Financial Assistance for Veterans: How to Get Help
Transitioning out of the military can sometimes be a bumpy journey. The path to civilian life can come with its fair share of twists and turns—including financial hardships. Trying to pay for medical bills, housing, or basic necessities adds stress on veterans and their families during a big transition.
Whether you’re a new veteran or you’ve been out of the military for decades, we want to help you overcome financial hurdles so you’re able to focus on rebuilding your life. We’ve rounded up the best resources that offer financial help for veterans so you can begin finding hope and financial freedom.
Financial assistance for disabled veterans
There are countless nonprofit programs for disabled veterans. The below organizations offer financial assistance for veterans through grants and stipends that can be used for living expenses and medical treatments.
SISIP
They provide a variety of insurance products tailored to all members of the CAF community to enhance their financial health and security.
True Patriot Love
This nonprofit helps 5,000 military and Veteran families a year.
Financial assistance for wounded veterans
For veterans who sustained injuries while serving, these programs offer ways to help them find healing without going into debt.
Wounded Warriors Canada
This organization supports Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families through innovative mental health care.
The Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Trust Fund
This fund is available to veterans and their dependents for food, fuel, clothing, prescription medication, medical appliances or equipment, essential home repairs and emergency shelter.
Organizations that help homeless veterans
Veterans currently make up about one-third of the adult homeless population, according to We Honor Veterans. If you’re a homeless veteran looking for help, the organizations on this list offer emergency financial assistance for veterans.
Homes For Heroes Foundation
Over 3,500 veterans are homeless and living on the streets in Canada. The Homes For Heroes Foundation was developed in response to the growing number of military veterans returning to civilian life who are facing crisis.
Canadian Legacy Project
Canadian Legacy Project was formed in 2008 with a goal to develop and support programs for our Canadian military veterans who are having a difficult time transitioning to civilian life.
VETS Canada
VETS Canada is a national nonprofit that provides aid and comfort to veterans that are in-crisis are at risk of becoming homeless.
Need more funding? Crowdfunding can fill in the gaps
The US government and nonprofits have long sought to provide emergency financial help for veterans who have bravely fought for our country. But sometimes that assistance falls short of what many need to get back on their feet.
To offset expenses not covered by these programs, many have turned to crowdfunding. Through online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe, veterans can raise money for what they need most, whether that’s a service dog, treatment for addiction or mental health care, or general medical expenses. Allies of veterans can also start fundraisers on their behalf and help lift a financial burden. Read GoFundMe reviews for honest testimonials from real users.
Why GoFundMe? Here are just a few reasons:
- There are no eligibility requirements.
- GoFundMe offers fundraising, which means you can keep more of your donations.
- We are backed by the GoFundMe guarantee and offer unparalleled safety.
- You can receive your funds within days of receiving donations.
- Our sharing tools make it easy to ask for help from your entire network of friends and family members.
Veteran crowdfunding success stories
PTSD Help For Struggling Veteran
Clinton is an Army veteran who served in Iraq for a year. While he survived a roadside bomb and recovered from his physical injuries, the PTSD he experienced after returning home was crippling. Clinton sought help and found a 42-day therapy program specifically for veterans suffering from PTSD and addiction. To afford the cost of the treatment program, he launched a GoFundMe and raised over $6,500.
Project Ten Men
Ten-year-old, Aiden, wanted to do something memorable for his country. The Windsor boy launched a GoFundMe to send the ten remaining WWII veterans from the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment Association back to Europe for celebrations in their honour. His GoFundMe coupled with his lemonade stand raised over $2,000.
Four veterans’ causes you can support through crowdfunding
Veterans are our family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbours. With over 650,000 veterans in our Canada, it’s likely you know someone who has served.
If you’re passionate about helping veterans but aren’t sure where to start, crowdfunding is a simple way to make a difference. GoFundMe makes it easy to find organizations helping veterans, or you can start a fundraiser on behalf of an individual.
Below are a few organizations you can support, or discover community fundraisers on our site to find even more.
1. Veterans Voices of Canada
All Veterans have a story – this registered nonprofit helps Veterans tell their stories. Thie mission is to document Canadian military Veterans on camera for history, and education, to be donated to schools, museums, and libraries. To date, they have donated over 4,000 educational videos.
2. Veterans Transition Network
The Veterans Transition network delivers mental health services to Veterans. To date, the organization has helped over 850 veterans across 9 provinces.
3. Veterans Association Food Bank
This registered nonprofit provides food assistance to Veterans through their food bank and hamper program. Their mission is to implement programs in a safe, welcoming environment, a place they can call home
Find financial freedom right now
GoFundMe makes it easy to ask for help when you need it most. If you don’t know where else to turn, we’re here to help you find financial relief and the hope that comes along with it.
Whether you’re a veteran in need or you’re looking to help a veteran or nonprofit, crowdfunding allows you to raise funds and make a lasting difference. Sign up to create your fundraiser today.