The Oklahoma Veterans Commission shall have authority to make expenditures or loans from the W.V.C. Revolving Fund for emergency financial aid in the maintenance or support of honorably discharged veterans or their spouses or surviving spouses who have been legal residents of this state for a period of one (1) year next preceding application for these benefits. Payments may be made from this fund by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission upon warrants drawn by the State Treasurer on claims approved by the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to the guidelines of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. At the time of approval of claims, the Director shall certify that such payments meet criteria established by regulations promulgated by the Oklahoma Veterans Commission.