An emergency in-transit to a new duty station can happen to
anyone. You can be prepared to handle unforeseen problems along the
way with a little pre-move planning.
ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF: If
you do have an emergency in-transit, you may contact the nearest military
facility or the local American Red Cross to apply for an Army Emergency Relief
loan. Army Emergency Relief loans or grants can be approved to help
with emergency financial needs for food, rent, utilities, transportation,
vehicle repair, funeral expenses, medical/dental expenses and personal needs
when pay is delayed or stolen. You may apply for AER assistance at any
installation. If there is no AER Section, you may go to any of the
following: American Red Cross Chapter, Air Force Aid Society, or Navy Relief
Society. All branches of service have inter-service agreements to
assist any military individual. To apply on the Rock Island Arsenal
contact Army Community Service, building 110, 1st floor, east wing or the
American Red Cross - Quad Cities Chapter.
AER ELIGIBILITY
REQUIREMENTS: all active duty soldiers and/or their dependents; all
retired soldiers and/or their dependents; widows/widower/orphans of the above;
reservists on extended active duty for 30 days or longer. You may
qualify for an interest-free loan, a grant (if repayment of loan will cause
undue hardship), or part loan and part grant. AER cannot 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; or cover bad checks or pay
credit card bills. Bring the following items when applying for
assistance: military ID card, leave and earning statement, leave/PCS orders, and
substantiating documents (car repair estimate, rental agreement, utility bills,
etc.) If your spouse is applying for assistance, he/she should bring Power of
Attorney, military ID card and all substantiating documents. There
are several agencies in the local community that can assist in emergency
situations. Active duty military may qualify for an Army Emergency
Relief (AER)loan or grant. The American Red Cross may also process
AER loans, see below for contact information. For a list of agencies
that may assist you with specific emergencies contact the RIA Information &
Referral Program Manager.
Army Community Service also prepares loans
& grants for the other relief societies including; Navy, Marine Corps, Air
Force, & Coast Guard.