Hardship Assistance
Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA)
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.
CONTACT THE POST 101 SERVICE OFFICERS TO DISCUSS, REVIEW PROGRAM & QUALIFICATIONS AND APPLY:
Post 101 Service Officer: Joanne Folger (860) 394-6798 JoanneFolger51@gmail.com
Post 101 Service Officer: Dan Glogowski (860) 873-2327 22gski@gmail.com
Make a donation
You can donate to the Temporary Financial Assistance program by sending a check or money order, made out to The American Legion Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN, 46206 or click here to donate online.
Soldiers', Sailers' and Marines' Fund (SSMF)
The Soldiers', Sailers' and Marines' Fund was established by the Connecticut General Assembly of 1919 to recognize the sacrifices and heroism displayed by Connecticut's sons and daughters during "The Great War" (World War I). $2,400,000 had been allocated to recognize the contributions of returning veterans. Debate was spirited as to how the funds should be utilized so as to do the most good. The payment of individual bonuses to veterans was considered. After lengthy debate, however, the General Assembly decided that the money would be set aside in trust, with the interest, after investment of the funds, to be used for the benefit of needy veterans and their families. The legislation, Public Act 336 of the Session Laws of 1919, was the genesis of the Fund.
The legislation designated The American Legion as the administrative agency which was to have responsibility for the activities of the Soldiers' Sailors' and Marines' Fund.
In 1937, the funds were placed in the custody of the State Investment Committee. As World War II came to a close, a $15,000,000 ceiling was established for the Fund, with the additional money to be funded from a tax on cigarettes. Funding from this source continued until 1962, at which time it was eliminated. Over the years the ceiling of the Trust Fund has been increased to current levels. Growth has resulted from reinvestment of unused funds and from growth in equity.
The partnership between The American Legion and the State of Connecticut in serving Connecticut's veterans is unique in the nation and has achieved remarkable results. There have been but nine Administrators of the Fund since its inception in 1919, and each has served concurrently as Department Treasurer of The American Legion. The majority of the Fund Representatives in the municipalities are volunteer members of The American Legion.
Volunteer hours make up a significant portion of the time resources necessary to keep the Fund functioning. Such efforts allow the Fund to expend more of its financial resources to benefit veterans than would otherwise be the case.
The partnership between The American Legion and The State of Connecticut is one that has addressed the pressing needs of Connecticut's veterans and alleviated suffering since 1919. The citizens, veterans and Legionnaires of Connecticut are justifiably proud of this continuing legacy.
For more information visit the SSMF on the web at www.ct.gov/ssmf.
CONTACT THE POST 101 SSMF REPRESENTATIVES TO DISCUSS, REVIEW PROGRAM & QUALIFICATIONS AND APPLY:
Post SSMF Representative:
David McCaffrey (888) 240-8188 PostCdr@SomersPost101.org
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Fund Administrator
Charles Berry
864 Wethersfield Avenue
Hartford, CT 06114-3184
Phone: (860) 296-0719
Fax: (860) 296-0820
http://www.alctssmf.org/
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Department Service Officer
Veterans need not be alone in their battles for benefits and medical care. Veterans are often forced to wage war against the paperwork and bureaucracy of government in order to get medical care or benefits. Here's some good news: American Legion Service Officers offer free advice and guidance for veterans who need to deal with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
If you are a veteran in Connecticut in need of assistance, please contact the Connecticut Department Service Officer via the following contact information:
VA Healthcare - Newington Campus
555 Willard Avenue
Newington, CT 06131-0909
Mail: PO Box 310909
OFFICE HOURS:
Weekdays (except holidays) 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Phone: (860) 594-6600
Fax: (860) 667-3257
kenneth.lewis3@va.gov
K. Robert Lewis
555 Willard Avenue
Newington, CT 06131-0909
Phone: (860) 594-6600
Fax: (860) 667-3257
kenneth.lewis3@va.gov