Plan to Liberate Jay Felix

HOW TO USE THE VETERAN ASSISTANCE PROGRESS TRACKING WORKSHEET OVERVIEW

This worksheet is designed to help veterans systematically track their progress when exploring financial assistance options. It provides structure for documenting contacts, applications, and outcomes for both VA and civilian resources.

GETTING STARTED

1. Print the worksheet for easy reference and note-taking.

2. Keep it with your important documents in a dedicated folder.

3. Start by reviewing the Quick Reference section for immediate crisis resources.

USING THE CHECKLIST SECTIONS

1. For each resource option (VA short-term, VA long-term, civilian, etc.):

□ Check boxes as you complete each step

□ Fill in dates, contact names, and reference numbers

□ Record amounts and outcomes in the spaces provided

□ Use the Notes section to document conversations and next steps

2. For Asset Liquidation options:

□ Check which platforms you've explored

□ Document contacts made, estimates received, and sale outcomes

□ Track all financial transactions to maintain accurate records

TRACKING YOUR PROGRESS

1. Use the Follow-up Calendar to record all scheduled appointments and deadlines

2. Keep the Important Contacts section updated for easy reference

3. Use the Documents Checklist to ensure you have all required paperwork

4. Track financial progress in the dedicated tables:

- Record expected and actual income

- Prioritize expenses and document payments

- Set goals and monitor progress using the percentage indicators

BEST PRACTICES

1. Update the worksheet immediately after each contact or application

2. Take detailed notes during phone calls

3. Ask for names, direct contact information, and follow-up timelines

4. Keep copies of all submitted documents

5. Set calendar reminders for follow-ups

6. Bring the worksheet to appointments with service providers

REMEMBER

These benefits were earned through your honorable service. The VA and support organizations allocate billions of dollars annually to help veterans in situations like yours. Utilizing these resources is not charity—it's accessing earned benefits that recognize your sacrifices.

For immediate crisis assistance:

- Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1) or text 838255

- VA Emergency Financial Assistance: 1-800-827-1000

- Florida Veterans Foundation: 850-488-4181

Download Worksheet for this info
# Veteran Assistance Resources This document provides an organized collection of resources for veterans facing financial hardship, formatted for easy integration with Squarespace. Each section includes clickable buttons for quick access to websites, phone numbers, and email contacts. ```html

VA Options - Short Term

VA Emergency Financial Assistance

Term: Short term

Timeframe: 1-14 days

How it would help: Provides immediate funds for housing, utilities, and basic necessities

Benefits: No repayment required, specifically designed for veterans in crisis, maintains dignity while providing critical support

Cons: Requires application and verification process

First step: Contact the nearest VA regional office to connect with a coordinator

Website: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ Visit

Phone: 1-800-827-1000 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

Veterans Crisis Line

Term: Short term

Timeframe: Immediate to 48 hours

How it would help: Connects to trained professionals who can coordinate local emergency resources

Benefits: 24/7 availability, confidential support, connects to multiple resource channels simultaneously

Cons: Primarily for initial crisis response rather than ongoing support

First step: Call or chat to connect with support immediately

Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ Visit

Phone: Dial 988 then Press 1, or text 838255 Call

Email: Contact via phone or chat (email not publicly listed)

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

Term: Short to medium term

Timeframe: 1-30 days

How it would help: Provides emergency financial assistance specifically for maintaining or securing housing

Benefits: Specifically targets housing stability, includes case management for longer-term planning, offers rental assistance, utility payments, and security deposits

Cons: Time-limited intervention, focuses primarily on housing issues rather than comprehensive assistance

First step: Contact Florida SSVF providers through the VA website or call 1-877-4AID-VET

Required documents: DD214, proof of income, proof of housing crisis

Website: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ Visit

Phone: 1-877-424-3838 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

VA Options - Long Term

VA Healthcare Enrollment

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 7 to 30 days for appointment after enrollment

How it would help: Provides ongoing access to comprehensive healthcare specifically designed for veterans

Benefits: Comprehensive medical care, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, medications, specialized care for service-related conditions

Cons: Enrollment process can take time, may face wait times for appointments

First step: Apply online at VA.gov or in-person at VA Medical Center

Required documents: DD214, personal identification, financial information (for some benefits)

Website: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction Visit

Phone: 1-877-222-8387 Call

Email: Contact via phone or online form (email not publicly listed)

VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 1-6 months

How it would help: Provides education, training, and career counseling to help secure sustainable employment

Benefits: Specialized for veterans, includes training costs, age discrimination protection, can lead to sustainable employment, offers subsistence allowance during training

Cons: Requires service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, lengthy enrollment process

First step: Apply online or call to initiate the process

Required documents: DD214, VA disability documentation, proof of education history

Website: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/ Visit

Phone: 1-800-827-1000 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

Review/Update VA Disability Compensation

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 3-9 months

How it would help: Increases monthly tax-free income through updated disability ratings

Benefits: Retroactive payments possible, permanent increase in monthly income, additional benefits at higher rating levels, tax-free payments

Cons: Can be a lengthy process, may require medical examinations

First step: Schedule a VSO appointment through Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs

Required documents: DD214, current medical records, previous VA rating decisions

Website: https://www.floridavets.org/ Visit

Phone: 727-319-7440 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

VA Aid and Attendance Benefits

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 2-6 months

How it would help: Provides extra monthly income for care needs for veterans needing assistance with daily activities

Benefits: Can significantly increase monthly pension amount, specifically for veterans needing assistance with daily activities, can be used for in-home care or assisted living costs

Cons: Application process requires medical documentation, income and asset limits apply

First step: Complete and submit VA Form 21-2680 through your nearest VA regional office

Required documents: Medical documentation confirming need for assistance, income and asset information

Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/ Visit

Phone: 1-800-827-1000 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

VA-Backed Refinance Loan

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 30-60 days

How it would help: Access home equity for immediate cash needs through cash-out refinance

Benefits: Favorable interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, can consolidate debt while accessing cash

Cons: Increases overall debt, requires property ownership, closing costs apply

First step: Contact VA-approved lenders through VA website

Required documents: Certificate of Eligibility (COE), property information, income verification

Website: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/ Visit

Phone: 800-698-2411 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

HUD-VASH Program

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 1-3 months

How it would help: Subsidizes rent payments for permanent housing through housing vouchers

Benefits: Long-term housing stability, ongoing case management, significantly reduced housing costs

Cons: Limited availability in some areas, requires ongoing program participation

First step: Contact local VA Medical Center's homeless coordinator

Required documents: DD214, proof of income, proof of housing instability

Website: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ Visit

Phone: 1-877-424-3838 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

VA Mental Health Services

Term: Long term

Timeframe: Immediate access, ongoing support

How it would help: Addresses underlying issues related to breakup, transition, and current stressors

Benefits: No cost for eligible veterans, specialized for veteran-specific issues, both in-person and telehealth options, can help restore motivation and positive mindset

Cons: Requires commitment to treatment plan

First step: Contact nearest VA Medical Center or call Veterans Crisis Line

Required documents: DD214 (often not required for initial crisis services)

Website: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ Visit

Phone: Dial 988 then Press 1 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

Veterans Pension for 65+ Veterans

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 3-6 months

How it would help: Provides regular monthly income supplement through tax-free payments

Benefits: No disability requirement if over 65, tax-free monthly payments, can be combined with other benefits, amount based on financial need (higher for E9 with lower current income)

Cons: Income and asset limits apply (net worth limit of $159,240 as of 2025)

First step: Apply using VA Form 21P-527EZ through the VA Pension Management Center

Required documents: DD214, income and net worth documentation, banking information for direct deposit

Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/ Visit

Phone: 1-800-827-1000 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

Additional VA Options

VA Senior Veteran Employment Program

Term: Medium term

Timeframe: 1-3 months

How it would help: Addresses age-related employment barriers specifically for veterans over 55

Benefits: Targeted for older veterans facing age discrimination, connections with age-friendly employers, skills translation for veterans with extensive experience, can lead to part-time or full-time employment

Cons: Limited positions available

First step: Contact your local VA Medical Center's employment specialist

Required documents: DD214, resume, proof of veteran status

Website: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment Visit

Phone: 800-698-2411 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

Vet Centers

Term: Long term

Timeframe: Immediate access, ongoing support

How it would help: Provides readjustment counseling and outreach services in a non-medical setting

Benefits: Confidential services specifically for combat veterans, separate from regular VA system, more relaxed atmosphere than VA Medical Centers

Cons: Limited services compared to full VA Medical Centers

First step: Find the nearest Vet Center

Required documents: Combat service documentation (often self-reported)

Website: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ Visit

Phone: 800-698-2411 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

Retirement Pay Review

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 1-3 months

How it would help: Ensure receiving full entitled retirement benefits for an E9 retiree

Benefits: Potential for increased monthly income, cost of living adjustments may be applicable, back pay possible if underpayments identified

Cons: Bureaucratic process

First step: Contact Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)

Required documents: Military retirement documentation, retirement orders, DD214, personal identification

Website: https://www.dfas.mil/ Visit

Phone: 1-800-321-1080 Call

Email: Contact via phone (email not publicly listed)

Civilian Options - Short Term

American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance

Term: Short term

Timeframe: 5-14 days

How it would help: Provides cash grants to veterans with minor children for basic needs like shelter, utilities, and food

Benefits: Non-repayable grants, processed relatively quickly, additional support services available, connects to a nationwide network of veteran advocates

Cons: Primarily focused on families with minor children, requires American Legion involvement

First step: Contact the nearest American Legion post in Florida

Required documents: DD214, proof of financial need, documentation of dependents

Website: https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Find-a-Post Visit

Phone: 800-433-3318 Call

Email: Contact via website form or phone (email not publicly listed)

Florida Veterans' Foundation

Term: Short to medium term

Timeframe: 7-21 days

How it would help: Provides direct financial assistance to Florida veterans facing hardship

Benefits: State-specific support focused on emergency financial needs, utility bills, housing expenses, and medical costs

Cons: May have limited funding available, requires application process

First step: Complete application form online or contact via phone

Required documents: DD214, proof of Florida residency, documentation of financial hardship

Website: https://floridaveteransfoundation.org/ Visit

Phone: 850-488-4181 Call

Email: fvf@fdva.fl.gov Email

Operation Homefront Critical Financial Assistance

Term: Short term

Timeframe: 7-30 days

How it would help: Provides emergency funding for critical expenses like rent, utilities, home repairs, and vehicle repairs

Benefits: Financial grants paid directly to service providers, does not require repayment, available to currently serving and recent veterans

Cons: Primarily focused on post-9/11 era veterans, limited to specific expense categories

First step: Apply online through their Critical Financial Assistance portal

Required documents: Military ID or DD214, proof of residency, bills or expenses requiring payment

Website: https://operationhomefront.org/critical-financial-assistance/ Visit

Phone: 1-877-264-3968 Call

Email: info@operationhomefront.org Email

Specialty Vehicle & Firearms Sales Options

Barrett-Jackson Auctions

Term: Short term

Timeframe: 14-60 days

How it would help: Obtain premium prices above private sale values through strategic auction placement

Benefits: Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction (April 16-18, 2026) attracts wealthy collectors, premium prices above private sale values, professional marketing and presentation can increase values by 15-30%

Cons: Commission fees (typically 8-10%), preparation costs, time until auction date

First step: Contact Barrett-Jackson for consignment evaluation; consider professional detailing

Required documents: Vehicle title, maintenance records, ownership history, restoration documentation

Website: https://www.barrett-jackson.com/ Visit

Phone: 480-421-6694 Call

eBay Collectible Vehicle Parts

Platform: Online marketplace

Timeframe: 7-30 days

How it would help: Reach worldwide audience of collectors for specialized vehicle parts

Benefits: Multiple listing formats (Buy It Now, Auction, Best Offer), worldwide audience of collectors, extensive listings for collectible vehicle parts and accessories

Cons: Seller fees apply, shipping logistics required

First step: Create a seller account and prepare detailed listings with multiple photos

Required documents: Proof of ownership, detailed parts specifications, authenticity documentation if available

Website: https://www.ebay.com/b/Collectible-Firearms-Parts-Accessories/116022/bn_1865172 Visit

Florida Gun Show Network

Term: Short term

Timeframe: 1-30 days

How it would help: Obtain maximum value for firearms collection with minimal fees

Benefits: Multiple upcoming gun shows in Florida (Tampa: Oct 18-19, 2025; Orlando: Nov 29-30, 2025), direct sales to collectors yield higher prices, opportunity to sell multiple items in a concentrated weekend, Florida has one of the country's largest firearms enthusiast communities

Cons: Requires preparation and personal attendance at shows

First step: Visit FloridaGunShows.com to register as a vendor at upcoming shows; research legal compliance requirements for private firearm sales

Required documents: Firearm documentation, ID for private sales, vendor registration

Website: https://www.floridagunshows.com/ Visit

Phone: 407-410-6870 Call

Email: questions@floridagunshows.com Email

GunsInternational.com

Platform: Specialized firearms marketplace

Timeframe: 7-30 days

How it would help: Connects sellers with serious collectors through specialized marketplace

Benefits: 200,000+ listings, collector focus, access to FFL dealers network, platform specifically designed for collectible and specialty firearms, built with firearm regulations in mind

Cons: Listing fees apply, requires detailed documentation

First step: Create an account and prepare listings with detailed photos and descriptions

Required documents: Firearm serial numbers, condition documentation, provenance if applicable

Website: https://www.gunsinternational.com/ Visit

Bring A Trailer

Platform: Specialty vehicle auction site

Timeframe: 14-45 days

How it would help: Reach nationwide audience of motorcycle enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices

Benefits: High-end collector audience, premium prices, motorcycle section attracts serious collectors with recent Harley customs selling for 50-100% above retail, professional presentation

Cons: Selective listing process, commission fees apply

First step: Submit vehicle for consideration with detailed history and high-quality photos

Required documents: Vehicle title, maintenance history, modification documentation, professional photos

Website: https://bringatrailer.com Visit

Specialty Vehicle Collection Consignment

Platform: Mecum Auctions professional collection services

Timeframe: 30-90 days

How it would help: Comprehensive handling of vehicle preparation, marketing, and sales without personal effort

Benefits: Mecum offers complete collection services (documentation, photography, marketing), professional presentation can increase values by 20-40%, no need to personally attend shows or manage listings, expert valuation

Cons: Higher commission rates for full-service (typically 10-15%)

First step: Contact Mecum Collections department for a collection evaluation and consignment proposal

Required documents: Vehicle titles, ownership history, vehicle specifications

Website: https://www.mecum.com/ Visit

Phone: 262-275-5050 Call

Civilian Options - Long Term

Helmets to Hardhats

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 1-3 months

How it would help: Connects veterans with construction unions and contractors for home building projects

Benefits: Leverages existing construction skills, focuses on new home construction, often includes apprenticeships and training, strong network in Florida's active construction market

Cons: May require relocation within Florida to active building areas

First step: Register online for access to construction career opportunities

Required documents: DD214, work history, skills assessment

Website: https://helmetstohardhats.org/ Visit

Phone: 1-866-741-6210 Call

Email: Contact via phone or website chat (email not publicly listed)

Florida Veterans' Benefits

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 1-3 months

How it would help: Provides housing assistance and reduced tax burden through Florida-specific veteran programs

Benefits: State-specific benefits additional to federal VA benefits, property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, Florida has extensive veteran-specific resources

Cons: Eligibility requirements vary by program

First step: Contact Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs

Required documents: DD214, proof of Florida residency, disability documentation if applicable

Website: https://www.floridavets.org/ Visit

Phone: 727-319-7440 Call

Email: Contact via phone or website form (email not publicly listed)

Florida Veterans' Preference in Employment

Term: Long term

Timeframe: 1-6 months

How it would help: Increases chances of securing stable government employment through priority consideration

Benefits: Points added to examination scores for state government positions, preferential hiring treatment, age discrimination protections, applies to state, county, and municipal positions

Cons: Limited to government positions

First step: Contact Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs for Veterans' Preference documentation

Required documents: DD214, Veterans' Preference documentation form, job application forms

Website: https://www.floridavets.org/ Visit

Phone: 727-319-7440 Call

Email: Contact via phone or website form (email not publicly listed)

Recommended Next Steps

  1. Immediate Action: Contact the Veterans Crisis Line (988, Press 1) to connect with immediate assistance resources
  2. Schedule VSO Meeting: Make an appointment with a Veterans Service Officer through the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (727-319-7440) for comprehensive benefits review
  3. Housing Stability: Apply for SSVF program by calling 1-877-4AID-VET to prevent potential eviction
  4. Income Review: Verify current retirement pay and VA disability status to ensure all entitled benefits are being received
  5. Pension and Aid & Attendance: For a 65-year-old veteran, immediately apply for VA Pension with Aid & Attendance, which can significantly increase monthly income
  6. Asset Evaluation: Work with a VSO to strategically evaluate specialized vehicles and firearms for potential sale in Florida's active markets

Remember that these benefits were earned through honorable service. The military and VA allocate billions of dollars annually specifically to support veterans in situations like this one. Utilizing these resources is not charity—it's accessing earned benefits that recognize the sacrifices made during military service.

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