Under AR 930-4, Army Emergency Relief provides EMERGENCY financial assistance in the form of a non-interest bearing loan, grant, or a combination of the two.

We are located on Fort Buchanan in the ACS.

 

Please bring the following for your visit:

  • Military ID Card
  • Leave and Earnings Statement
  • Leave/PCS Orders
  • Substantiating Documents (e.g. Car repair estimate, rental agreement, utility bill)
  • Refer to the areas of assistance below for the required forms

Areas of Assistance

Required Forms

Who Does AER Assist?

  • 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. (This applies to soldiers on AD for training (ADT) or serving under various sections of title 10, United States Code).
  • Soldiers retired from active duty because of longevity or physical disability, or retired upon reaching age 60 (Reserve Components) and their dependents.
  • Widows/Widowers and orphans of soldiers who died while on active duty or after they retired.

AER cannot assist with:

  • Help pay for non-essentials.
  • 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.
  • Pay credit card bills.
  • Funds to replace those overdrawn from bank account.

Spousal Assistance

  • Spouses may receive financial assistance; however, they must be geographically separated and possess a Power of Attorney, Military ID card and provide substantiating documents (eg. car repair estimate, rental agreement, utility bill).

What kind of assistance is given?

  • Assistance may be provided in the form of a non-interest bearing loan, a grant (an outright gift of funds) if repayment of loan will cause undue hardship or a combination of the two. Should a loan be given, it will be prorated from the Soldier’s military pay. It is always best to discuss the payment plan with an AER representative.

Is there a dollar limit on AER assistance?

  • No. AER assistance will meet your emergency need.

Where does AER receive its funding?

  • Voluntary contributions from active and retired soldiers.
  • Repayment of AER interest-free loans.
  • Income from investments.
  • Unsolicited contributions.

Should you need emergency assistance after duty hours, on weekends, or when ACS is closed contact:

 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION TYPES:

  1. Basic Needs, Housing & Family Support (available online): Assists with essential living expenses such as basic needs (food, fuel, shelter), childcare, housing, utilities, home repair, vehicle assistance, immigration expenses, and transportation for special leave programs (not including emergency travel).
  2. Career Skills and Spouse Recertification (available online): Supports Soldiers and their Families in accessing job training, internships, certification, or licensing programs. The goal is to promote career advancement and long-term financial stability, especially during transitions to civilian life or for military spouse career development
  3. Disaster Relief (available online): Delivers financial help during natural disasters, emergencies, major incidents, or government shutdowns. Assistance may cover temporary housing, food, fuel, utilities, and minor home repairs to ensure access to essential needs during critical times. See AER Pamphlet 930-6 for specific guidance.
  4. Emergency Travel Expenses (available online): Supports emergency travel for Soldiers and their Families due to serious illness or the death of an immediate Family member. It covers costs such as transportation, lodging, and meals during these urgent situations.
  5. Health & Wellness (available online): Provides help with medical and dental expenses (not covered by TRICARE), elder care, special medical equipment, and wellness programs. It is designed to ease the financial burden of health[1][1]related needs
  6. PCS Move / Travel Expenses (available online): Helps with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) movements when a Soldier lacks access to a Government Travel Card or travel advance. It may include help with transportation, housing, food, and utilities to reduce relocation-related financial stress
  7. Domestic Violence (Not available online): Provides financial support to Soldiers and Families affected by domestic violence, helping them secure emergency needs such as temporary housing, food, transportation, and other necessities to ensure their safety and well-being.

 

BE AER READY CAMPAIGN:

 
BE AER READY FLYER.png

 

The severe impacts of past major events such as Irma, Maria, and Fiona serve as a strong reminder of how important it is to be fully prepared for unexpected natural disasters. It is imperative that we ALL stand  ready to respond to any events that might impact Soldiers and Families residing in Puerto Rico. To that end, I urge the leadership to encourage every Soldier to proactively establish their AER portal account. The “How to” instruction is attached in the email (Create Portal Account (7-15 mins) and you are “one step” closer to being “AER Ready”).