A new policy will now allow most Soldiers, regardless of rank, to apply directly for financial assistance from Army Emergency Relief (AER). Soldiers in grades E-1 through E-4, who have spent at least 12 months in the service or have completed initial entry training, are now able to make appointments and submit requests for loans or grants from AER without the approval of a company commander or first sergeant. The policy change is meant to get Soldiers the help they need faster. Soldiers in initial entry training and soldiers who exhibit high-risk financial behavior will continue to submit AER requests through their chain of command. For more information, contact an AER officer on your base.
For more financial tips for service members and families, visit the Military.com Money section. For more military family support resources, visit the Military.com Spouse Channel.