Financial assistance is potentially available for local veterans and their widows in cases of need, with the help of overseas organisations.

Veterans deemed eligible by the Bermuda Legion can apply for annuities from the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) and Royal Canadian Legion (RCL).

Although the Bermuda Legion joined the RCEL last year, as well as getting affiliated with the RCL’s Caribbean branch, the two organisations stressed that they depend on the generosity of their own donors — and are constrained by the amount of grants that they are able to give out each year.

Would-be candidates must show that financial assistance is required, as the funds are needs-based rather than automatically awarded.

If given, the awards are not guaranteed for life: annuities must be renewed annually and confirmation of continued need must be provided for all applicants to the RCL before funds are sent.

The rate of the awards has been set at $1,080 per veteran and $540 per widow per year.

A Bermudian does not have to have served with the Canadian Forces to be eligible to receive an annual assistance award.

Initial applications for veterans are submitted to the RCEL headquarters, while initial application for widows go directly to the RCL’s dominion command for review and approval.

To contact the Bermuda Legion for more information, email nosoldierleftbehind@hotmail.com.