Veterans Assistance Fund

Program Overview

Benton County Veterans Program is dedicated to serving Veterans, their families, and the families of deceased Veterans, who meet the eligibility criteria for assistance. We currently serve over 1,000 veterans in Benton County. The county program has had a long standing of assisting indigent Veterans and their family with emergency needs through the Veterans Relief Fund. We provide outreach and case management. We are here to provide local and personal contact for Veterans in Benton County and their families to help address any of their questions, concerns, and issues, and to provide basic information they may need to get assistance. Many Veterans are not always aware of benefits and services that may be available through federal,  state, and local services. It is our goal to see every returning Veteran and their family provided with the support they need and deserve for their service to our county.

The Veterans Assistance Fund is funded via RCW 73.08: Veterans Relief.

Assistance Available to Eligible Veterans:

• Food Vouchers
• Utility Vouchers
• Rental/Deposits/App Fees
• Burial Assistance up to $1,000
• Background check fees for pre-employment
• Hotel/Motel Vouchers for homeless Veterans up to 1 week
• Bus Passes through BFT
• Necessary Safety Equipment required by employer to gain employment
• Dental Assistance up to $2,000
• Childcare Assistance (financial help with childcare)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a Benton County Resident for at least 90 days (unless recently discharged)
• Must be at or below 150% of the poverty guidelines (low-income)
• Must be in need of assistance
• Must be a Veteran

Documents Required for Screening:

Please bring all required documents to the service time(s) to be screened for assistance.

• Copy of DD214
• Photo ID
• Proof of income
• Proof of current residency of Benton County; must be resident for at least 90 days unless recently discharged
• Proof of household size
• Lease and/or 14 day Pay or Vacate Notice
• Widows or widowers must provide marriage license and Veteran's death certificate

How to Apply

To apply for assistance, fill out the application and turn in the necessary documents to one of the service providers listed below.

Application can be found HERE

Make The Connection

Make The Connection connects Veterans, their families and friends, and other supporters to mental health information and hundreds of videos of Veterans sharing their inspiring stories of recovery.

The site is free to use and accessible to everyone.