FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Aug. 27, 2015) -- Because they worry about the stigma attached to seeking financial help -- alongside the often time-consuming process of obtaining leadership approval -- some Soldiers have been reluctant to request assistance from Army Emergency Relief.
But that may be about to change. As of Sept. 9, all Soldiers, regardless of rank, will be given direct access to apply for AER.
Angela Crosland, an AER specialist at Fort Jackson, said that in the past, Soldiers needing help have left her office to go elsewhere because they fear what their commanders will think.
During the past six years, AER re- ports show, the number of requests for assistance from active-duty Soldiers has declined 35 percent, giving AER a reason to change its policy.
"Last year, we had approximately 670 cases," Crosland said Tuesday.
"We have a lot of retirees and some widows that use our services, as well as active-duty Soldiers."
Sudden financial difficulties stemming from divorce, identity theft, taking care of parents and getting scammed are the common circumstances that bring people to Crosland.
Until Sept. 9, regulations allow Soldiers holding the rank of sergeant and higher not to approach their chains of command to seek assistance from AER. When the rules change, all Soldiers, regardless of rank, will be allowed direct access to apply for AER -- with some exceptions.
Soldiers in Initial Entry Training or with less than one year time in service -- whichever is greater -- still will be required to run AER requests up their chains of command to their commanders or first sergeants. Soldiers exhibiting "high-risk behavior" in their personal financial mismanagement -- as defined in Army directives -- will have to request assistance through the "company-/battery"--level chain of command.
Those who opt to use direct access without a commander's or first sergeant's review will be limited to two assistance requests -- loan or grant -- within a 12-month period, regardless of rank.
"Getting financial training and having a good foundation early on in life is important, too," Crosland said.
"We encourage financial training, and we also identify other available resources -- on and off post -- to help the people that come to us."
Crosland hopes the policy changes will encourage more people who need assistance to use AER -- instead of high-interest payday loans -- to get the help they need.
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