AER is a private nonprofit 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, active and retired, to their Families, and to Surviving Spouses and Orphans of Soldiers who died while on active duty, or after they retired.
AER’s five areas of support
- Basic needs & housing: housing assistance, food, emergency car repair
- Care during a crisis: disaster response, domestic violence, funeral expenses, Wounded Warriors
- Health & wellness: medical co-pays not covered by TRICARE, cranial helmets, dental care for dependents, special-needs equipment
- Workforce development: spouse re-licensing and recertification fees, Career Skills Program support
- Supporting Families: emergency travel, childcare, immigrations, visa & passport fees, scholarships
Who is Eligible?
Active duty Soldiers, single or married, and their Family members.
Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers on continuous active duty for more than 30 days and their Family members (Title 10, USC).
Soldiers retired from active duty for longevity or physical disability, and their Family Members Surviving spouses and orphans of Soldiers who died while on active duty or after they retired.
Important Update :
AER financial assistance is no longer processed through the American Red Cross or other Military Service Aid Societies.
How to Apply for Assistance
AER now provides an online application system, making it easier to check eligibility and request financial help.
If you are an Active Duty Soldier, Retired Soldier, or Survivor, you can apply online and get an immediate eligibility decision.
To apply, follow these steps on your phone or computer:
- Click here to Sign up then create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Once your account has been created, click "Apply for Assistance" at the top of the page to start your application.
This process will guide users through eligibility checks, account creation, and request submission.
For help with “time sensitive” Emergency Travel requests (meaning you are requesting to travel within the next 12 hours), or assistance using the portal during the office closure, weekends, or holidays, email: soldierportalhelp@aerhq.org.
The 2026 AER Annual Campaign
For more than 84 years, AER has proudly provided financial assistance to Soldiers when they need it most. The annual campaign’s purpose is to educate Soldiers about the types of AER assistance available to them and provide the opportunity for them to donate. AER is built on the idea that giving a little can change everything. Your donation, whatever the amount, keeps Soldiers housed, keeps Families fed, and keeps emergencies from becoming crises.
The 2026 Campaign kicks off March 1 and goes through June 14, the Army’s 251st Birthday.
If you are interested in donating to the AER Campaign, please scan QR Code below.
