Army Emergency Relief (AER) is a private, non-profit organization established to assist Soldiers and their Family members in emergency financial situations due to no fault of their own. Financial assistance comes in the form of an interest-free loan, grant, or combination of the two. Loans pay back by allotment.
To apply for AER assistance, the Soldier can go through the Unit Commander/1SG for interview/counseling to determine if the situation can be resolved through the chain-of-command or some other source; or, they may come directly to ACS/AER.
Services and Assistance
AER helps with emergency financial needs (or necessities, when an emergency takes your funds).
AER collaborates with other military aid societies to provide local assistance for all branches (Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard).
Learn more on the Army Emergency Relief Website.
Education Programs
AER’s Education Program is a secondary mission to help Army Families with the costs of education. The two separate scholarship programs are:
Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program
Spouses pursuing an undergraduate degree or professional certification may receive assistance for up to four academic years of full-time study or eight academic years of part-time study. Spouses may apply year-round (no deadlines) and must re-apply every year.
MG James Ursano Scholarship Program for Children
Children pursuing an undergraduate degree who meet eligibility criteria may receive assistance for up to four academic years. Children must re-apply every year. Please be advised: the MG Ursano scholarship closes April 1 each year.
Scholarships pay for up to half the cost of tuition. Financial need determines scholarship amount, as evidenced by income, assets, Family size, and special circumstances. Applications and instructions are available for scholarships on the AER website.