- Army Emergency Relief (AER) Overview
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Overview
Army Emergency Relief is the U.S. Army's own nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating financial distress on the force. AER provides grants and zero-interest loans to Active Duty and Retired Soldiers and their Families. Over 4 million Soldiers supported since 1942. AER officers are conveniently located at installations around the world. Visit ArmyEmergencyRelief.org to learn more.
Education Programs
AER’s Education Program is a secondary mission to help Army Families with the costs of education. The three separate scholarship programs are:
Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program
• Applicant must be the Spouse or widow(er) of an active duty or retired Soldier and reside in the United States.
• Stateside applicants must be full time students.
• First undergraduate degrees only.
• Active duty military personnel are not eligible.Overseas Spouse Education Assistance Program Major General James Ursano Scholarship Fund for Dependent Children.
Overseas Spouse Education Assistance Program
• Applicants must be a Spouse of an active duty Soldier assigned in Europe, Korea, Japan, or Okinawa.
• Applicants must physically reside with the Soldier at the assigned location.
• First undergraduate degrees only.
• Off post students are not eligible.
• Spouses may be part time or full time students.Major General James Ursano Scholarship Fund for Dependant Children
• Dependent children, stepchildren, or legally adopted children of Army Soldiers on active duty, retired or deceased while in active duty or retired status.The children of Grey Area Reservists/National Guard are eligible as well.
Scholarship awards will be awarded up to half the cost of tuition. Scholarship awards are based on financial need, as evidenced by income, assets, Family size, and special circumstances.
Applications and instructions are available for all the scholarships on the AER website at https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/resources/
- AER Resources and Forms
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The Redstone Arsenal AER office may provide emergency assistance to members of other services through their respective aid societies. Army service members can receive assistance at any Navy/Marine Relief Society, or Coast Guard Mutual Aid Society. All Air Force affiliated personnel requesting assistance must use the Air Force Aid Society portal at https://portal.afas.org/ea-eligibility/. If there is not a military post/base within a 50 mile radius from your home, assistance may be obtained by calling the American Red Cross toll free, +1(877)272-7337. AER provides scholarship programs for spouse and dependent children of active duty, retired, and fallen Soldiers. AER's Education Program is a secondary mission to help Army Families with the costs of education. Forms and detailed information on the AER scholarship programs can be obtained by visiting www.armyemergencyrelief.org
For AER immediate emergency needs (active duty emergency travel and/or privation) during closed hours, contact American Red Cross (877) 272-7337.
Contact ACS for AER during operating hours.
