying. Some grants are limited to veterans of specific service eras, discharge statuses, or disability ratings. Others may prioritize veterans with dependents or those experiencing housing insecurity.
- Keep your documentation organized. Many grants require proof of service (like a DD-214), VA disability award letters, income verification, or documentation of financial hardship. Having these documents ready can save time and stress.
- Write clearly and honestly. If the application includes a personal statement or short answer section, use it to explain your situation in straightforward terms. Focus on how the grant would help and what you’re doing to move forward.
- Watch for deadlines and submission details. Some grants are available year-round, while others open for limited application windows. Make note of any due dates, required formats, and whether you need to submit online or by mail.
- Save copies of everything you submit. Keep a folder (digital or physical) with your completed applications, documents, and confirmation emails in case you need to reapply or follow up.
- Don’t be afraid to follow up. If you haven’t heard back after the expected review period, it’s okay to contact the organization to check on your application status or see if additional information is needed.
Avoiding Grant Scams
Scammers sometimes target veterans by posing as legitimate grant providers. These scams can be convincing, but watching for common red flags can help you protect yourself and your personal information.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you search for grants:
- Be wary of “guaranteed” grants or fast approvals. Legitimate grant programs do not guarantee funding or offer money without a formal application process. Claims of instant approval are usually a scam.
- Never pay to apply for a grant. Real grants do not require application fees, processing charges, or any kind of upfront payment. If you’re asked to pay, it’s likely a scam.
- Verify the source. Always apply through the official website of the organization or agency offering the grant. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, calls, or messages promoting grants.
- Protect your personal information. Do not share your Social Security number, bank account details, or VA documentation unless you are certain the program is legitimate and you are submitting through a secure application portal.
- Ask for help if you’re unsure. If something seems suspicious, contact a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), reach out to the VA, or speak with a trusted nonprofit. They can help you determine whether a grant offer is legitimate.
All You Need To Know
We’ve put all of our essential resources in one spot. Everything from debt resolution to taking control of your financial future . Need to talk? Our experts are here to help. Call us anytime for a free no-obligation consultation.
Pay off your credit card debt
- Receive A Free Savings Estimate Today
- See How Quickly You Can Be Debt Free
- No Fees Until Your Accounts Are Settled
Essential Reading
The latest debt relief news, tips, and resources from our team.
We’ve transformed the lives of more than 500,000 people

Now I wake up knowing that I am paying off my debt, it’s like a weight lifted off my chest and I can breathe a bit more.

“The anxiety is gone, I am credit card debt-free. And that right there, I never thought I would be able to say those words, and it just feels so good.”
Michelle saved 23% on her debt

Now I’m able to go on vacation for the first time in a long time- I was able to go and relax. I couldn’t do that before.