Emergency financial assistance, free tax preparation built for military and veteran filers, VA debt relief options, and consumer protection when something goes wrong.
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Grassroots 501(c)(3) veterans center in Cedar Rapids, founded in 2013 by local veterans. It runs the Veteran Market food and personal-care pantry (groceries every two weeks, hygiene and household items monthly), a free Thursday lunch, an emergency financial assistance fund for housing and utility needs, a drop-in social space with weekly card games and a monthly pool tournament, and a resource desk that refers veterans to employment, housing, mental health and medical services. Open to veterans, widows, active duty, Reservists, National Guard and their spouses; all services are free.
Office/location listed in IA. Service area has not been verified.
How to get help from Freedom Foundation
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
All-volunteer nonprofit, founded in 2007, that runs a free food pantry open only to veterans and service members, free monthly hot breakfasts at the Sioux City Elks Lodge, holiday dinners with gifts, care packages, and free military-family and youth events. It also gives emergency financial grants directly to individuals; the group reports over 2 million pounds of groceries distributed since 2010 and more than $200,000 in emergency assistance. All programs are free and serve veterans, service members, military families and surviving families in the Siouxland area around Sioux City; there is no published phone number or office, so contact is by email or Facebook.
Office/location listed in IA. Service area has not been verified.
How to get help from Support Siouxland Soldiers
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
One-time cash grants for Iowa veterans facing a financial emergency, paid to the individual and funded entirely by donations. Eligibility is limited to Iowa residents who are honorably discharged or currently serving. Applications are started by calling the Department headquarters in Des Moines; the site lists no application fee and no membership requirement.
Office/location listed in IA. Service area has not been verified.
How to get help from The American Legion of Iowa: Veterans Emergency Fund
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
North Dakota's statewide food bank, headquartered in Fargo with a regional service center in Bismarck (1315 S 20th St, 701-751-6188). It runs a veteran-specific program that mails food boxes directly to veterans in North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota, started because transportation is a barrier for rural veterans, alongside a mobile food pantry, senior food packs, SNAP application help, and a partner network of pantries, shelters and meal sites in more than 100 ND communities. The site does not list a cost or income eligibility requirement for the veteran food box; call or email to ask about signing up.
Office/location listed in ND. Service area has not been verified.
How to get help from Great Plains Food Bank
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
All-volunteer North Dakota nonprofit that sends care packages of hygiene items, non-perishable food and clothing to deployed service members, veterans, military families and first responders, and runs Buddy Check, a wellness outreach encouraging calls, texts and notes to isolated veterans. Its Heroes Fund gives direct assistance to individuals: Heroes Wish requests for household and wellness items, Emergency Relief Aid for sudden hardship such as injury, medical emergency or disaster, a memorial scholarship, and QPR suicide-prevention training scholarships. Requests are submitted through online forms and reviewed quarterly by the board, with expedited review for emergencies; there is no cost to recipients. Mail goes to a PO box, so no street address is published.
Office/location listed in ND. Service area has not been verified.
How to get help from Heroes Compass
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
Wisconsin-only emergency energy fund for veteran households. It helps pay past-due heating and electric bills and covers crisis situations such as running out of fuel, utility disconnection, no heat, and a broken furnace, and can also refer veterans to weatherization, housing help, and their county veteran service officer. Veterans apply first to the state WHEAP energy assistance program through their county human services office, then call Heat for Heroes if they are denied or still in crisis; income limits by household size apply and assistance is free to those who qualify.
Office/location listed in WI. Service area has not been verified.
How to get help from Heat and Housing for Heroes (Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund)
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
VA primary care, social work and nutrition teams connect veterans with food resources. The official page links to Feeding America, 211 and other public locators. This office is an information and care-team route, not a direct food distribution site.
VA healthcare resource route and public food locators; specific local pantry and benefit availability varies.
How to get help from VA Food Security Office
Who it helps
Veterans having trouble obtaining enough food. VA healthcare teams can connect patients with local resources and assess eligibility for additional benefits.
Cost
Resource information; the overview does not specify costs for each referred service or program.
Intake
Tell your VA primary-care team, social worker or dietitian about food difficulties, or use the linked public food locators.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
online, in-person
Next step
Ask your VA care team for food assistance, or use Feeding America or 211 to find food near your ZIP code.
Find nearby food banks, pantries and meal programs by ZIP code or state. Anyone needing help affording food may seek assistance; local requirements and hours vary. Contact the local organization before visiting.
National network locator; search your ZIP code or state, then confirm the actual pantry's service area and hours.
How to get help from Feeding America · Find Your Local Food Bank
Who it helps
Anyone who needs help affording food can visit a pantry or meal program. Individual locations may have residency or other requirements.
Cost
Food pantries provide free food.
Intake
Search by ZIP code, open the local food bank's information and contact it for nearby pantry or meal options.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
online, in-person
Next step
Use the food bank locator and contact the local organization before visiting.
Free public search for local social services (food, housing and rent help, utility assistance, transportation, health care, job training and legal aid), with more than 300,000 programs listed and results filtered to your ZIP code. It carries a Veteran & Military Benefits category, and is the best starting point for the local, short-term help that changes too often for any directory to list reliably.
National resource route; confirm program eligibility and local availability.
How to get help from findhelp (formerly Aunt Bertha)
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
Current VFW program for qualifying active-duty service members, activated Guard/Reserve members and eligible dependents. Grants up to $2,500 cover approved necessities and are paid to creditors. The current criteria do not describe general aid for separated veterans.
National VFW eligibility and inquiry route; individual applications are reviewed and funding is not guaranteed.
How to get help from VFW Financial Assistance for Service Members
Who it helps
Active-duty or activated Guard/Reserve members, or DEERS-eligible dependents, with qualifying deployment, military-pay-error or pending service-connected medical-discharge hardship. Separated veterans are not included in the published criteria.
Cost
Grants up to $2,500; no repayment. Approved bills are paid directly to creditors.
Intake
Review the current eligibility document, then call 866-789-6333 with questions. The applicant must be the service member or eligible dependent.
Documents
Current bills for expenses being considered; ask the program about further supporting evidence.
Ways to connect
online, phone
Next step
Check whether your military-related hardship qualifies before seeking a grant.
DoD-funded free tax software and phone tax consultants for active duty, eligible family members, survivors, and veterans up to 365 days after separation or retirement. No income limit; covers federal and up to five state returns.
National resource route; confirm program eligibility and local availability.
How to get help from MilTax (Military OneSource)
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
IRS-certified volunteers prepare basic returns free for people generally making $69,000 or less, plus TCE sites focused on taxpayers 60 and older. Includes site locators for both programs.
National resource route; confirm program eligibility and local availability.
How to get help from IRS Free Tax Prep (VITA / TCE)
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
Official VA page for reviewing benefit overpayment and copay balances, making payments, and requesting waivers, disputes, or other financial relief. You have one year from your first debt letter to request a waiver.
National resource route; confirm program eligibility and local availability.
How to get help from VA Debt Management (Overpayments & Copays)
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
Free, confidential connection to local rent, utility, food and other assistance. Call for yourself or someone you care about. Local program availability and requirements vary.
National local-help referral network. United Way reports 99% U.S. reach; routing, territory availability and local programs vary.
How to get help from 211 (United Way)
Who it helps
Anyone seeking local assistance, including someone helping a family member or another person.
Cost
211 information and referrals are free and confidential; referred programs have their own rules and costs.
Intake
Dial 211, or use the official local-211 locator for phone, text, chat or online options available in your area.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
phone, online
Next step
Call 211 or find your local 211, then describe the rent, utility, food or other help you need.
Clay County's veterans service office files applications for Minnesota's State Soldiers Assistance Program, a set of state-funded grants: subsistence payments for a veteran or surviving spouse who is disabled and unable to work for at least 30 days, the once-per-lifetime Veteran's Relief Grant for hardship, and annual dental and optical assistance. Benefits are income- and asset-tested and require Minnesota residency; applications go through the County Veterans Service Officer, not directly to the state. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Office/location listed in MN. Service area has not been verified.
How to get help from Clay County Veterans Services - State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP)
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
FirstLink is the Fargo-based nonprofit that answers 2-1-1 for the entire state of North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota, offering free, confidential 24/7 referrals for rent and utility assistance, food, shelter and other basic needs. It also answers 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline contacts for North Dakota and parts of western Minnesota; veterans who dial 988 and press 1 are routed to VA's separate Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 211, call 701-235-7335, or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
Office/location listed in ND. Service area has not been verified.
How to get help from FirstLink
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
North Dakota's state veterans agency runs needs-based grant programs for ND-resident veterans: the Hardship Assistance Grant (up to $5,000 per year) covers medical, dental, optical, hearing, transportation, and housing needs such as dentures, hearing aids, and emergency dental care, while the separate IMPACT Hardship Assistance Grant (up to $5,000 per year, $7,000 lifetime) covers emergency repairs, critical medical needs, and essential household bills. Eligibility is based on veteran status, North Dakota residency, income and asset limits, and documented need; apply through your county Veterans Service Officer. Minnesota residents are not eligible for these grants and should contact their county VSO or the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs instead.
Office/location listed in ND. Service area has not been verified.
How to get help from North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs - Hardship Assistance Grants
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
North Dakota's state veterans agency lends up to $8,000 at 8% interest, repayable over up to 48 months; half the interest is waived if the loan and all fees are paid by the final due date. Eligibility requires at least one year of North Dakota residency plus qualifying service, or status as an unremarried surviving spouse, so Minnesota-side veterans do not qualify. Apply through a county or tribal Veterans Service Officer; the application includes a credit check and income, asset, and residency documentation.
Office/location listed in ND. Service area has not been verified.
How to get help from North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Aid Loan
Who it helps
Eligibility details have not been reviewed here. Confirm with the provider.
Cost
Cost has not been reviewed here. Ask about fees before applying.
Intake
Use the provider’s current intake instructions or contact the office before visiting.
Documents
Document list not reviewed. Ask the provider before sharing personal records.
Ways to connect
Available visit, phone, and virtual options need confirmation.
Next step
Contact the provider to confirm who is eligible, current availability, and how to apply.
211 coverage varies by location. The official state or territory referral route is shown above when an area is selected.
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