SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announced this week that it is now accepting applications for its Indiana Military Family Relief Fund Operation Holiday program.

"In its fourth year, this program provides financial assistance to Indiana veteran families, offering $200 per family for food and $300 per household dependent for essential expenses that become difficult during the holiday season," IDVA officials said.

Veterans and their families can apply now until 4 p.m. EST on Friday, Dec 13.

“As joyful as the holiday season can be, it also brings heightened financial pressures that may weigh heavily on military veterans and their families,” said Outreach Director of the IDVA Joe DeVito. “Since its inception, this program has supported more than 500 veteran families in Indiana, and we hope to reach even more veterans across the state this year.”

The Military Family Relief Fund's Operation Holiday program can only be used to provide services to veteran families experiencing financial difficulty who reside in the state of Indiana, have served or are currently serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and hold a DD-214, LES or National Guard Bureau (NGB) Form 22.

Applicants will need to provide the following documentation:

• DD-214
• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), if currently serving
• W-9
• Direct Deposit form
• Proof of income
• Bank Statement
• Proof of child’s residency
• Proof of child’s dependency

Veterans with questions regarding the program or their application, can call (317) 232-3910.