Veterans Assistance Program

A 'last chance' assistance program for veterans experiencing hardship, founded in the spirit of Veterans Helping Veterans.

Geographic Scope

Eligible States: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin only

Focus Areas

Veterans can apply for assistance in ONE of the following areas:

• Utilities
• House Service Systems
• Auto Repair
• Dental

Eligibility Requirements

• Discharge Status: Must have received an Honorable Discharge OR General Discharge under honorable conditions
• Residency: Must live in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin
• Prior Applications: Must have applied to at least THREE other organizations for assistance and been denied before applying to OSOT-America (no exceptions)
• Documentation: Must provide all required documentation supporting the request
• Sustainability Plan: Must demonstrate how financial stability will be maintained after receiving assistance

What the Program Provides

• Award Type: One-time grant (not loans or advance payments)
• Payment Method: Funds sent directly to the organization the veteran is obligated to pay
• Award Limit: Amount requested may not exceed amount owed or maximum outlined in guidelines

What is NOT Funded

• Future or advance payments
• Areas of need outside: utilities, house service systems, auto repair, dental
• Applications from veterans outside IL, IN, or WI
• Requests that don't match documented hardship

Contact Information

Address: 1807 S. Washington Street, Suite 110, #359, Naperville, Illinois 60565

Additional Notes

• Applications processed in order received
• All applications with asterisked items are required
• Applying does not guarantee assistance will be awarded
• Veterans must read program guidelines before applying
• If awarded assistance, it is a one-time grant only

How to Apply for Veterans Assistance

#### Step 1: Review Guidelines
1. Read the complete Veterans Assistance Program Guide before applying
2. Understand the only areas covered: utilities, house service systems, auto repair, or dental
3. Review required documentation

#### Step 2: Apply to Other Organizations First
1. Apply to at least THREE other organizations for assistance
2. Wait for denial responses from all three organizations
3. Collect denial documentation from each organization

#### Step 3: Complete Application Form
1. Fill out the entire Veterans Assistance Program Form online
2. All items marked with an asterisk (*) are required
3. Do not skip any sections

#### Required Documentation & Information

Military Documentation:

Upload PDF or JPEG of: DD214, NGB 22 report, DARP FM 249-2E, NRPC 1070-124, AF 526, NAVMC 798, or CG 4175

Redact social security number and birthdate before uploading

Provide Military Date of Entry (MM/DD/YYYY)

Provide Military Date of Release (MM/DD/YYYY)

Branch of Service

Discharge type (Honorable or General under honorable conditions)

Personal Information:

Full name

Address (street, city, state, ZIP)

County of residence (IL, IN, or WI)

Gender

Race/ethnicity

Phone number (mobile or home)

Email address

Financial Documentation:

Two most recent pay stubs OR

Two most recent Social Security checks OR

Two most recent disability checks

Current credit score (picture/screenshot)

If unemployed: proof of other income sources

Monthly household income

Number of household members

Number of household members contributing to income

Hardship & Sustainability Documentation:

Typed letter (250-500 words) explaining:

- How the grant will improve your life
- How the improvement will be sustainable after receiving the grant

Explanation of why you are applying for assistance (2,000 character maximum)

Sustainability plan for maintaining financial stability

Area-Specific Documentation:

Utilities: Most current utility bill

House Service Systems or Auto Repair: Current price quote or written estimate on company letterhead (dated within three weeks of application)

Other Assistance History:

List any financial assistance previously received from charities or nonprofits (dates, organization names, amounts)

Denial Documentation from Other Organizations:

Upload email or written documentation of denial from:

- First organization (name, mailing address, website, phone number)
- Second organization (name, mailing address, website, phone number)
- Third organization (name, mailing address, website, phone number)

Employment Status:

Current employment status (yes/no)

If not employed: sources of income (Social Security, Unemployment, Disability, Other Assistance)

If 'Other Assistance' selected: explanation of sources

Payment Plan Information:

Do you have a payment plan in place for utilities? (yes/no)

Area of Assistance Selection:

Select ONE area only: Utilities, House Service Systems, Auto Repair, or Dental

Referral Information:

How did you hear about the Veterans Assistance Program?

If referred by organization: which organization?

Additional details about referral source

#### File Format Requirements

Accepted formats: PDF, JPEG, PNG

Maximum file size: 50 MB per upload

All documents must be clear and legible

#### Submission Confirmation

Verify you have read guidelines in their entirety

Confirm understanding that only ONE area of assistance will be considered

Confirm understanding that applicant must live in IL, IN, or WI

Complete CAPTCHA verification before submitting