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Financial Assistance for Your Military Child’s Remote Learning 

Julie Provost

Remote Learning Financial Assistance

Military families whose child or children still have to participate in virtual learning or the hybrid form have had to shift their expenses to include the extra costs for their children. These expenses may include laptops, tablets, headphones, or other supplies. If you and your family need financial assistance, it’s best to check if you are able to receive financial support through the military relief society. While each branch has its own policies and programs, they all provide help to military members facing financial hardships.

Army Emergency Relief

Home School and Remote Education Assistance Program

This program helps families with children aged kindergarten through 12 and undergraduate college students. The assistance can be used to offset the costs of traditional school supplies and educational electronics. AER can approve up to $1,500, however any requests over that amount will have to be reviewed by AER headquarters. When approved, the assistance will be provided in the form of a grant, loan, or a combination of both. In order to apply for aid, use the Office Locater to find the nearest AER office. After, make an appointment to speak with an AER officer so they can help you through the next steps. There are no restrictions on the number of requests a family can make and the eligibility period will continue until AER headquarters retracts it. Those eligible include:

• • Active duty members or retired Soldiers
  • U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and Army National Guard (ARNG)
  • Soldiers activated on Title 10 orders for 31 days or more
  • USAR and ARNG activated on Title 10 or 32 orders for support of COVID-19

Air Force Aid Society

Emergency Assistance

This is used to provide immediate assistance to those who are in an unexpected financial situation. A loan that falls under this program are Falcon Loans. These loans allow for quick assistance that are appropriate for childcare expenses, emergency travel, etc. It is a no-interest loan of up to $1,000 but cannot exceed that amount. The application process is fast and simple and is completed online in the AFAS Portal. After submitting your application, go to your Airman & Family Readiness Center and bring your Air Force ID card and current Leave and Earning Statement. This loan is eligible for:

• • Active duty personnel (includes spouses with Power of Attorney)
  • Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve activated under Title 10 USC over 15 days
  • Air National Guard on Title 32 USC 502(f) full time Active Guard Reserve orders

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

COVID-19 Rapid Response Loan

This interest-free loan covers approved homeschooling costs even if members have an outstanding balance on other loans associated with NMCRS. Those who are eligible can receive up to $1,500. To see if you qualify, contact your local Society office.

Quick Assist Loans (QAL)

No appointment is needed, and the process takes about 20 minutes, however, you must apply in person. If approved, you can receive an interest-free loan of up to $500 which must be paid back in 10 months. When applying for the loan, locate your nearest Society office, complete and bring in the application, and bring your military ID and recent Leave and Earnings Statement. Eligibility includes:

• • Active duty Sailor or Marine
  • No outstanding NMCRS loans
  • Have enough time on contract to repay loan

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

In-Person Tutoring Grant

CGMA provides virtual support for students who are in pre-kindergarten through 8^th grade and also offers up to $1,000. Online training is also still available 24/7 at no cost through their tutor website.

Childcare Grants

Up to $500 is provided to families to help balance out the demands of receiving childcare.

Additional $6,000 Childcare Loans:

Due to the difficulty of finding and securing childcare, families can also apply for this loan of up to $6,000.

For additional information in regard to these forms of assistance and to see if you qualify, please see your local CGMA representative.

If a military relief society office is not available near you, please get in touch with the American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337.

Tutor.com

In addition to the assistance offered above, you can check out Tutor.com. They offer online tutoring and homework help for the US military and their families at no cost. Their services are from age kindergarten through college. Families will have access to live, expert tutors, 24/7. Eligibility for this program was extended in April of 2020.  For more info, please go here.

 

RELATED:

• Organizations That Help Military Kids and Families
• Wounded Warrior Project’s COVID-19 Relief Program
• Help For Military Families During COVID-19 Pandemic
• SCRA and MLA: How They Can Help You Financially
• Childcare Options for Military Families