Military Relief Organizations and Emergency Financial Help

If you’re having serious financial problems, your service relief organization may be able to help. Army Emergency Relief, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the Air Force Aid Society are here to help you weather financial emergencies.

Depending on the circumstances, service relief organizations provide emergency financial help with interest-free loans, grants or a combination of loans and grants. They can also offer financial preparedness counseling and tuition assistance.

Loans and Grants

Most loans and grants from military relief organizations are for one-time financial needs such as:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Vehicle repair
• Emergency travel
• Funeral expenses
• Some medical and dental expenses

Each organization limits the kinds of financial expenses it will cover. For example, fines and legal expenses, buying a home or vehicle, or other nonessentials aren’t covered.

Service Websites

Go to your service relief organization’s website to learn more about eligibility and how to apply for aid:

• Army Emergency Relief
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
• Air Force Aid Society

If your relief organization isn’t nearby, one of the other service relief organizations can help process your request. If no military relief organizations are near you, the local Red Cross chapter can process your request. You can also reach out to your installation’s Family Readiness Center for help.

If you’re having trouble making your home payments and are worried about foreclosure, contact Military OneSource for no-cost, confidential financial counseling. Get mortgage information by visiting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s “Ask CFPB,” and listen to this podcast to help you avoid foreclosure scams: Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Red Flags and Real Help. There are resources here to help you regain control of your finances.