ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF

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.

 

Who Does AER Help?

-- Active duty soldiers single or married, and their dependents.

-- ARNG and USAR soldiers 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 Can AER Do?

-- Help 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.

-- Give undergraduate-level education scholarships, based primarily on financial need, to children of soldiers.

 

 

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.

 

 

What Kind of Assistance Can I Expect?

-- An interest-free loan.

-- A grant (an outright gift of funds) if repayment of loan will cause undue hardship.

-- Or, part loan and part grant.

 

 

What Should I Bring With Me?

-- Military ID card.

-- Leave and Earnings Statement.

-- Leave/PCS orders.

-- Substantiating documents (car repair estimate, rental agreement, utility bill, etc.).

 

 

Can My Spouse Get AER Help if I'm Away?

Yes.  Spouses should bring:

-- Power of Attorney

-- Military ID Card

-- Substantiating documents

 

 

Is There a Dollar Limit on AER Help?

No.  AER assistance will meet your emergency needs.

 

Do I Have to Contribute to AER to Get Help?

No.  If you are eligible for AER assistance and have a valid emergency need, AER will help.

 

Why Does AER Provide Funds for Widows and for Education Scholarships?

-- In 1976, AER merged with the former Army Relief Society (ARS) whose mission was to assist widows and provide scholarships for dependent children.

-- Through careful management of ARS' funds, AER is able to continue these worthy programs today.

 

Does AER Get Its Money From the Government?

No.  AER does not receive any appropriated or non-appropriated government money.

 

How Can I Help?

-- Make sure spouse knows about AER.

-- Give my spouse a power of attorney for emergency use.

-- Remind fellow soldiers about AER when they have financial emergencies.

-- Support AER with a contribution and encourage others to contribute.

 

From Where Does AER Get Its Funds?

-- Voluntary contributions from active and retired soldiers and Army civilians.

-- Repayment of AER interest-free loans.

-- Investment income.

-- Unsolicited contributions.

 

Why Does AER Have A Fund Raising Campaign?

 -- Keep our name and mission awareness with the soldiers.

-- Keep our tax-exempt status by raising at least 1/3 of our income through donations.

-- Obtain funds to use in assistance programs.

 

What Portion of My Contribution Goes To Help Soldiers?

95¢ of every dollar you contribute goes to help soldiers; AER administrative expenses cost only 5¢.

 

What Is AER's Record of Assistance?

-- Since it was established in 1942, AER has helped more than 2.76 million Army people with more than $759 million.

-- In 2000 AER assisted 55,000 Army people with more than $37 million, specifically:

        ·   More than $32.7 million to active-duty soldiers and their families.

        ·   More than $3.4 million to retired soldiers and their families.

        ·   More than $1 million to widows(ers) and orphans of deceased soldiers.

 

How Do 1 Find AER When I Need Help?

-- First, see your unit commander.

-- Then, go to your AER Section.

-- If there is no AER Section, go to any of the following:

  • American Red Cross Chapter

  • Air Force Aid Socicty Section

  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Auxiliary

  • Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Office

 

All Financial Assistance

Provided by These Organizations to Soldiers Is Funded by AER

 

59 Years of Helping

the Army Care for its Own

 

The Army-wide annual AER fund campaign is conducted 1 March -- 15 May.  You can contribute to your local AER fund campaign or send your contribution to AER National Headquarters.

 

 

For more information

contact your local AER officer

or visit our website:

 

http://www.aerhq.org

 

AER National Headquarters

200 Stovall Street

Alexandria, VA  22332-0600

 

Questions and Answers About

 

Army Emergency Relief

 

 

 

 


You can help your fellow

soldiers by contributing to

Army Emergency Relief

 

 

Available for you at more
than 1,800 Locations

Around the World

 
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