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Car repairs. Emergency travel. A sudden change in income. Financial challenges come in many forms — and often when you least expect them. But there are many military-focused relief organizations, government programs, and nonprofits that offer resources to help servicemembers, Veterans, and military families get through difficult financial situations.
Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, support may include grants, interest-free loans, emergency financial assistance, financial counseling, and other resources. Here are some places to turn when you need assistance.
Start by Looking at Your Branch’s Relief Organization
Each branch of the military has a relief organization that provides financial assistance and other support to eligible members of its community.
Army
The Army Emergency Relief (AER) provides financial assistance to eligible active-duty servicemembers, families, and some Veterans, including zero interest loans and grants.
Watch our brief video to learn how programs like this one can support military families during a financial crisis and get more insights on AER.
Air and Space Force
The Air & Space Forces Aid Society assists eligible airmen, guardians, and family member who may qualify with no interest loans and grants, including education grants, loans, and scholarships. The organization also gives back through the “Bee” Arnold Spouse Tuition Program, Bundles for Babies, and child care programs. rograms. rograms.
Navy, Marine Corps
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society supports eligible sailors, Marines, and their families with a variety of financial resources. Programs include disaster and critical event relief, education assistance, emergency travel, and interest free loans and grants. They also offer assistance through Budget for Baby and Money Ops.
Coast Guard
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) provides financial support to eligible members of the Coast Guard community, including active-duty and reserve members, retirees, surviving spouses, civilian employees, Public Health Service officers, chaplains, and auxiliary members.
Additional Resources for Military Families
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers resources to help Veterans experiencing financial hardship, including:
- Housing assistance
- Employment services
- Debt management resources
- Health care
- Disability compensation
- Pension programs
- Caregiver support
- Assistance for Veterans at risk of homelessness
Several Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, Purple Heart Foundation, and Texas Veterans Commission, also provide financial assistance.
Private/Nonprofit Resources
Military-specific programs aren’t the only source of support for families experiencing financial hardship. Consider looking into local food banks, utility assistance programs, housing organizations, faith-based charities, and state or county assistance programs.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Hardship Alone
When money is tight, knowing where to turn can make it easier to take the next step. Military relief organizations, government programs, VSOs, and community nonprofits offer a range of resources for servicemembers, Veterans, retirees, spouses, and military families. Eligibility and available assistance vary by program, so contact the organization directly to learn what support may be available for your situation.
To stay up to date on military benefits, financial resources and guidance, subscribe for premium access to all of the content in our Resource Center.
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