What is Army Emergency Relief?

A non-profit organization incorporated in 1942 by the Secretary of War and the Army Chief of Staff, AER's mission is to provide emergency financial assistance to soldiers and their dependents by way of a no-interest loan or grant. To learn more about AER, please log on at www.aerhq.org.

Who does AER help? 
• Active duty soldiers, single or married and their dependents
• ARNG and USAR soldier on continuous active duty for more than 30 days and their dependents
• Soldiers retired from active duty for longevity or physical disability, and their dependents
• ARNG and USAR soldiers who retired at age 60 and their dependents.
• Surviving spouses and orphans of soldiers who died while on active duty or after they retired

What does AER provide?
Assistance is authorized for valid emergency financial needs such as:
• Non-receipt of Pay/Lost or Stolen Funds
• Medical, dental and hospital expenses
• Funeral Expenses
• Emergency travel expenses
• Rent, utilities, food (privation)
• Clothing
• Fire or other disaster
• Emergency transportation and vehicle repair

What can't AER do?
• 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 a vehicle
• Cover bad checks or pay credit card bills

AER's Education Program is a secondary mission to help Army families with the costs of education. The three separate scholarship programs are: the Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program, the Overseas Spouse Education Assistance Program and the Major General James Ursano Scholarship Fund for Dependent Children.