When the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services (MBVS) announced the distribution of emergency funds for veterans, local American Legion post commander David Patch was ready.

As head of  Charles E. Sherman Jr. American Legion Post No. 36, Patch has been helping area veterans navigate the VA system to obtain benefits for years. Now, with $125,000 to spend before the state’s fiscal year ends June 30, American Legion posts throughout the state are ready to provide emergency funds to veterans and their families, effective immediately.

“The funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis and within 48 hours of applying,” Patch said. “With the state’s fiscal year ending in June, we will have a lot of money to spend in a short amount of time.” If the entire $125,000 isn’t spent by the end of Maine’s fiscal year, the remaining monies will roll over to the next year, Patch explained.

The fund was established to help veterans facing a financial emergency they are not able to resolve. Examples provided by Patch are some health care costs (co-pays or ambulance services), transportation to work, fuel assistance, or housing assistance during medical treatment. 

“Many times there’s a need for short-term financial relief to have time to solve a larger financial problem. Being able to solve the short-term problem within 48 hours will be a huge relief to veterans and their families,” he said.

Patch wants local organizations who may be working with veterans to know about the fund. “This is a community resource and if an individual finds a veteran in need, they should direct them to the American Legion,” he suggested. Often the veteran is too proud to ask for help, Patch said.

Veterans seeking assistance from the emergency fund will be asked to complete a form providing information about income, expenses and assets. Patch will help those who need help completing the form. Veterans will also need proof of residency, a copy of their discharge papers and other documents.

Payments will be made to the service providers and not directly to the veteran.

The funds are the result of LD 1736 which was signed in June 2018. The new law establishes a dedicated, non-lapsing veterans assistance fund providing financial assistance of $2,000 or less to veterans who are residents of Maine suffering an emergency.

MBVS asked for proposals to administer the fund and selected the American Legion and Easter Seals to assist with the distribution of the funds.  “Easter Seals and the American Legion will do all the processing,” explained MBVS member Sarah Sherman who is a resident of Southport. “We’re really proud of this program and think it will help a lot of veterans,” she added.

Sherman explained that the fund has $250,000 for the state’s 2018/19 budgeted year and the possibility to renew twice thereafter for 2-year terms.  Easter Seals was also selected to distribute funds and will have $125,000 each year to assist veterans.

For more information about the fund, contact Patch at 633-4487.