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MIRF (Military Injury Relief Fund)
What is MIRF?
The Ohio Military Injury Relief Fund (MIRF) was created by House Bill 66 in June of 2005.
The purpose of the MIRF is to grant money to soldiers injured while serving in country under Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
Where does MIRF money come from?
The MIRF is funded in two ways:
- A check-off box on the Ohio tax form to donate some or all of a refund;
- Direct donation by individuals or entities (corporations, organizations, etc.)
How do I apply for a MIRF grant?
Applications are available at your county's Veterans Service Office or contact our office at 1 (888) 296-7541, option 5.
What kinds of injuries qualify me for a MIRF grant?
Qualifying injuries include any physical injury suffered in the line of duty, or a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) incurred while serving in country under OEF/OIF.
The injury must have occurred while the service member was in receipt of hazardous duty, combat, or hostile fire pay in an OEF/OIF theater of operation.
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 or Operation Enduring Freedom.
Proof of Injury - required for all applications. Must provide documentation proving that injury occurred while serving in country under Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. The following is acceptable documentation of injury:
- 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.
- Documentation of any incident in which the service member is injured while receiving hazardous duty, combat, or hostile fire pay.
- Documentation of any incident in which the service member is injured and the documentation is determined acceptable by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, including service-connected disability incurred while serving in country under Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom as determined by the Departments of Defense and/or Veterans Affairs.
W-9 Form - required for all initial applications. The form must be signed in BLUE ink.
W-9s are available at www.irs.gov.
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, 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 from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, indicating that your application was received.
How much money will I receive from the grant?
Grant amounts will vary year to year, based on the amount of funds collected for the tax year.
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 about 4 to 6 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.gov at any time to inquire about the status of your application.
What if I move to another location while waiting for my MIRF grant? Will my check by 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 or will my original application be sufficient?
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 soldiers injured while serving on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom.
I cannot locate a copy of my DD Form 214, where can I get help with this?
Contact your county Veterans Service Office or contact the Department of Veterans Services at (614) 644-0898.
What if a spouse was killed while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. 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.
What if a spouse was injured while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan 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 grant 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 in Texas, 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.
I have a service-connected disability rating of 40% from the Veterans Administration. Does this make me eligible for MIRF?
Only if some or all of the rating decision is based on injuries incurred while serving in country under Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom
My spouse and I are reservists, and were both injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Can both of us 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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