Individual Hardship & Emergency Fund
Because every hero deserves a hand when life gets hard.
A Corporal Daegan Page Foundation ProgramThis program is available to the following individuals:
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Individuals currently serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including:
Active Duty
National Guard
Reserve Components
This includes full-time service members, those on active orders, and those serving part-time in a drilling or training status.
Proof of current service may be required. -
Individuals who have previously served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves.
A DD-214 or equivalent documentation may be requested. -
Immediate family members of a service member who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This includes:
Parents/Stepparents
Spouses
Children/Stepchildren
Siblings/Stepsiblings
Eligibility may require documentation of the service member’s death in the line of duty or confirmation of Gold Star status.
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Those who shared a meaningful and committed relationship with a fallen service member. This may include:
Fiancés
Long-term partners
Grandparents
Chosen family or others deeply impacted by the loss
Eligibility is considered on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on the depth of the personal connection and role in the service member’s life.
Applications are now back open, until we are out of funds again, which could occur at anytime.
🚨 Update: 6/5/26 📢
Applications are now back open, until we are out of funds again, which could occur at anytime. 🚨 Update: 6/5/26 📢
A sudden medical diagnosis. A car breaking down when there’s no savings. Rent going up without warning. A caregiver draining a bank account. A flood that takes out everything in a basement apartment. Losing hours at work because of PTSD flare-ups. These moments don’t make the news, but they turn lives upside down.
Veterans, Gold Star families, and those who’ve loved and supported them often carry more than their share. When one more blow becomes too much to manage, this fund is here to step in.
This isn’t a large government program, and funds are limited. But when support is available and a request is approved, we move quickly. In many cases, help is provided within five business days. That help might come as a prepaid debit card or a direct payment to cover urgent needs like rent, utility bills, transportation, or groceries.
Each request is reviewed personally. Each story is taken seriously.
Life doesn’t always give you time to prepare.
We don’t use a rigid checklist, but there are a few core guidelines to know before you apply:
You are an Active Duty, Veteran, a Gold Star family member (or significant loved one).
Your income falls within, or near, HUD’s low-income guidelines. These limits are higher than some people expect, and we consider exceptions when the hardship is significant.
The situation you’re facing is serious. It’s urgent or life-altering, not just inconvenient.
You have a plan on how to gain long-term stability.
You understand that meeting these guidelines doesn’t guarantee approval. But it does mean we’ll take the time to understand what’s going on and see if we can help.
We keep the process as simple as we can. Emergencies don’t wait, and neither do we.
Who Can Apply
Here are a few examples of how this fund has helped people get through difficult times:
A veteran and their spouse lost their home after being financially exploited by a relative. They were working with another organization who helped with getting them out of the situation, but they couldn't afford the cost of the moving truck.
After a tornado and flood hit their town, a disabled veteran and their family were facing food insecurity and possible utility shutoff. We covered overdue bills so they could focus on staying safe and rebuilding.
A post-9/11 veteran working toward sobriety was close to foreclosure. Our support gave them enough breathing room to stay housed and continue rebuilding their life while caring for their child.
One family, already struggling with medical issues and job loss, was facing eviction. We helped with rent so they could stay in place and keep some stability for their child.
These are quiet interventions. No fanfare. Just help when it’s needed most.
What Help Looks Like
This fund is entirely donor-supported. If you believe that service should be honored not just in words but in action, your support means everything. It turns someone's breaking point into a turning point.
This is one way we keep Daegan’s legacy alive. With compassion. With action. With love that doesn’t stop.
For Donors: Why your support matters
Hardship
FAQs
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This Fund exists to help active duty service members, veterans, Gold Star family members or their loved ones who are facing urgent, serious financial hardships — the kinds of setbacks that threaten housing, stability, safety, or basic needs. It’s not a broad‑program with unlimited funds; it’s targeted and timely.
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You may be eligible if you meet all of the following:
You are on active duty, a veteran, or a Gold Star family member (or significant loved one of a veteran/Gold Star family).
Your income is within, or near, the low‑income guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Exceptions may apply for significant hardship. (exceptions can be made with a personal statement on your situation).
You are facing a situation that is urgent or life‑altering — not simply inconvenient or easily managed.
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Examples Include
A sudden medical diagnosis or health crisis for a veteran or their loved one.
A vehicle breakdown or major home repair when there is no savings cushion.
Risk of eviction, utility shut‑off, or food insecurity following job loss, service‑related trauma, or natural disaster.
Essentially, when one more blow becomes too much to shoulder alone.
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Complete the Hardship and Emergency Fund Application online.
Provide the required information about your situation, income, and the nature of the hardship.
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No — but we love when people do. If you’re willing to share your experience (anonymously or publicly), it helps inspire others and honor Daegan’s legacy. You’ll have the option to opt in when applying.
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1. Direct Payment to the Organization or Vendor
Whenever possible, the foundation will directly pay the provider. This helps ensure the funds are used exactly as intended and reduces out-of-pocket costs for you.
You’ll need to provide:
The name and contact info of the organization
An invoice, registration form, or other proof of cost
2. Reimbursement to You (the Applicant)
If you’ve already paid for part of your activity or equipment, we may be able to reimburse up to the approved amount, provided that:
The expense is eligible
You submit a dated receipt and proof of payment
3. Prepaid Disbursement Card
The foundation may issue a prepaid disbursement card to help cover eligible expenses directly. This option provides flexibility while still ensuring that the funds are used for their approved purpose.
Use of the card must follow the same guidelines as any other award. Receipts may be requested, and any unused balance must be returned.
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No — meeting the eligibility guidelines means you will be considered, but it does not guarantee approval. Each request is reviewed personally, sensitively, and without judgment.
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Because the Fund recognizes the urgency of these situations, once an application is approved, the help is often delivered within five business days.
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No — the Fund is offered through the Corporal Daegan Page Foundation, an independent non‑profit 501(c)(3). It is not affiliated with the DoD, VA, or any government agency.
APPLY NOW
🚨 Update: 2/12/26 📢
Applications are now back open, until we are out of funds again, which could occur at anytime.
Need Assistance with this application?
Email: AssistanceGuide@DaeganPage.org
Phone: 402-665-0490