VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER'S PAGE

The American Red Cross Hero Care Center is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The American Red Cross facilitates emergency financial assistance on behalf of Military Aid Societies. You can initiate a request for Red Cross emergency assistance for members of the military currently serving on active duty by using the online self-service tool. Service members eligible to receive emergency communications regarding an immediate family member include:

• Active-Duty Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force and Space Force
• Activated members of the Guard and Reserve of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces
• DoD civilians and contractors stationed OCONUS
• Service Academy Cadet or Midshipman; ROTC Cadet on orders for training
• A Merchant Marine aboard a U.S. Naval Ship

The American Red Cross does not authorize emergency leave for members of the United States military. The Red Cross role is to independently verify the emergency, enabling the service member’s commander to make an educated decision regarding emergency leave and then to provide transportation assistance and/or financial assistance if needed. The American Red Cross offers confidential services to all veterans and their families by connecting them with local, state and national resources through our network of chapters in communities across the United States and offices on military installations worldwide.

Charged with relieving undue financial stress on the force, AER serves the enduring priorities of the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. Company commanders or first sergeants can approve immediate financial assistance. Through zero-interest loans, grants, and educational scholarships, AER ensures no Soldier faces financial hardship on their own.

The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society provides financial assistance and education, as well as other programs and services, to members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, their eligible family members, widows, and survivors. The long-term mission is to help Sailors and Marines become financially self-sufficient by learning how to better manage their personal finances and prepare for unplanned expenses.

Supporting and offering aid to the entire Coast Guard family; active duty and retired military personnel, civilian employees, commissioned officers of the Public Health Service serving with the Coast Guard, Reservists, Auxiliarists, and their families. Active-duty personnel and Coast Guard Civilian employees should check their unit’s collateral duty list or directory. 

The Air Force Aid Society provides emergency financial assistance, educational support, and community programs to Airmen, Guardians, and their families. When unexpected emergencies arise, there is a financial need and help is needed, Air Force Aid Society provides no-interest loans and grants to help Airmen, Guardians, and their families meet immediate needs and make a positive step towards a lasting financial solution.
 

Since its establishment in 1925, The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program has awarded cash grants to minor children of current active duty or American Legion members. These grants help families in need meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses, thereby keeping the child or children in a more stable environment. A single one time non-repayable Temporary Financial Assistance grant of up to $1,500 will be permitted for the minor child(ren) of a qualifying veteran. No child is considered eligible for Temporary Financial Assistance until a complete investigation is conducted at the post or department level, a legitimate family need is determined, and all other available assistance resources have been utilized or exhausted. Additionally, the TFA application must originate and be filled out by someone at the local level.