Military Injury Relief Fund (MIRF)
What is MIRF?
The Military Injury Relief Fund (MIRF), created by House Bill 66 in June 2005 and amended by House Bill 153 in July 2011, provide grants to service members injured while serving in theater under Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation New Dawn.
The intent of the program is partly to help returning injured veterans and their families make ends meet upon a veteran's return home. MIRF grants have been utilized by veterans and their families in a variety of ways, including when veterans are awaiting VA disability determinations, which can often take time and leave families in a financial bind during that process. Injured veterans' families have also utilized MIRF grants to help pay for travel and lodging costs while traveling to visit a loved one who has been admitted to a hospital far from his or her hometown or duty station.
Ohioans have a rich and proud history of serving in the Armed Forces. They recognize and appreciate the sacrifices that our veterans have made in serving this country. We proudly salute our veterans, who have served our nation with honor, courage, commitment and sacrifice.
Where does MIRF money come from?
MIRF is funded in two ways:
1. A check-off box on the Ohio tax form to donate some or all of a refund;
2. Direct donation by individuals or entities (corporations, organizations, etc.)
How do I apply for a MIRF grant?
***Click on link below to access application on-line:***
http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/file.asp?id=2168&type=application/pdf
Applications are also available at your county's Veterans Service Office or our office at 1 (888) 296-7541, option 5.
What kinds of injuries qualify me for a MIRF grant?
1. Qualifying injuries include documentation of the awarding of the "Purple Heart" in accordance with, and pursuant to, applicable federal laws and regulations including, but not limited to, Title 10, Chapter 57 of the United States Code, and Chapter 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
2. Documentation of a combat-related injury along with documentation that the combat related injury resulted in awarding of a Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), "Combat Action Ribbon" (CAR), or "Combat Action Badge" (CAB) or its equivalent.
3. Documentation of a combat-related injury not covered by (1) or (2), primarily including, but not limited to, traumatic brain injury, or injury caused by detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Documentation of PTSD must include medical diagnosis.
What documents are required with the application?
DD 214 (or DD 215) - a copy of the service member's Report of Separation (DD Form 214) is required. If the DD Form 214 is not available, they should contact their local Veterans Service Office for assistance in obtaining a copy or contact the Department of Veterans Services at (614) 644-0898.
If still on active duty, the service member must provide proof of service (i.e., Leave and Earnings Statement, official letter from their Personnel Office, etc.)
Military Activation (or TDY) Orders - For reserve and guard members, a copy of the military orders activating them under Title 10, U.S.C. is required. For active duty members, a copy of the Temporary Duty (TDY) orders is required. The orders must state Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation New Dawn.
Proof of Ohio Residency - required for all applications. Service member or veteran must be an Ohio resident at the time of application. Acceptable forms of proof include: copies of Ohio driver's license, utility bill, rental agreement, and officially filed federal or state tax form, military Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), etc.
Power of Attorney - only required for applications submitted on behalf of the service member.
Applications submitted without these documents will be returned to the applicant. Appeals for the award of the Purple Heart may be made through the service member's respective branch of the Armed Forces.
Can I apply more than once?
The recent amendments to MIRF rules restrict the application and receipt of the grant to a one-time award.
How will I know if my application was received?
You will receive a letter or email from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, indicating that your application was received.
How much money will I receive from the grant?
The current amount of the grant is $500.00.
Are grant amounts based on the income of the applicant?
No.
Is MIRF grant money considered taxable income?
No, you will not need to report this on your state / federal income tax return.
I no longer live in Ohio, but I was an Ohio resident at the time of my injury. Can I still apply for a grant?
You must be a resident of the State of Ohio at the time of application.
How long will it take to receive my grant?
You should allow 6 to 8 weeks for processing of applications. However, during the months of June and July, delays in processing and delivery can be expected due to the end of the fiscal year. You may call 1-800-2WORK 411 (1-888-296-7541), Option 5, or e-mail MIRF@jfs.ohio.go v at any time to inquire about the status of your application.
What if I move while waiting for my MIRF grant? Will my check be forwarded to my new address?
No, checks will not be forwarded. If you move after you have submitted an application, please e-mail your new address to MIRF@jfs.ohio.gov or call 1-888-2WORK-411 (1-888-296-7541), Option 5.
What if there are no funds available when I apply? Will I have to re-apply?
Assuming your original application was approved, you will not have to re-apply.
If I am awarded a grant, can I still receive other services for which I am eligible?
Yes.
I am a disabled veteran from the Vietnam-era. Can I apply for a MIRF grant?
No. The MIRF program was established to provide grant money to service members injured while serving on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation New Dawn.
I cannot locate a copy of my DD Form 214, where can I get help with this?
Contact your county Veterans Service Office. Contact information can be found at http://veteransaffairs.ohio.gov/county_veterans_service_offices.htm
or contact the Department of Veterans Services at (614) 644-0898.
If my spouse was killed while serving under OIF/OEF/OND, can MIRF grant be applied for on their behalf?
Yes. You will still need to provide all required information with the initial application, including a Power of Attorney, since you'll be applying on behalf of the service member.
What if a veteran was injured while serving under OIF/OEF/OND and is incapacitated or unable to apply him/herself? Can MIRF grants be applied for on their behalf?
Yes. You will still need to provide all required information with the initial application, including a Power of Attorney, since you'll be applying on behalf of the service member.
Does my DD-214 have to be a certified copy / notarized?
No.
If my MIRF application is denied, is there an appeal process I can pursue?
Yes. If your application is denied, a notice of appellate rights will be sent to you detailing the appeals procedure.
I was injured in Iraq, but was dishonorably discharged. Am I still eligible for a MIRF grant?
No.
I am currently stationed out of state, but my state of legal residence at the time of my injury was Ohio. Am I eligible for MIRF?
As long as you have maintained your Ohio residency, as stated on your Leave and Earnings Statement, you are eligible.
My spouse and I were injured and received a Purple Heart under Operation Iraqi Freedom. Can we both apply for MIRF grants?
Yes.
Who can I contact to find out the status of my MIRF application?
You may call 1-800-2WORK 411 (1-888-296-7541), Option 5, or e-mail MIRF@jfs.ohio.gov at any time to inquire about the status of your application.
I want to make a donation to the MIRF program. Who should I send my donation to?
You can do so by writing a check payable to the "Ohio Treasurer of State (ODJFS)" and mailing it to:
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Military Injury Relief Fund
P.O. Box 182367
Columbus, OH 43218-2367
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