Pierce County veterans can get extra financial help during COVID-19 crisis
Veterans feeling financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic can get a new form of aid from Pierce County’s Veterans Assistance Programs.
Prior to COVID-19, veterans applying for assistance through the VAP would need to earn 50% or less than area median income and would need to meet specific requirements surrounding military discharge status.
Through the Veterans Emergency COVID-19 Assistance program, or VECA, veterans are eligible for financial assistance if they earn 80% or less than AMI regardless of discharge status, and there are no active-duty service requirements. The county’s Veterans Assistance Programs was able to expand its financial assistance offerings with funds from the federal CARES Act.
Veterans who have applied for assistance through Veterans Assistance Programs whose applications may have been denied in the past are encouraged to reapply now, said Kari Moore, public information specialist for Pierce County Human Services. Veterans already receiving financial assistance also are encouraged to apply as they may be able to get additional help.
Through VECA, veterans are able to get up to $150 per month in food assistance and $2,500 per month in rent assistance. They can also get financial assistance with mortgage payments, car payments or other transportation expenses like gas cards and bus passes, utility payments and moving assistance.
The expanded offerings are available for up to six months. Applications will be open until Dec. 31 or until extra funding runs out, Moore said.
In the last year, Veterans Assistance Programs has served 884 households in Pierce County.
The Veterans Assistance Programs are part of Pierce County Human Services. Though their offices are currently closed, veterans can apply online using an online form or by emailing Veterans@piercecountywa.gov or by calling 253-798-7449.
This story was originally published June 17, 2020 at 5:15 AM.
