Military Family Relief Fund

The fund provides up to $2,500 to veterans and their families who are struggling with financial issues -- anything from utilities and rent to medical bills to emergency car repairs.

Prior to July 1, only veterans who served on active duty for more than one year -- in war time -- were eligible for the fund. Those two requirements have been eliminated.

Some veterans groups are upset with legislation that would allow the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs to take money from the state's Military Family Relief Fund for administrative costs.

The office of Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry confirmed the investigation Tuesday. Indiana's inspector general earlier found mismanagement but insufficient evidence for criminal or ethics charges.

The legislation signed last week by Gov. Eric Holcomb strips the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs of its authority to award Military Family Relief Fund benefits to the agency's employees.

Indiana's inspector general has found mismanagement at the state's Department of Veterans' Affairs but insufficient evidence for criminal or ethics charges.

The legislation would make Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs employees ineligible for grants from the Military Family Relief Fund and would firmly cap the lifetime amount a person could receive at $2,500.

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs' adoption of the policy comes after years of work - and recent controversy.

The departure comes after an Indianapolis Star story detailed complaints about the distribution of military relief dollars at the agency.

The fund was created in 2007 to help veterans with food, housing, utilities, medical services and transportation. It receives a portion of sales from veteran license plates or Support the Troops plates.