(PENSACOLA, Fla.) — An unexpected car repair, medical bill, or housing expense can put a financial strain on a military family [United States Army has a program that helps Active Duty, Reserves, Guard, Retired Soldiers and their dependents]. For soldiers and their families who find themselves in that situation, Army Emergency Relief offers a place to turn for help.
Army Emergency Relief, commonly known as AER, has provided financial assistance to soldiers and their families since 1942. The organization offers zero-interest loans and grants to eligible active-duty soldiers, Army Reserve and National Guard members, retired soldiers, and their dependents. ( Army Emergency Relief - Supporting Soldiers and Their Families Since 1942)
The amount of assistance depends on each applicant's circumstances and financial needs. Previous loans or grants may also be considered when an application is reviewed.
AER helps with more than just emergency expenses. Its assistance programs cover a wide range of needs, from rent and utility bills to medical expenses, travel, and vehicle repairs.
Some of the expenses that may qualify for assistance include:
Cranial helmets
Emergency travel and permanent change of station (PCS) travel
Child car seats
Dental care for dependents
Home repair
Non-medical attendant travel
Invitational travel order
Clothing
Immigration and passport fees for dependents
Special needs medical equipment
Childcare (Army Fee Assistance enrollment required)
Natural disaster preparation and evacuation
Mortgage, rent, and initial deposit
Temporary lodging
Food
Medical co-pays not covered by TRICARE
Vehicle costs
Utilities
Funeral expenses
Basic essential furniture
Appliance cost
Not every applicant qualifies for every type of assistance. Each request is reviewed individually, and the amount approved depends on the circumstances.
Soldiers and family members seeking help can apply online or contact an AER officer. [You can apply online at Home · Custom Portal.]
More than $50 million in assistance in 2026 [AERs Mission]
AER's 2026 figures show 23,046 cases totaling $50,974,641 in financial assistance.
Specialists accounted for 5,813 cases and approximately $11.2 million in assistance. Staff sergeants accounted for 3,894 cases totaling about $9.5 million, while sergeants accounted for 4,246 cases totaling approximately $8.7 million.
The figures also include assistance provided to other enlisted soldiers and officers.
AER notes that a single case can involve more than one request for assistance.
The organization receives financial support from several partners, including USAA Federal Savings Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, the National Football League, and Lockheed Martin.
Photo Credit: ( Army Emergency Relief - Supporting Soldiers and Their Families Since 1942)/ Chart depicting 2026 Loans and Grants Approved to Applicants
AER prides itself on its core values:
Accessibility—Our singular focus is to help Soldiers and Families, whenever and however a need may arise.
Excellence—We strive to excel to be the No. 1 nonprofit of choice for Soldiers and their Families.
Respect—Treat others with dignity.
Courage—We honor the courage to ask for help, to speak up, to challenge the status quo, and do what is right.
Accountability–We will assist with all that we can while remaining accountable for every dollar.
Resilience— We withstand and recover quickly from difficulties.
Equity-Inclusion—We listen to all and value differences.
Sustainability—We are committed to AER's financial stability. (AER Core Values - Army Emergency Relief)
Asking for help
Retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston, AER's CEO, has spoken about the importance of making sure soldiers know that help is available when they need it.
“Whenever they need something, they know they have an organization that can come in and step in and help them,” Grinston said.
He recalled the uncertainty military families faced during a government shutdown, when questions arose about whether service members would receive their paychecks.
“We were going to pay those mid-month paychecks, and we had their back so they weren’t alone and we were going to be there for them,” he said.
Photo Credit: Leadership - Army Emergency Relief/ Retired Sergeant Major of The Army and Current AER CEO
Grinston also encouraged soldiers and their families not to be embarrassed about asking for financial assistance.
“You should never be afraid to ask for help. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for behavioral health, and you shouldn’t be afraid to come to AER and ask for financial help,” he said.
For AER, providing financial assistance is only part of its work. The organization also offers educational scholarships and other support intended to help military families become more financially stable.
Since its founding in 1942, AER has continued to provide assistance to Army families facing difficult financial situations.
Those interested in applying for assistance or learning more about the organization's programs can visit armyemergencyrelief.org.
To submit corrections or additional information about this report, contact james.b@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below.
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