USA Cares takes a “holistic” approach to helping our military service members, veterans and their families. Services are free and applications for assistance are accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The goal is to make contact within two business days with an eligibility determination.  Needs are verified through required documentation.  Financial assistance is not given directly to service members or their families; instead, payments are made to mortgage lenders, utility companies, and other vendors.  Each family approved for assistance is assigned an advocate from our Family Resource Center who assures that assistance is timely and effective. These advocates often mobilize additional support for families from other military assistance groups, and the service member’s community of local organizations.