Eligibility:

1. Soldiers on extended active duty and their Family members
2. Members of the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve on continuous active duty under  Title 10 orders for more than 30 consecutive days and  their Family members.
3. Soldiers retired from active duty because of longevity or physical disability, or retired upon reaching age 60 (Reserve Components) and their Family members; and,
4. Widows (ers) and orphans of Soldiers who died while on active duty or after they retired.

AER provides help with emergency financial needs for:

1. Food, rent or utilities
2. Emergency transportation and vehicle repair, to include rental vehicles
3. Funeral expenses
4. Medical/dental expenses
5. Personal needs when pay is delayed or stolen

AER does not provide funds:

1. For nonessentials
2. To finance ordinary leave or vacation
3. To pay fines or legal expenses
4. To liquidate or consolidate debt
5. For purchase of home or home improvements
6. To cover bad checks or pay credit card bills
7. Abortions

To receive assistance:

See your unit chain of command

Complete the appropriate form:
AER Form 600 Commander’s Referral:  http://goo.gl/KyXal

or AER Form 700 Application for Financial Assistance
http://goo.gl/yqoTU

Visit your AER Section in ACS Annex,
Bldg. 2166 Liggett and S. 12th St.
JBLM Lewis Main 98433
253-967-9852
AER After-hours Emergencies: American Red Cross:
1-877-272-7337 Email

Bring your military ID card, Leave and Earnings Statement, and substantiating documents if needed

If you are not near your AER Section, go to any of the following:

1. Air Force Aid Society
2. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
3. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

AER Support

If there is no military installation of any type within 50 miles of your location, AER has a support agreement with the American Red Cross to assist Soldiers and their families. Click to find the Red Cross chapter nearest your location or call the American Red Cross 24 hour Emergency Communication Center at 877-272-7337. Email

Each AER request is personal and is considered on its own merit. 

Educational Assistance

is also provided for Family members of active duty, retired or deceased Soldiers. The MG James Ursano Scholarship Program was established in 1976 as a secondary mission to help Army Families with undergraduate college expenses for their dependent children.  Scholarships are based on financial need, academics, and leadership/achievement for each academic year.

The Spouse Education Assistance Program (SEAP)

is a need‐based education program designed to provide spouses of active duty or retired Soldiers, and widows(ers) of Soldiers who died either on active duty or in a retired status with financial assistance to pursue a four year college degree.  The purpose of the program is to assist spouses/widows(ers) in gaining the education required to allow them to qualify for increased occupational opportunities.

For more information on how to apply please visit AER’s website at http://www.aerhq.org/