Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything donors ask before giving to USA Cares — answered honestly and transparently.

Are you a veteran or military family member looking for help?

This page is for donor questions. If you need financial assistance, apply now and a dedicated case manager will reach out to you shortly.

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About USA Cares

Yes. USA Cares has operated as a legitimate 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2003, assisting thousands of veterans and military families across all 50 states. We hold a Four Star rating from Charity Navigator — the highest possible rating — are certified Best in America by America's Best Charities, hold Candid's Platinum Transparency seal, and were named the 2020 Nonprofit of the Year by Business First.

Charity Navigator Four Star Rating Candid Platinum Transparency 2026 Certified Best in America by America's Best Charities CFC Combined Federal Campaign #12359 Military Family and Veterans Service Organizations of America Verified State Registrations Compliance Shield Best Places to Work in Kentucky 2026 Winner

USA Cares holds a Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, which is the highest possible rating. It is awarded to organizations that demonstrate strong financial health, accountability, and transparency — fewer than 25% of charities evaluated by Charity Navigator achieve it.

USA Cares provides emergency financial assistance and post-service skills training to post-9/11 military veterans, active service members, and their families. Our programs support those facing financial hardship as a result of their service — including veterans dealing with the financial impact of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life.

USA Cares specializes in direct emergency financial intervention — paying rent, utilities, and other urgent bills on behalf of veterans at the moment of crisis. Every veteran who contacts us is assigned a dedicated case manager who works with them personally.

We also collaborate with other veteran charities and organizations to enhance the overall support available to veterans and military families, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.

We publish our IRS Form 990, audited financial statements, and annual reports publicly on our financials page. We are committed to full transparency so donors can see exactly how their contributions are used.

Yes. USA Cares actively collaborates with other veteran and military nonprofits to make sure veterans and their families receive comprehensive support. We believe no single organization can meet every need, and by working alongside other charities, we are able to connect veterans with the full range of resources they deserve.

Donating

Yes. USA Cares is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, Candid's Platinum Transparency seal, and certification as Best in America by America's Best Charities. 89.67% of every dollar donated goes directly to programs serving veterans and military families. Founded in 2003, we have helped thousands of veterans across all 50 states.

Yes. USA Cares is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 05-0588761), and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. You will receive a receipt for your records upon completing your contribution.

You will receive an email receipt immediately after your online donation is processed. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, please check your spam folder. For mailed check donations, a receipt will be sent to you by mail. If you have any questions about your receipt, please contact us at .

Absolutely. Please make your check payable to USA Cares and mail it to:

USA Cares
11760 Commonwealth Dr, Louisville, KY 40299

Please include your name and mailing address so we can send you a receipt and acknowledgment of your gift.

Yes. Monthly giving is one of the most impactful ways to support veterans in crisis. A recurring donation ensures USA Cares can respond consistently when veterans call for help. You can set up a monthly gift and cancel or adjust it at any time.

Yes. Making a gift in honor or memory of a loved one is a meaningful way to pay tribute to someone who served or who cared deeply about those who did. When donating online, you will have the option to dedicate your gift. The honoree or their family will receive a letter notifying them that a donation has been made in their name. The donation amount is not disclosed in the notification letter.

Many employers match charitable donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and USA Cares qualifies. Check with your HR or benefits department to find out if your company offers a matching gift program. Doubling your donation through an employer match is one of the most effective ways to multiply your impact for veterans in need.

You can search for your employer right now to see if a matching gift program exists — just click the button below to use our matching gift tool.

Yes, and we are deeply grateful to those who choose to include USA Cares in their legacy planning. A bequest or planned gift ensures that veterans in crisis will have support for generations to come. Our planned giving page has information on how to include USA Cares in your will or estate plan, and our team is happy to assist you through the process.

Your Impact

89.67% of every dollar donated to USA Cares goes directly to programs. This reflects our commitment to financial accountability and ensuring veterans receive the maximum benefit from every contribution. You can review our full financials at any time.

Your donation is used to pay urgent bills directly on behalf of veterans in crisis — including rent, mortgage payments, utilities, and car payments. We never give cash to individuals. Payments go straight to landlords, utility companies, and other vendors, so you can be confident your contribution is solving a real, immediate problem for a veteran and their family.

When you donate, your contribution funds our emergency assistance programs. When a veteran in crisis contacts USA Cares, a dedicated case manager works with them to assess their situation. If they qualify, USA Cares pays their outstanding bills — rent, utilities, car payments — directly to the vendor on their behalf. Your gift is what makes that call possible.

Are you a veteran looking for help?

You've come to the right place. USA Cares provides emergency financial assistance to post-9/11 veterans and military families facing hardship. The application process is straightforward — submit your application online and a dedicated case manager will reach out to you shortly to discuss your situation and next steps.

EIN: 05-0588761 Headquarters: Louisville, KY Founded: 2003 Contact: Charity Navigator: Four Star Rating

Ready to make a difference?

89.67% of every dollar goes directly to veterans in crisis. Four Star rated. Trusted since 2003.