For veterans: Military families can sign up to receive funds for back to school items

The Indiana Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) is once again launching its annual Operation Back to School initiative to support military and veteran families as they prepare for the upcoming academic year. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by military and veteran families, this program is designed to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with school expenses, ensuring that children of military personnel and veterans have the resources they need for a successful school year.

Details about Operation Back to School

Operation Back to School provides financial assistance to eligible military and veteran families to cover essential school-related expenses. These expenses can include purchasing school supplies, clothing, backpacks and other necessary items that children need to start the school year on the right foot.

The program aims to ensure that children of service members and veterans can attend school with confidence, without the added stress of financial constraints.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Operation Back to School program, applicants must meet specific criteria:

1. Military status : Applicants must be a veteran or a current or former member of the Indiana National Guard, Reserve components or active-duty military stationed in Indiana.
2. Residency : The family must be residents of Indiana.
3. Financial need : Applicants must demonstrate a financial need. This can be shown through documentation of income, expenses and any extenuating circumstances that contribute to the family's financial situation.
4. School-aged children : The assistance is specifically for families with children who are enrolled in K-12 education for the upcoming school year.
5. Assistance amount : Eligible families can receive $500 per dependent child to cover school-related expenses.
6. Application p eriod : Applications must be received by 4 p.m. Aug. 30, 2024.
7. Lifetime limit : There is a lifetime assistance limit of $2,500 per veteran, although exceptions may be made in emergency circumstances upon review by the Indiana Veterans' Commission.

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How veteran families can apply

Applying for the Operation Back to School program is a straightforward process designed to be as accessible as possible for military and veteran families. Here are the steps:

1. Gather documentation : Applicants will need to gather necessary documentation, including proof of military status (e.g., military ID, DD214 form), proof of Indiana residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement), and proof of financial need (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns).
2. Complete the application : The application form for the Operation Back to School program can be found on the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) website, www.in.gov/dva/ . Applicants should fill out the form accurately and completely, providing all required information.
3. Submit the application : Once the application form is completed, applicants can submit it along with the required documentation. Submissions can be made online through the IDVA website or by mail to the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs office, 777 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
4. Review process : The IDVA will review applications on a rolling basis. Approved applicants will receive financial assistance to cover eligible school-related expenses. The amount of assistance will be determined based on the demonstrated financial need and available funds.

The Operation Back to School program is a testament to Indiana's commitment to supporting its military families. By providing this crucial assistance, the Indiana Military Family Relief Fund helps ensure that children of service members have the tools they need to succeed academically and thrive throughout the school year. For more information, visit the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs website or contact my office directly.

If you are interested in volunteering to drive for the DAV Van, need assistance filing a VA disability claim, or have questions about federal, state, or local veterans benefits, please contact my office. Steven Miller, Monroe County Veteran Service Officer; 812-349-2537; smiller@co.monroe.in.us.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: For veterans: Military families can sign up to receive funds for back to school items