AER assists soldiers and their families in times of emergency financial need.

AER can help soldiers and retirees, their families (with sponsor approval), spouses and orphans of deceased soldiers, and Reserve Component soldiers on active duty for 31 days or more.

 

AER normally assists with emergency needs for:

• Rent
• Utilities (not including cablevision or internet)
• Food
• Emergency travel
• Emergency POV repair
• Upfront funeral expenses of parents, spouse, or child
• Emergency medical or dental expenses

HOW TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE:

Other than Emergency Travel or Commander's Referral Program: Make an appointment by calling 596-0212.  Service members should complete an AER 700 Application for Army Emergency Relief Financial Assistance. The application must be signed by the commander or 1SG for approval. Supporting documents should include, Military ID Card, last End-of-Month LES, and supporting documentation (e.g. verification of rent, utilities, POV car repair cost) for requested service.  Please note: any assistance provided for a POV will require that the current POV registration (in the Soldier or spouses name), proof of current insurance coverage and a valid drivers license for the person using the POV.

Emergency Travel:   This type of assistance is done on a walk-in basis and does not require an appointment.  Applications will be processed as soon as possible.  You must provide the following at the time of application:

• AER 700 approved and signed by the Commander or 1SG
• Military ID Card
• Copy of itinerary (SATO travel) if traveling by plane
• Drivers license, proof of POV insurance and current registration if traveling by POV
• Approved orders for emergency leave

• Red Cross verification of death/illness or ARC case number is required.

Spouses geographically separated from the service member must obtain a Power of Attorney allowing spouse to receive AER assistance and sign allotment.

AER for emergency travel is available on nights and weekends. Contact the American Red Cross toll free at 1-877-272-7337.  Do not contact the Fort Leonard Wood Red Cross Chapter for AER assistance as they do not process this locally. 

Commander's Referral Program:  This program allows commanders/1SG who have attend the local Commander's Referral Program training to approve assistance for basic living expenses under $1000.00.  This type of assistance is done on a walk-in basis and does not require an appointment.  However, application for this program can not be processed after 1530 hours and will have to wait until the next duty day.  You must provide the following at the time of application:

• AER 600 signed by Commander/1SG as appropriate for the Commander's Referral Program. 
• Last End-of-Month LES
• Military ID Card
• If POV related: driver license, current registration and proof of insurance.
• All documents verifying request not signed by Commander at approval.

For further assistance contact AER at (573)596-0212.

Contact Information

Address: Army Community Service Center

486 Replacement Ave

Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Telephone: 573-596-0212    Fax: 573-329-4545    Toll Free: 1-866-802-6707

E-mail: General Information : leon.dmwr@conus.army.mil