MFA Fund
The brave Louisiana soldiers who risk their lives every day to protect our nation should be secure in the knowledge that the citizens of our state will be there to assist their families in the event of a financial crisis. These men and women should not have to be distracted by the financial strains brought upon their families by their voluntary service to our country. Louisiana citizens want an opportunity to do their part to keep our soldiers focused on the job at hand: protecting our precious rights and freedoms.
Synopsis of the Fund
Act 151 of the 2005 Legislature provides for the establishment of the Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund (MFA fund) under the state Department of Social Services. Act 676 of the 2008 Legislature changed the jurisdiction of the MFA Fund and Military Family Assistance Board from the Department of Social Services to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The purpose of the MFA fund is to help families defray the costs of such necessities as food, housing and medical services that become difficult to afford when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty.
The MFA fund provides a means by which Louisiana citizens and businesses can donate money that will be used to pay the needs-based claims of family members of activated military personnel to assist them in times of financial crisis. Businesses and citizens may donate directly to the MFA fund or by individual or corporate state income tax check-off. All donations received will be deposited and credited to a special fund created in the state treasury and used solely as provided for by Act 151.
Eligibility Criteria
Any Louisiana resident who is a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard and who has served a minimum of thirty consecutive days of active duty or active state service since September 11, 2001, may apply for assistance from the MFA fund. Immediate family members of eligible solders may apply on behalf of the soldier.
Administration of the Fund
The Louisiana Military Family Assistance Board (“the Board”) is domiciled in Baton Rouge and under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Veterans Affairs. The eleven-member board comprises the following members:
• The governor, or designee
• The lieutenant governor, or designee
• The adjutant general of the LA National Guard, or designee
• The secretary of the LA Department of Veterans Affairs, or designee
• The state treasurer, or designee
• The secretary of the Department of Social Services, or designee
• The president of the Senate, or designee
• The speaker of the House of Representatives, or designee
• Three members appointed by the governor who shall be residents of the state and honorably discharged veterans of the LA National Guard or the active or other reserves components of the Armed Forces of the United States.
The Board will oversee and implement the fund, establishing rules for its implementation and reviewing all claims submitted to the Fund by eligible applicants. The Board will enter into a cooperative agreement with a third party administrator, who has been approved by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, to accomplish the necessary administration or required claims adjudication as per the rules promulgated by the Board.
The Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Military Family Assistance Fund?
Act 151 of the 2005 Legislature provides for the establishment of the Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund (MFA fund). The purpose of the MFA fund is to help families defray the costs of such necessities as food, housing and medical services that become difficult to afford when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty.
Who may apply for assistance from the MFA fund?
Any Louisiana resident who is a member of a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard and who has served a minimum of thirty consecutive days of active duty or active state service since September 11, 2001, may apply for assistance from the MFA fund. Immediate family members of eligible solders may apply on behalf of the soldier.
What will the MFA fund pay for?
The MFA fund will pay need-based claims of family members for the costs of such necessities as food, housing and medical services that become difficult to afford when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty. All other resources, such as insurance, must be exhausted before the MFA fund can be accessed.
How often can someone apply to the MFA fund?
Soldiers may apply for up to $10,000 for one claim per active duty order in a twelve month period. In addition, in extenuating circumstances the MFA fund will pay a lump sum award, not to exceed $700, for a service-related death or injury resulting in a substantial residual disability.
Why is the MFA fund available only to Reservists and National Guard? What about the regular armed forces?
The MFA fund was created to address the pay gap experienced by Reservists and National Guardsmen when they are called up to active duty. Their civilian salaries are placed on hold while they are deployed, and they receive military salaries that are often substantially less than their civilian salaries. This can create financial hardship for their families. There are no decreases in salaries when members of the regular armed forces are deployed.
How can I donate to the MFA fund?
Donations can be mailed directly to the MFA fund or by checking the appropriate box on your individual or corporate state tax return. Donations to the MFA fund are state income tax deductible. To donate directly to the fund, please make your check or money order payable to LA Military Family Assistance Fund and mail to:
LA Military Family Assistance Fund
c/o Department of Veterans Affairs
Post Office Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095
How can I apply for assistance from the MFA fund?
To apply for assistance, please submit a completed application to the fund administrator at the LA Department of Veterans Affairs. Applications are available at all Veterans Affairs Parish Service Offices and can be found online at www.vetaffairs.la.gov.
Once you have completed the form, please mail it and the requested documentation to the fund administrator at the address below. You may fax your application, but you must follow up by mailing the application with the original signature.
LA Department of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: MFAF Administrator
Post Office Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095
Phone: 225-219-5008 / Fax: 225-219-5590