Washington law requires each county to establish a fund for needy veterans and their families and the families of deceased veterans. Each county is authorized to levy a tax to support the fund. The type of assistance varies from county to county. For example, some counties provide direct cash assistance to pay for emergency needs such as shelter, utilities, medical needs, or food.
Some counties provide vouchers for certain specified needs.
There is a dollar limit to the amount of assistance and the number of times per year that one can get it and this, too, varies from county to county. Because each county has its own plan, where and how to apply varies. To find out how to apply in your county, call the county government main office and ask for the person who has the Veterans Assistance Fund or Veterans Relief plan. Ask that person to refer you to the veterans organization that administers the money. Or, you can call a local veterans organization such as American Legion or D.A.V. and ask to speak to the commander or a service officer.