Changes Coming to AER
Aug. 27, 2015
Team,
I would like every member of the command to consider supporting this worthy cause. With the new changes, it's even easier to apply for assistance through company leadership. This is especially beneficial to individuals stationed away from military installations.
As leaders, we owe it to our Soldiers to provide guidance and support to those who need and qualify for AER. This is a resource that can make the difference in the life of Soldiers and their families who find themselves in financial need. Please take the time to read the SMA's letter below detailing the impact Army Emergency Relief makes for Soldiers and their families.
Strength Starts Here
CSM Willie C. Clemmons
Strength Seven
Army Emergency Relief
AER is an Army organization that is entirely about "Soldiers helping Soldiers." Over the past seven decades, AER has assisted more than 3.7 million Soldiers and Families, distributing in excess of $1.7 billion dollars. AER is unique because it does what no other lending institution can do -- provide interest free loans, grants, and free financial advice to Soldiers and their Families.
Yet many Soldiers, particularly those in the grades of E-1 through E-4, are reluctant to seek aid from Army Emergency Relief. Often this is because of an undue negative stigma associated with asking for financial help as well as the perceived, intimidating review process involving unit leaders.
As a result, many young Soldiers will often choose non-bank lenders to respond to an emergency financial need. These institutions can charge Soldiers hundreds of dollars in triple digit interest rates, causing them to dig themselves in
a hole that could take months or even years to get straightened out.
To better serve Soldiers, AER will implement a policy change, effective Sept. 9 2015, that allows Soldiers, regardless of rank, direct access to AER for financial assistance.
This policy change will be implemented with the following safeguards:
Consistent with past AER policy, Soldiers who exhibit "high risk" behavior for financial problems IAW AR 600-85 will require commander/first sergeant involvement before AER assistance will be considered. In addition, the Commander's Referral Program, which authorizes the company commander and first sergeant to approve AER Loans up to $1,500, will remain an option for Soldiers who desire to request assistance through their unit chain of command.
I am in full support of this policy change and I expect all leaders to embrace it to help rid our ranks of the undue negative stigma associated with seeking assistance through AER.
I am convinced that our Soldiers who have demonstrated such strong values consistent with the Warrior Ethos during multiple deployments over the past ten years deserve to be afforded a streamlined process for resolving short term financial issues. In addition, first line leaders should be provided the opportunity to develop the appropriate financial management skills for their Soldiers as they enter the Army. We should, at all levels, promote AER benefits and emphasize Army Emergency Relief as a "soldier's first choice".
SMA Dailey
Aug. 27, 2015
Team,
I would like every member of the command to consider supporting this worthy cause. With the new changes, it's even easier to apply for assistance through company leadership. This is especially beneficial to individuals stationed away from military installations.
As leaders, we owe it to our Soldiers to provide guidance and support to those who need and qualify for AER. This is a resource that can make the difference in the life of Soldiers and their families who find themselves in financial need. Please take the time to read the SMA's letter below detailing the impact Army Emergency Relief makes for Soldiers and their families.
Strength Starts Here
CSM Willie C. Clemmons
Strength Seven
Army Emergency Relief
AER is an Army organization that is entirely about "Soldiers helping Soldiers." Over the past seven decades, AER has assisted more than 3.7 million Soldiers and Families, distributing in excess of $1.7 billion dollars. AER is unique because it does what no other lending institution can do -- provide interest free loans, grants, and free financial advice to Soldiers and their Families.
Yet many Soldiers, particularly those in the grades of E-1 through E-4, are reluctant to seek aid from Army Emergency Relief. Often this is because of an undue negative stigma associated with asking for financial help as well as the perceived, intimidating review process involving unit leaders.
As a result, many young Soldiers will often choose non-bank lenders to respond to an emergency financial need. These institutions can charge Soldiers hundreds of dollars in triple digit interest rates, causing them to dig themselves in
a hole that could take months or even years to get straightened out.
To better serve Soldiers, AER will implement a policy change, effective Sept. 9 2015, that allows Soldiers, regardless of rank, direct access to AER for financial assistance.
This policy change will be implemented with the following safeguards:
- Soldiers in the grades of E-1 through E-4 must have completed Initial Entry Training.
- They also must have a minimum of 12 months' Time in Service and have completed IET - whichever is greater.
- Regardless of rank, financial assistance will be limited to two requests for assistance - loan or grant within a 12 month period without the company commander/first sergeant review.
Consistent with past AER policy, Soldiers who exhibit "high risk" behavior for financial problems IAW AR 600-85 will require commander/first sergeant involvement before AER assistance will be considered. In addition, the Commander's Referral Program, which authorizes the company commander and first sergeant to approve AER Loans up to $1,500, will remain an option for Soldiers who desire to request assistance through their unit chain of command.
I am in full support of this policy change and I expect all leaders to embrace it to help rid our ranks of the undue negative stigma associated with seeking assistance through AER.
I am convinced that our Soldiers who have demonstrated such strong values consistent with the Warrior Ethos during multiple deployments over the past ten years deserve to be afforded a streamlined process for resolving short term financial issues. In addition, first line leaders should be provided the opportunity to develop the appropriate financial management skills for their Soldiers as they enter the Army. We should, at all levels, promote AER benefits and emphasize Army Emergency Relief as a "soldier's first choice".
SMA Dailey