Governor Tony Evers has suspended several provisions of the Assistance to Needy Veterans Grant (ANVG) program, providing more low-income veterans access to emergency financial aid, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has announced.
“This grant program was designed to help veterans during a time of need,” WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar said in a statement. “COVID-19 has hit many people hard economically. With the changes announced today, we anticipate more low-income veterans will be able to access emergency financial aid. We appreciate Governor Evers giving us the flexibility to help as many veterans as possible during this challenging time.”
The ANVG program provides subsistence payments and other health care grants to low-income veterans who experience a loss of income.
Current rules contain some requirements that would prevent, hinder, or delay payments to veterans who have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor’s office said in a press release, and a temporary suspension of these provisions will allow WDVA to take the necessary action to assist and protect the health and welfare of Wisconsin’s veterans and their families.
According to a press release, the WDVA has requested the following temporary provisions to ease requirements, remove burdens, and reduce limitations on a veteran applying for assistance:
- Suspension of the requirement that applications include specific verification forms containing the signatures of a county or tribal veterans service officer or other authorized agent.
- Suspension of a rule limiting an applicant’s eligibility if the applicant’s income exceeds 180 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Suspension of the deadline by which an applicant must submit an application and receive medical care by a health care provider following the loss of income.
- Suspension of the requirement that an applicant must provide proof that loss of income occurred due to an economic emergency.
To see the emergency order, click here.
