The Army Emergency Relief (AER) is a private, non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to active-duty and retired Army personnel, as well as their families. Established in 1942, AER has been a vital source of support for the Army community, helping individuals in need to overcome unexpected financial challenges. With a mission to "provide emergency financial assistance to Soldiers and their Families," AER has disbursed over $1.7 billion in assistance since its inception, with $64.5 million in loans and grants awarded in 2020 alone.
Eligibility and Assistance Programs
AER assistance is available to active-duty Army personnel, retired Army personnel, and their families, including surviving spouses and orphans. The organization offers a range of programs to address various financial needs, including emergency loans, grants, and scholarships. For instance, the Emergency Loan Program provides interest-free loans of up to 2,000 to help with unexpected expenses, such as car repairs or medical bills. In 2020, AER approved 12,431 emergency loans, with an average loan amount of 1,432. The Education Assistance Program offers scholarships to dependent children of Army personnel, with 3,564 scholarships awarded in 2020, totaling $12.3 million.
Types of Assistance
AER provides assistance for a variety of expenses, including food, rent/mortgage, utilities, and emergency travel. The organization also offers assistance with car repairs, medical expenses, and funeral costs. In addition to these programs, AER provides financial counseling and budgeting assistance to help individuals manage their finances and avoid future financial difficulties. For example, AER’s financial counselors can help individuals create a personalized budget, prioritize expenses, and develop a plan to pay off debt. According to AER’s annual report, 83% of clients who received financial counseling reported a reduction in debt, with an average debt reduction of $3,500.
| Assistance Program | Number of Recipients | Total Assistance Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Loan Program | 12,431 | $17.3 million |
| Education Assistance Program | 3,564 | $12.3 million |
| Other Assistance Programs | 5,109 | $10.2 million |
Key Points
- AER provides financial assistance to active-duty and retired Army personnel, as well as their families.
- The organization offers emergency loans, grants, and scholarships to address various financial needs.
- AER's assistance programs are designed to help individuals overcome unexpected financial challenges, such as car repairs, medical bills, and funeral costs.
- The organization provides financial counseling and budgeting assistance to help individuals manage their finances and avoid future financial difficulties.
- AER has disbursed over $1.7 billion in assistance since its inception, with $64.5 million in loans and grants awarded in 2020 alone.
Application Process and Eligibility Criteria
To apply for AER assistance, individuals must submit an application through their local Army Community Service (ACS) office or online through the AER website. The application process typically involves providing documentation, such as proof of military service, identification, and financial information. AER’s eligibility criteria include active-duty or retired Army personnel, as well as their families, including surviving spouses and orphans. For example, an individual may be eligible for AER assistance if they are experiencing financial difficulties due to a deployed spouse or a medical emergency.
Supporting Documentation
Applicants must provide supporting documentation, such as pay stubs, bank statements, and bills, to demonstrate their financial need. AER also requires a budget worksheet to be completed, which helps individuals identify areas where they can reduce expenses and allocate funds more effectively. According to AER’s guidelines, applicants must also provide a statement of need, which explains the reason for the request and how the assistance will be used.
In addition to the application process, AER also offers financial education resources to help individuals manage their finances and avoid future financial difficulties. These resources include online courses, workshops, and one-on-one counseling sessions. For instance, AER's Financial Readiness Program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to create a budget, manage debt, and build credit. According to AER's annual report, 90% of participants in the Financial Readiness Program reported an improvement in their financial stability, with an average increase in savings of $1,200.
What types of assistance does AER provide?
+AER provides emergency loans, grants, and scholarships to address various financial needs, including food, rent/mortgage, utilities, and emergency travel.
How do I apply for AER assistance?
+To apply for AER assistance, individuals must submit an application through their local Army Community Service (ACS) office or online through the AER website.
What is the eligibility criteria for AER assistance?
+AER assistance is available to active-duty and retired Army personnel, as well as their families, including surviving spouses and orphans.
As a private, non-profit organization, AER relies on donations to continue providing assistance to those in need. Individuals can donate online or through their local ACS office. AER also accepts in-kind donations, such as food, clothing, and household items, which are distributed to families in need. According to AER's annual report, 92% of donations go directly towards providing assistance to clients, with only 8% allocated towards administrative costs.
In conclusion, the Army Emergency Relief is a vital organization that provides financial assistance to active-duty and retired Army personnel, as well as their families. With a range of programs and services, AER helps individuals overcome unexpected financial challenges and achieve financial stability. As a domain-specific expert, it’s essential to recognize the importance of AER’s services and the impact they have on the Army community. By providing financial assistance, education, and support, AER helps individuals build a stronger, more resilient future.
