Active duty Soldiers can apply for the career skills program when retiring or separating from the Army when they are looking to get into civilian employment. While most of the cases are based off monetary need, in some instances funds are available for special categories. Spouses and children may be eligible for educational scholarships toward a bachelor’s degree, re-licensing, or recertification.

Winesberry cited some of the least known cases in which financial assistance could be applied for including situations involving vehicle repair, utility bills, or PCS pet transportation.

“There are very few programs like this one that can solve a problem right away.” “Soldiers can come in with an issue and leave with funds that can solve that issue,” said Clint Strutt, USAG Benelux division chief of Army Community Service. Categories can expand and adapt year by year and include basic living expenses, medical needs, privately owned vehicle issues, unforeseen emergencies involving travel or funerals, permanent change of station (PCS) expenses, COVID-19 challenges, and additional family support. There are more than 70 offices worldwide that evaluate the allocation of funds to Soldiers based off 30 categories of assistance. “My job is to get to a solution to process the type of assistance that may be required.”ĪER has been helping Soldiers for over 80 years-since World War II when it was first established. I don’t need to know,” said Winesberry, stating that money management classes are available, if the Soldier desires to learn more about habits that foster financial stability. Their command doesn’t even need to know-it’s just a conversation between them and me.”Īdditionally, there is no credit check needed to qualify-only a leave and earnings statement. “Soldiers may be concerned about involving the Army in their financial matters-they are embarrassed. Winesberry acknowledged that Soldiers sometimes feel hesitant to ask for monetary aid because of a perceived stigma. “We are all just humans trying to do our best to navigate challenges and seek the support that’s needed when the time comes.”

“AER is all about the human experience and the things that can come up out of your control,” said Maija Winesberry, USAG Benelux financial readiness program manager and AER officer. Army Emergency Relief (AER) recognizes these difficult times and is here to help by supplying funds in the form of grants, scholarships, and zero-interest loans to Soldiers and family members for exactly these situations. BRUNSSUM, Netherlands – When life takes an unexpected turn and money runs short, some may feel there is nowhere to turn in their time of need.

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