A shutoff notice is scary, but electric, gas, and water bills are among the most common things emergency programs cover. Help exists for veterans whether or not you've ever used a VA benefit.
Emergency aid is paused right now — but you have other options
Wounded Warriors is a small, veteran-run 501(c)(3). We've committed our entire current emergency-aid budget to the veterans already in our queue, and our next funding cycle opens in Q4 2026. We'd rather be straight with you than leave you waiting on a reply that can't come yet.
Please don't wait on us. The organizations below help with the same bills — rent, utilities, medical, transportation — and several move faster than we can. Apply to more than one; there's no penalty, and the fastest "yes" wins.
Applications reopen in Q4 2026. You're welcome to check back then.
In crisis or thinking about hurting yourself? Call 988 then Press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line) or text 838255 — free, confidential, 24/7, no VA enrollment needed.
Get help today
National emergency funds for veterans
Operation Homefront — 1-877-264-3968Emergency grants paid straight to your landlord, utility, or mechanic for rent, mortgage, utilities, and repairs. All branches, any era — veterans and active-duty.
USA Cares — 1-800-773-0387Emergency grants for rent, mortgage, and utilities, paid to your creditor. All branches and eras; veterans and active-duty.
Semper Fi & America's Fund — 760-725-3680Case-managed financial help for veterans and service members who are combat-wounded, critically ill, or seriously injured. All branches.
VFW Unmet Needs — 1-866-789-6333Grants up to $2,500 for basic needs. Note: geared to active-duty and activated Guard/Reserve — confirm eligibility if you separated long ago.
Army Emergency Relief (AER) — 1-866-878-6378For the Army community — active, retired, and Guard/Reserve on Title 10 orders, plus families. Grants and zero-interest loans for rent, utilities, and more.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society — 703-696-4904For Sailors and Marines — active, retired, families, and surviving spouses. Interest-free loans and grants for rent, utilities, car repair, and food.
LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program →The main federal utility-bill program — helps with heating, cooling, and energy crises. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office (linked from this official HHS page).
211 (dial 2-1-1) →Free 24/7 line — local utility-assistance funds and payment-plan guidance. Also ask your utility directly about hardship programs; most have one.
Benefits.gov benefit finder →Official US government screener for LIHEAP, weatherization, and other assistance you may qualify for.
FCC Lifeline (phone + internet) →Federal discount on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households — frees up money for the bills that can be shut off.
Find local help by ZIP
Our open directory holds 144,800+ verified veteran resources nationwide. Search everything near you by ZIP code, or jump straight to the most relevant finders:
Your state likely runs its own veteran assistance programs on top of the federal ones — see our state guides (for example, Texas) for all 50 states + DC + 5 territories.
Common questions
Who can help me with a utility shutoff notice this week?
Three moves at once: ask your utility company about its hardship or payment-plan options (most have one), dial 2-1-1 for local emergency utility funds, and apply to Wounded Warriors at warriorsfund.org/apply-aid — note the shutoff date so it is treated as urgent. LIHEAP through your state is the larger federal option but can take longer.
Who is eligible for utility bill help from Wounded Warriors?
US military veterans of any era and any branch, with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Active-duty servicemembers in their last 6 months of transition, National Guard and Reserve members who served, and surviving spouses with DIC eligibility also qualify. We do not require a VA disability rating.
What documents do I need?
The utility bill or shutoff notice showing the utility company, the account balance, and the shutoff date. If approved, we may ask for your DD-214 to verify service. Payment goes directly to the utility company, never to your personal account.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Applying is free, and approved aid is a grant — not a loan — so you never repay it. No legitimate veteran charity charges an application fee.
