After Hours AER Emergency Contact: American Red Cross (877)272-7337

Emergency Travel accommodated during operating hours until 4:30pm.

The Army Emergency Relief (AER) at Fort Bliss is ready to provide:

• Financial assistance to Active Duty Soldiers, Retirees, Survivors, and Family members during times of valid emergency need.
• Interest-free loans, grants, or a combination loan/grant, to those who qualify.
• Services on a walk-in basis (please see above Hours of Operation).
• Unit AER training by calling 915-569-8376.

Applying For Assistance

Those needing assistance can go directly to Main ACS, 2494 Ricker Road, to begin the application process.  All applications must be submitted to an AER counselor with all required supporting documentation and appropriate signatures (if applicable).  Any request greater than $3000 (new request plus any outstanding balance, to include grants) may require additional processing time.

Emergency Travel applications will take precedence over all other applicants and are accommodated through 1630.

After ACS closes at 1630 please contact the American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337 for Emergency Travel assistance (i.e. Emergency leave with DA 31, Privation etc.)

Spouses requesting AER assistance must have (Servicemember may be contacted for information or verification):

1. AER Special Power of Attorney is recommended and a valid military ID card.
2. When using another valid Power of Attorney (POA), the POA must state, the authority to establish, change, or stop an allotment and to incur AER debt in the Soldier's name.
3. Supporting documentation to support their request.
4. Funds for Emergency travel require an American Red Cross case number to authenticate the emergency.
5. Widows and Orphans can be assisted through AER as well.

Scholarships

AERs secondary mission is to help Army families with the cost of undergraduate level education, post secondary vocational training, and preparation for acceptance by service academies for their dependent children.

MG James Ursano Scholarship Program

(Click link above for application)

The MG James Ursano Scholarship Program offers scholarships based on financial need, academics, and leadership/achievement for each academic year.

To be eligible:

• Applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale
• Be full-time undergraduate students for the entire academic year at a school accredited by the U.S. Department of Education
• Be dependents of a Soldier on federal active duty, a retiree, or a deceased active or retired Soldier. To be a dependent you must be under the age of 23 for the entire academic year, registered in DEERS, and unmarried for the entire academic year.

Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program (SSEAP)

The Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program (SSEAP) is a need-based education assistance program designed to provide spouses of active duty and retired Soldiers, and widows(ers) of Soldiers who died either on active duty or in retired status and residing in the United States, with financial assistance in pursuing educational goals. The purpose of the program is to assist spouses/widows(ers) in gaining the education required to allow them to qualify for increased occupational opportunities. Individuals who receive free tuition as a result of their employment will not receive tuition assistance from AER. However, they may apply for assistance for fees, supplies, or books (no duplicates) for classes in which they are enrolled. Active-duty military personnel is not eligible. For eligibility information, a list of required supporting documents, and the online application, visit www.aerhq.org.