The AER Program plays a unique and important role in helping the Army "Take Care of Its Own." The AER office provides emergency financial assistance to Soldiers, both active and retired, and their family members during period of valid emergencies.

AER is private nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to collect and hold funds to relieve financial distress of Soldiers and their family members. Although a private organization, AER exists solely for the Soldier. AER belongs to all Army people, active, retired, and the spouses and orphans of deceased Soldiers.

Approval of an AER loan is based on the need created by an emergency beyond the control of the Soldier. Although each loan application is considered on its own merit, the AER office should be the last aid station when all other agencies have been unable to assist (Red Cross, Finance, other ACS programs, etc. AER will consider cases in the following areas:

• Non-Receipt of Pay
• Loss of Funds
• Medical, Dental and Hospital
• Funeral Expenses
• Required Travel Expenses
• Food
• Rent Utilities
• Essential POV Repair Privation

AER is unable to provide assistance for abortions, bad checks, civilian court fees, fines or judgments, bail bonds, liens, legal fees, credit card bills, telephone bills, marriages, divorces, ordinary leaves or vacations, liquidation/consolidation of debts, overdrawn bank accounts/overdrafts, state or federal income taxes.