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Military Relief Society Loans & Grants for Service Members in Financial Need

Joe Wallace

tyIn the event of a government shutdown, pandemic, or other economic uncertainty, the financial well-being of service members and their families becomes threatened. But military communities have resources troops and dependents can turn to, including financial help from military aid societies for each branch of military service.

These options are also available individually during “normal” times for troops who encounter financial hardship. These options are offered based on individual needs rather than on general circumstances, such as a COVID-related grant or the need to offset higher living costs in a given area.

Military Aid Society Loans and Grants For Service Members

The disruption of pay can cause hardship. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has a dedicated aid society ready to provide financial assistance and support in times of need. These organizations can help, offering need-based loans and grants to qualifying applicants during a government shutdown or other times of uncertainty.

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is an official part of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. During a government shutdown, AFAS offers emergency assistance programs to provide financial relief for both airmen and guardians when they go without pay.

AFAS offers interest-free loans and, in some cases, grants to cover living expenses. The aid can be used for approved living expenses such as:

• • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Electricity, water, gas, and other essential services
  • Food and Groceries
  • Car payments, insurance, and essential repairs
  • Childcare

The primary form of assistance is an interest-free loan, which is typically repaid in full once the service member receives their back pay. The loan amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis. Each review takes into account the individual’s or family’s specific needs and financial situation.

AFAS Eligibility

To be eligible for AFAS assistance during a government shutdown, you must be an Airman or Guardian or the dependent of an Airman or Guardian. Other requirements may apply. The application process for AFAS assistance is designed to be as streamlined as possible to ensure that aid is delivered quickly.

Contact your local Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) or Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC): These centers are the primary point of contact for AFAS assistance.

While the specific documentation may vary, it is generally a good idea to have the following on hand:

• • Military ID
  • Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
  • Copies (no originals) of bills/expenses for which you are requesting assistance.
  • A completed AFAS application, which can be obtained from your M&FRC or A&FRC.

Once you have completed the application and have your documents, submit them to the M&FRC or A&FRC for review by a caseworker. It is important to note that if you are not located near an Air Force or Space Force installation, you can seek assistance through the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross has a partnership with military aid societies and can process applications for AFAS assistance on their behalf. Contact the Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337.

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Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) serves both the Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. For over a century, NMCRS has provided financial assistance to service members and their families.

During a government shutdown, NMCRS stands ready to help Sailors, Marines, and their families navigate the financial challenges of a pay disruption.

NMCRS offers interest-free loans to help meet the immediate needs of Sailors and Marines who are financially hurt by a government shutdown. The assistance is for expenses, such as:

• • Housing
  • Utilities
  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Medical Expenses

The focus of NMCRS is to provide financial help until pay is restored. The loans are interest-free, and a reasonable repayment plan is established once the service member’s pay resumes.

NMCRS Eligibility

Eligible individuals for NMCRS shutdown assistance include:

• • Sailors and Marines
  • Dependents of Sailors and Marines
  • Other requirements may apply

The process for applying for NMCRS assistance is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

Visit your local NMCRS office: NMCRS has offices located on most major Navy and Marine Corps installations. You can find the location of the nearest office on the NMCRS website. Visiting an office in person is the most direct way to apply for assistance.

When you visit an NMCRS office, be sure to bring the following with you:

• • Military ID card
  • Most recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
  • Any bills or financial documents that support your request for assistance.

You will meet with a trained NMCRS caseworker who will review your financial situation and help you complete the application. The caseworker will work with you to determine the amount of assistance you need and create a budget to help manage your finances during hardship.

For those who are not near an NMCRS office, assistance is available through the American Red Cross.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)

As the Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security, it is often affected by government shutdowns differently than the branches of the Department of Defense. In past shutdowns, Coast Guard members have gone without pay while continuing to stay on duty.

To help, CGMA offers interest-free loans to help Coast Guard members and their families cover essential expenses. These loans can be used for:

• • Housing
  • Utilities
  • Insurance
  • Childcare
  • Food

The loan amount for military members is typically up to the amount of their monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Civilian employees may also qualify for assistance, with the loan amount being equivalent to their BAH rate.

CGMA Eligibility

CGMA assistance is available to a broad range of the Coast Guard community, including:

• • Active-duty and retired Coast Guard members
  • Coast Guard civilian employees
  • Coast Guard reservists
  • Full-time NAF/WG employees
  • Coast Guard Academy cadets
  • Other requirements may apply

The Coast Guard Mutual Assistance has an online application process to make it as easy as possible for members of the Coast Guard community to receive help. Here are the steps:

The CGMA website (mycgma.org) is the central hub for applications. You can find detailed information about the shutdown loan program and access the online application portal. Once your application is approved, the funds are sent via an ACH transfer to your bank account or through Zelle.

CGMA encourages members to first explore any 0% interest payroll loan options offered by financial institutions such as USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, and others.

Army Emergency Relief (AER)

AER provides zero-interest loans to help servicemembers until normal pay is restored. This assistance is designed to cover the loss of one net paycheck, with a maximum loan amount of $6,000. The funds can be used for:

• • Housing
  • Food
  • Utilities
  • Other “essential living expenses”

These loans are typically repaid within 30 days after the Soldier receives their back pay from the government. The application process for AER assistance is designed to be accessible and provide rapid support. Soldiers can apply for a loan directly through the Army Emergency Relief website. In-person appointments may or may not be possible. If you are able to land an in-person appointment or need help filling out the forms, be sure to gather:

• • Military ID card
  • Most recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
  • Any bills or financial documents that support your request for assistance.

After the application is submitted, it is reviewed by AER staff for approval. Once approved, the funds are disbursed quickly to the Soldier’s bank account. For Soldiers who may not have access to the website or who are not located near an Army installation with an AER office, assistance can also be obtained by contacting the American Red Cross.

According to Army.mil. “Soldiers who believe they will be in financial distress if they do not receive pay on Oct. 15 or later are advised to create an account and apply online.”

Military Aid Society Official Sites

• • Army Emergency Relief
  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
  • Air Force Aid Society (Space Force support available)
  • Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

 

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