Army Emergency Relief

Army Emergency Relief is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1942 by the Secretary of War and the Army Chief of Staff to help Soldiers and their dependents deal with financial crisis.

In 1999, AER made 50,906 loans totaling $33.7 million. Funded by contributions and fees from the repayment of loans as well as investments, Army Emergency Relief is well suited to helping Soldiers deal with financial needs in critical times.

Commanders and first sergeants have information on how to access this help for their Soldiers and their dependents. Retirees and their dependents are also eligible for help.

Army Emergency Relief helps the following personnel:

• Soldiers on extended active duty and their dependents
• Members of the Reserve 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, and their dependents
• Widows/Widowers and orphans of Soldiers who died while on active duty or after they retired

Emergency Services helps 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

AER does not offer the following:

• 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

Army Emergency Relief also gives undergraduate-level education scholarships, based primarily on financial need, to children of Soldiers. Last year, 1,793 scholarships were given totaling $1.8 million. For more information, contact:

Army Emergency Services

Official Website