Arizona Military Family Relief Fund

On this page:
Eligibility
Application
How to Donate
Advisory Committee Info

Who is affected by the war effort? EVERYONE!

When our troops go to war, their family, friends and community go with them. Mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and children are affected emotionally, physically and financially.

The Need.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars have produced combat veterans who are faced with severe injuries not comparable to previous conflicts. In many cases, long-term medical care is needed, requiring families to be by the side of their military hero. Cash-strapped families must pick up the tab for travel, lodging and household expenses while their family member undergoes rehabilitation. 

In the worst scenario, when military families lose a loved one in the line of duty, they are frequently faced with devastating financial hardship. Unforeseen expenses add to the stress of tremendous loss. Families suddenly have to restructure their lives and manage day-to-day bills, all while laying their hero to rest

The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund is here to help. The families of Arizona service members who are currently deployed, have been injured or killed while fighting the Global War on Terror or are facing hardship caused by their deployment can now receive assistance to ease any financial crisis they might encounter.

Requesting Assistance from the Military Family Relief Fund

Arizona service members who meet the qualifications listed below or a member of their family (spouse, widow, widower, dependent children, sibling, or parent - including a family member who stood in loco parentis) can apply for up to $20,000 of financial assistance from the Military Family Relief Fund, of which $3,000 is available for emergency situations.

To be eligible for MFRF assistance, a service member must meet both of the following criteria:

• Been an Arizona resident at the time of deployment as evidenced by having:
  • Deployed from a military base in Arizona or
  • Entered active military service after 9/11/01 from Arizona or claimed Arizona as home of record or
  • Been a member of the Arizona National Guard at the time of deployment
• Been deployed to a combat zone since 9/11/01 or are currently deployed in a combat zone, or become deceased, wounded or seriously ill after 9/11/01 due to deployment

If Discharged, must be under Honorable conditions

Special note:  From 7/29/10 until 12/31/12, the service member may apply for financial assistance if deployed to a combat zone after 9/11/01.  During this window of time, it is not necessary that the service member be able to document combat injuries to qualify for assistance. Applicants will need to show evidence of service in a combat zone and how deployment affected their financial situation.

Family members of those who were killed in action:

• May request up to six months living expenses and other appropriate expenses as determined by the Arizona Military Family Relief Fund Advisory Committee
  

Family members of those who were wounded in action:

• May request temporary living expenses while care is being delivered to the qualifying military person
• May request living expenses or other appropriate expenses as determined by the Arizona Military Family Relief Fund Advisory Committee
  

Families of service members who are experiencing financial hardship:

• May request living expenses or other appropriate expenses as determined by the Arizona Military Family Relief Fund Advisory Committee to resolve financial hardship caused by deployment and assist with transition to financial stability.
  

Click here to download the MFRF Application & Assistance Criteria

Click here to download an Arizona W9 form (required for assistance)

You can contact the Arizona Military Family Relief Fund at 602-234-8403 
or via email at mfrf@azdvs.gov

Your donation to the Arizona Military Family Relief Fund provides peace of mind to soldiers and their families. Your check directly impacts the lives of Arizona's heroes.  You can feel safe with this program as funds are distributed effectively and efficiently to deserving families.*

You not only reap the rewards that come from helping out those in need, but now you can receive a tax credit for your contribution.  That's right: you can decide how to spend a portion of your tax dollars!  YOU tell Arizona what to do with the taxes you already pay!

Thank You for Helping Us Reach Our $1 Million Goal for 2011! 

As of January 17, 2012 we have received a total of $12,653.56
to help Arizona's Military Families! 
Per law, Tax Credits are capped at $1 million per year.

Click here to download a donation form

How Does a Tax Credit Work?
The Fund is administered by the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services so support will go to Arizona military families in need.  It provides taxpayers with an avenue for charitable giving that actually gives the contributor a tax incentive.  The credit is the smaller of the donated amount: $200 if single, $400 if married filing jointly, or the amount of the state tax you owe.  It is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your tax.

All we need from you is your name, address and the last four digits of your social security number and mail it to us. It is that EASY!

Military Family Relief Fund
c/o Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
3839 N 3rd St, Ste 209
Phoenix, AZ 85012

All donors will be mailed a receipt for tax purposes.
For more information about tax credits and how they may apply to you, consult your tax advisor. You can also contact the Arizona Department of Revenue at (602) 255-3381 or visit www.revenue.state.az.us
*By law, administrative costs are capped at 5 percent.
 

  Arizona Military Family Relief Fund
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
3839 N. 3rd St, Suite 209
Phoenix, AZ 85012
mfrf@azdvs.gov