Financial Assistance Resources

Are you experiencing financial stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, you are not alone. Findings from recent Blue Star Families research indicate that many military and Veteran families have immediate financial needs to cover expenses, including consumer debt, housing, student loan debt, and medical bills. 

If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19, you may be eligible for support, such as zero-interest loans and grants for active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve, military families, and retired service members.

Determine your eligibility and apply for financial assistance with the following organizations.

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)

Financial assistance options and eligibility requirements for Air Force and Space Force service members and their families impacted by COVID-19.

AFAS support

Army Emergency Relief (AER)

Zero-interest loans and grants for active-duty and retired service members, Army Reserve and National Guard service members activated on Title 10 orders for more than 30 days, and surviving spouses.

AER support

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)

With only a few exceptions, everyone associated with the U.S. Coast Guard is eligible for CGMA assistance. This includes active duty, retired, civilian employees, Reserve, auxiliary, PHS officers, chaplains serving the CG, and surviving family members.

CGMA support

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)

Financial assistance options and eligibility requirements for sea service families impacted by COVID-19.

NMCRS support

We Care For America Foundation

Grants and loans for all National Guard members past and present.

WCFA support

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43% of junior enlisted, 42% of mid/senior enlisted, and 27% of commissioned officers surveyed cited consumer debt as an immediate financial stressor.

- Pulse Check (Nov 2020)

42% of military spouse respondents who had been working prior to the pandemic reported they had stopped working at some point during it. Only 32% have since found new employment.

- 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey

My wife can barely work. Because of that, our finances have been so much tighter, including food budgets.

- Active-Duty Service Member

Among active-duty family respondents reporting at least one immediate need, 21% of mid-level and senior enlisted families (E5+) indicated they need immediate financial support to cover the cost of key essentials.

- Financial Needs Pulse Check (Nov 2020)

Stay in touch with Blue Star Families

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Learn more about USAA’s announcement regarding its commitment of $30 million to support service members, Veterans, and their families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Or, find out more about the unique challenges facing today's military families.

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