Emergency Relief

No matter how well we plan, there may be times in our lives where unexpected financial emergencies arise. During these times Soldiers and their dependants can turn to Army Emergency Relief for aid. If you are eligible for AER assistance and have a valid emergency need, AER will help you.

Army Emergency Relief helps the following personnel:

• Soldiers on extended active duty and their dependents.
• Members of the Reserved Components of the Army (Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve) on continuous active duty for more than 30 days and their dependents.
• Soldiers retired from active duty because of longevity or physical disability, or retired upon reaching age 60 (Reserve Components) and their dependents.
• Widows (ers) and orphans of soldiers who died while on active duty or after they retired.

AER can help with emergency financial needs for:

• Food, rent or utilities
• Emergency transportation and vehicle repair
• Funeral expenses
• Medical/dental expenses
• Personal needs when pay is delayed or stolen
• Give undergraduate-level education scholarships, based primarily on financial need, to children of soldiers

AER Cannot :

• Help pay for nonessentials
• Finance ordinary leave or vacation
• Pay fines or legal expenses
• Help liquidate or consolidate debt
• Assist with house purchase or home improvements
• Help purchase, rent or lease vehicle
• Cover bad checks or pay credit card bills