Temporary Financial Assistance

In the 1920s, The American Legion family raised more than $5 million to create the National Endowment Fund. One of the programs created through the Endowment Fund was Temporary Financial Assistance. Through grants, TFA keeps children of deceased or disabled veterans at home rather than in institutions. This cash aid is still available for cases not covered by subsequent state and federal programs for the needy. In 2010, the program provided more than $515,000 to 640 families, benefiting 1,408 children.

Through TFA, a local post can request cash assistance to help maintain the basic needs of veterans' children. The fund helps families meet the costs of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses when parents are unable, thereby keeping the child or children in a more stable home environment.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility is limited to minor children of veterans. The parent must have served at least one day of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States during one the following periods:

Dec. 7, 1941-Dec. 31, 1946
June 25, 1950-Jan. 31, 1955
Feb. 28, 1961-May 7, 1975
August 24, 1982-July 31, 1984
Dec. 20, 1989-Jan. 31, 1990
Aug. 2, 1990-Cessation of hostilities as determined by the U.S. Government.

Membership in The American Legion is not required.

Minor children include any unmarried child, stepchild and adopted child 17 years or younger.
Children 18-20 years old will be considered if a current disability requires special schooling or indefinite in-home care, or they are enrolled in an approved high school.
No child is considered eligible for TFA until a complete investigation is conducted, a legitimate family need is determined, and all other available resources have been utilized or exhausted.
TFA applications must originate and be investigated at the local level. When all other possible resources have been exhausted, contact your local American Legion post, department headquarters, and/or department Children & Youth chairman.