The Oklahoma War Veterans Commission recognized the need for a program to provide financial aid to veterans, their wives, widows and children who are experiencing an emergency.  Such emergencies must be due to an interruption or loss of job and income resulting from illness, injury or a disaster such as loss of home due to fire, flood or storm.  Unemployment not resulting from the above cannot be considered a reason for granting emergency funds.  These funds are designed for one-time emergency aid and not as a recurring source of income. 

Financial aid grants are available to eligible war veterans discharged under honorable conditions, who meet the one year residency requirements and who:

    1. Meets the definition of a war veteran as defined in Oklahoma Statute ,Title 72 Section 67.13A

2. Has ninety (90) days of actual wartime service, unless discharged from Active duty for a service-connected disability, in the Armed Forces for the United States during the period of time in which the United States participated in a war, campaign or battle, but excluding any person who shall have served on active duty for training only, unless discharged from active duty for service connected disability falling within these dates.                                                    

Wartime dates are:

WWI                        04-06-17 to    11-11-18

WWII                       12-07-41 to    12-31-46

Korean Conflict      06-27-50 to    01-31-55

Vietnam Era           08-05-64 to    05-07-75

                                     02-28-61 for veterans who served “in

                                         country” before 08-05-6

     Persian Gulf War   08-01-90 through future date to be set

                                         By Law or Presidential Proclamation

3. One (1) year residence in the State of Oklahoma immediately prior to date of application for financial aid.

4. Other than death cases, a recent medical statement showing veterans inability to work, is required for payment of financial aid.  No medical statement is required for emergencies involving disasters such as fire, flood or storm damage to home.  We request a statement from the investigating agency concerning disaster claims.

      5.  The widow or minor child's eligibility is based on the veteran's  wartime service; however, on child welfare, the guardian or custodian of the child must have one (1) year residence as required in item number 3.

GENERAL APPLICATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

1. Application for aid available through the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs must originate at the local post or chapter level of the veterans service organizations.   

2. Application will be completed by a Post Service Officer according to instructions and forwarded to the Muskogee Claims Officer for adjudication.

3. Application should be accompanied by a copy of the veterans’ discharge which will remain as a permanent record.

4. Upon approval of a claim for emergency aid, a warrant will be mailed to the Post Service Officer, who will supervise the proper use of the grant funds and maintain accurate and complete records of expenditures on each warrant received and return receipts to the Muskogee Claims Office.

5. Financial Assistance funds are to be used ONLY for the actual necessities of FOOD, RENT and UTILITIES for veterans and their dependents.  The funds cannot be used for old debts, doctor or hospitals bills, car payment, etc.