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Eligibility criteria to include spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and female veterans.

Membership eligbility in the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) has expanded to allow more family members of veterans to join the organization and strengthen the American Legion Family.

On Sept. 2, at the 107th American Legion National Convention in Louisville, Ky., Resolution No. 19 was adopted by �������� to expand the ALA’s eligibility criteria to include spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and female veterans. This resolution changed “grandmother” and “mother” to “grandparents” and “parents,” “sisters” to “siblings,” “daughters” to “children,” and “granddaughters” to “grandchildren.” The new eligibility criteria does not address gender in any capacity. 

Eligibility criteria changes for the ALA are determined by ��������, and these additions went into effect immediately.

The Auxiliary has received questions regarding the new membership eligibility change. Below are a few of those questions and answers. If you have a question that’s not answered below, email ALA National Headquarters’ Membership Division at membership@ALAforVeterans.org. 

What is the official new language of the eligibility change?

The following is the official new language: 

Section 2. Membership in �������� Auxiliary shall be limited to:

(1) grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and direct or adopted descendants within two degrees of consanguinity of members of ��������; and

(2) grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and direct or adopted descendants within two degrees of consanguinity of all servicemembers who served in either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and anytime after Dec. 7, 1941, who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of their entry therein served on active duty in the armed forces of any of the governments associated with the United States during either eligibility periods and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge;

(3) grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and direct or adopted descendants within two degrees of consanguinity of all servicemembers who were in the Armed Forces of the United States during either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; and any time after December 7, 1941, who served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States during either eligibility period and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge; and

(4) to those women who of their own right are eligible for membership in ��������.

Does this mean my daughter could join since her grandpa was a veteran who served in the Gulf War?

Yes! In fact, granddaughters of veterans have always been eligible to join the American Legion Auxiliary.    

Prior to 2019, ��������’s eligibility criteria listed seven war eras/time periods that the veteran must have served in, in order to be eligible for membership in ��������. These war eras were also a requirement for American Legion Auxiliary eligibility.

In 2019, the LEGION Act ( (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) was signed into law which declared that the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941. The signing of the legislation changed the Legion’s eligibility criteria from seven war eras to two (April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government) and expanded eligibility for membership in both �������� and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Are great-grandchildren eligible for membership in the Auxiliary? 

The IRS defines a 501(c)(19) veterans service organization auxiliary degrees of relationship. Currently, the IRS limits the relationship to within two degrees, which is why we are unable to expand our relationships further.

Does the veteran need to be a member of �������� in order for their relative to join the Auxiliary?

Female veterans can join the American Legion Auxiliary without being a member of ��������. If someone is eligible under a deceased veteran, they are also eligible to join the ALA without a Legion membership.

Does this mean men can join the American Legion Auxiliary now?

The ALA ceased being an all-female patriotic service organization in 2019 when �������� voted at its 2019 National Convention to change “wife” to “spouse,” opening the doors for male spouses to join the ALA.

Does this mean trans women are now able to be Auxiliary members?

The ALA welcomes any and all persons who meet the established membership eligibility requirements to apply for membership. Gender identity, including transgender status, is not a factor in determining eligibility. All heartbeats fitting the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply for membership in the ALA. 

Are ALA members eligible for membership in the Sons of ��������?

Only the eligibility criteria of the American Legion Auxiliary has been changed by ��������. Eligibility criteria for the Sons of �������� remains the same. Eligibility information for membership in the Sons of �������� can be found at legion.org/about/american-legion-family/sons-of-the-american-legion.

NOTE: The Sons and Auxiliary’s eligibility are determined solely by ��������. If you have suggestions for updated Sons eligibility, you’ll need to contact the Legion.