The Subsistence program provides temporary assistance with shelter payments (rent/mortgage), current utility bills and health insurance premiums to eligible Veterans and their dependents. This benefit is income and asset based, and is designed to assist Veterans for up to six months for those who are unable to work his/her normal occupation due to a temporary disability, or who are permanently disabled and are waiting to receive a permanent disability benefit from VA Compensation, VA Pension, Social Security or other long term benefit. Veterans must provide proof of the temporary disability by his/her doctor on a medical report, and must have worked within one year of the date on the medical report. Surviving spouses may also be eligible for this benefit without a temporary disability if he/she applies within the first 12 months of his/her Veteran spouse's death. After that time limit the surviving spouse must provide proof of his/her own temporary disability via a medical report. Please contact your County Veteran Service Officer for assistance in applying for Subsistence benefits.
