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Department Service Office Business Hours: The Department Service Office will be open each Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Appointments are not necessary for visits. You may contact the Department Service Office by calling (603) 222-5784, faxing (603) 222-5787; or by using the following e-mail address: Gary.Wayman@VBA.VA.GOV.

Army Emergency Relief: AER is a private nonprofit organization incorporated in 1942 by the Secretary of War and the Army Chief of Staff. AER's sole mission is to help soldiers and their dependents.

AER is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own". AER provides commanders a valuable asset in accomplishing their basic command responsibility for the morale and welfare of soldiers.

AER funds are made available to commanders having AER Sections to provide emergency financial assistance to soldiers - active & retired - and their dependents when there is a valid need.

AER funds made available to commanders are not limited and are constrained only by the requirement of valid need.

For these reasons, the AER assistance program is conducted within the Army structure by major commanders and their installation/organization commanders through AER sections and other related organizations. Need Financial Assistance?

The following categories are eligible for assistance from Army Emergency Relief:

Where to get assistance: If you are on an Army installation or have one within 50 miles of your location, click here for contact information: http://www.aerhq.org/section_locations.asp

If there is no Army installation nearby, AER has support agreements with the military relief societies of the other services to assist Soldiers and their families. Click here to find the nearest Air Force, Navy, Marine or Coast Guard facility within 50 miles of your location: http://www.aerhq.org/section_locations.asp?a=12

If there is no military installation of any type within 50 miles of your location, AER has a support agreement with the American Red Cross to assist Soldiers and their families. Click here to find the contact information for the chapter nearest your location: http://www.redcross.org

American Red Cross 24 hour Emergency Communication Center: 877-272-7337

air force aid society: The AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY (AFAS) is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force. It promotes the Air Force mission by helping "to relieve distress of Air Force members and their families and assisting them to finance their education". It is rooted in the original Army Air Corps and the World War II Army Air Forces, whose members wanted to "take care of their own." Through the years, AFAS has become increasingly effective in helping individuals with personal emergencies-- as well as extremely useful when used by commanders to help solve personnel problems in their units.

The AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY, since its creation in 1942 as a non-profit organization, has helped countless members of the Air Force community. Strong support for AFAS programs and objectives is reinforced each year by the substantial personal contributions made by the active force, all of which are used solely for Emergency Assistance. Although AFAS receives no appropriated or non-appropriated funds, close ties are maintained between the Society and Air Force officials.

AFAS's Relationship with USAF; The AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY maintains a small Headquarters in the Washington, D.C. area but the great majority of its assistance work is managed on a decentralized basis by the active Air Force through the AFAS "command chain" on USAF bases/stations worldwide. The Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, issues the Air Force Instruction which establishes requirements for the operation and administration of AFAS programs.

AFAS is governed by a Board of Trustees which includes key Air Force leaders. The Board provides policy direction for AFAS operations and for control and disposition of AFAS property and funds.

At any time, there are between 18 and 23 Board members, including active duty representation by the:

The Secretary of the Air Force is an honorary, voting member and hosts the Annual Trustee Meeting in the Pentagon.

From top to bottom, Air Force officials are involved in AFAS activities:

Eligibility: Active duty members and their dependents; Retired Air Force personnel and their dependents, but not on a continuing basis. Case by case review. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel on extended duty over 15 days, away from their home station, under Title 10, U.S. Code. Spouses and dependent age children of deceased Air Force personnel (who died on active duty or in retired status).

Basic Operating Principles: Emergency assistance usually combines an assessment of the emergency situation and an evaluation of the personal budget to arrive at a decision to make an interest free loan, a grant, or combination of both.

AFAS maintains an open door policy that encourages individuals to apply for assistance when they feel an emergency situation exists -- but keeps the commander informed when a personal problem surfaces that might affect the performance of duty.

Timely response to personal emergencies is the AFAS watchword: Streamlined procedures are authorized when the need is under $250 or the situation is urgent.

Need and Circumstances: Financial assistance is given when a qualifying individual cannot otherwise pay for specific basic needs essential to continued personal effectiveness as an Air force member. The Society believes that it is better to err on the side of generosity in assisting with need. However, AFAS does not provide assistance for nonessentials, nor does it supplement the income of people who consistently lack sufficient self-discipline to live within their means. The Society does not use contributed dollars to assist members with "wants" and "desires" -- needs are first priority.

Loans and Grants: Emergency Assistance can be given as an interest free loan, a grant, or a combination of both. Most assistance is provided as interest free loans with repayment set according to budget surplus.

Grant or combination loan/grant given when repayment would cause a genuine hardship, but should not be given to reward financial irresponsibility. Grants are sometimes given for basic needs; e.g., food, utilities, emergency travel, medical or dental expenses. They are not normally used for rent, vehicle repairs, moves, or education. Unique cases should be coordinated with HQ AFAS..

Examples of Financial Assistance Covered By Society Policies: Assistance policies are reviewed continuously to insure responsiveness to the essential needs of all eligible. Current policy is to help as follows:

(a) BASIC LIVING EXPENSES: Short-term costs related to the necessities of everyday living. The goal is to avoid privation, for example: FOOD RENT UTILITIES

(b) MEDICAL CARE: Assistance for authorized care under TRICARE or MEDICARE for the patient's share of charges and for payment required in advance. AFAS is not able to finance medical care for chronic illness of indefinite duration.

For all health services, equipment, and supplies determined to be within the TRICARE range of benefits.

(3) prosthetic devices, hearing aids, orthopedic shoes, etc. not covered by TRICARE.

(c) DENTAL CARE: Assistance can be provided when the member does not have sufficient funds to cover dependent dental care payments required in advance or patient's share of charges not covered by dental insurance. For essential care, not purely cosmetic treatment. Costs should be reasonable and the care consistent with that given in uniformed services facilities. Base dental surgeons should be asked to evaluate requests for dental assistance to verify the appropriateness/reasonableness of care and safeguard against unnecessary care/cost. AFAS can help with required orthodontics care. Assistance is normally given for the down payment and the member can work out a payment plan with the dentist. Dental assistance is not authorized for dependents of members who disenroll from the insurance program unless approved by HQ.

(d) FUNERAL EXPENSES: Most active duty members receive SGLI when a spouse or dependent child dies. AFAS provides bridge loan assistance when needed to cover necessary costs of funeral until SGLI pays. Assistance up to $3500 may be given to cover necessary costs for the funeral of a dependent parent living with the member. Often requires chain of command to get actively involved in negotiating cost of services with local funeral home and acting as an agent for the member, to include requesting the assistance when the member is unable to do so. AFAS goal is MINIMUM red tape. Active duty members faced with the expenses of burying immediate family members (i.e. parent, brother, sister) may seek AFAS assistance if there is no other means of providing for the burial. This assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis, and is usually a loan.

(e) RESPITE CARE - "The Gift of Time": The Respite Care Program provides a "break" of a few hours a week or month to active duty military families who have the responsibility of 24 hour-a-day care for an ill or disabled family member. Assistance is given in the form of a grant and is based on need - the need for respite time, as well as financial need. Families are referred to AFAS through the EFMP Officer or Family Advocacy.

(f) VEHICLE REPAIRS: Assistance can be given to repair a vehicle that is essential for everyday functioning of an individual or family for commuting to work, shopping, medical appointments and household errands. AFAS objective is to help you assure that members have suitable essential transportation. Vehicle repair assistance is usually provided as a loan. Assistance should be approved prior to having the vehicle repaired.

(g) ASSISTANCE WITH OTHER EMERGENCIES: Assistance can be provided for expenses related to travel on a personal emergency. Generally requires that the person be on emergency leave or have support from unit commander indicating the travel is essential. Active duty member stranded on either emergency or ordinary leave may be provided assistance to return to duty station. Accidents or breakdowns while traveling to a new duty station pose special problems. Remind your people that the Red Cross and other service relief agencies will represent AFAS when an Air Force base isn't nearby. (AFAS ultimately reimburses all other agencies who make disbursements). Although government allowances usually cover PCS moves, young families may experience unexpected out-of-pocket costs that AFAS might help with. Because emotions run high and definitions of personal emergencies vary, don't hesitate to seek clarification on available AFAS assistance.

(h)PAY/ALLOTMENT PROBLEMS: Even the best of pay systems can turn unfriendly -- perhaps with a move or the start/stop of allotments. AFAS will help overcome a short term pay crisis. At some point you may be asked to verify the situation. Help is provided on the basis of essential need rather than replacing the reduction of normal income.

(i)DISASTERS: American Red Cross has primary responsibility for relief of emergencies caused by widespread disasters. AFAS is prepared to supplement Red Cross assistance on a needs basis. In case of a solitary disaster (e.g. a home fire), AFAS will assist with immediate emergency needs for living essentials to include temporary lodging. AFAS cannot take the place of homeowners or renters insurance. AFAS will not automatically replace losses. Each case is assessed individually and immediate needs are addressed.

(j)ASSISTANCE TO SURVIVING DEPENDENTS: AFAS provides emergency assistance to surviving spouses and dependent minor orphans at the time of, or shortly after, the death of an Air Force member. The object is to relieve the surviving dependent of immediate financial distress, normally for short term basic living expenses.

Examples of Special Situations and Unique Needs: AFAS programs are regulation driven but not intended to be excessively bureaucratic.

Every problem situation is unique and sensitivity demands an attempt to try to help solve your people problems.

Here are just a few of the special situations in which AFAS assistance has worked:

In a regulated world of can do/can't do, the need for common sense and good judgment is paramount. Must be flexible to be genuinely responsive. Must entertain exceptions to policy. Must have the benefit of your on-scene insights.

What AFAS Can't Do: We can aid in many ways but we do have some restrictions. Funds of the Society are not available as a matter of convenience. For instance, assistance is not given:

Navy-Marine corps relief society Quick assist loan program (qal): In January 2008, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Quick Assist Loan (QAL) Program, which has been under evaluation during 2007 at eight of the Society’s offices, has been expanded to all NMCRS Full Service Offices. The maximum loan available will be $300, repayable within 10 months.

What is the purpose of a QAL? Quick Assist Loans of up to $300 are designed to help with emergency needs for basic living expenses such as housing, utilities, food and clothing; medical or dental expenses; vehicle or transportation expenses, or to assist during family emergencies. Like the Society’s other loans, QALs are interest-free.

Who is eligible? Any active duty Sailor or Marine who has no outstanding loans from the Society and who is in good standing. Our goal is to serve our clients in as little as 15 minutes. To help us reach that goal, please bring your most recent Leave and Earnings Statement and your active duty ID card. You can speed up the short process by filling out the single-page application available on line at www.nmcrs.org.

When will the QAL program begin at the NMCRS offices that do not now have it? Society-wide roll-out is planned on the organization’s 104th Birthday – January 23, 2008.

Why has the maximum loan been reduced to $300? Wasn’t $500 available during the pilot program? Yes, the ceiling of Quick Assist Loans during the pilot period was $500. It is simply a matter of affordability. Quick Assist Loans have increased the level of loan activity by more than 77% at the eight test sites. Because of the popularity of this new program, the Society wanted to make QALs available to Sailors and Marines serving our Nation around the world. In order to accomplish that objective, we have reduced the loan ceiling to $300.

When will the reduction to $300 go into effect at the eight offices which have been part of the pilot program in 2007? January 1, 2008.

Will QALs be available at Emergency Services Offices and through Shipboard Offices? No, active duty Sailors and Marines will need to come to one of the Society’s 53 Full Services Offices to apply for a QAL.

Why has the repayment period been shortened from 12 to 10 months? This is also an affordability step. If this repayment cycle is unacceptable, then the client can set up an appointment with a caseworker to explore other alternatives.

What if my financial need exceeds $300? QALs are for financial needs $300 or less. If the need is for more than $300, you should make an appointment with the NMCRS Office for the Society's standard assistance.

Can a Sailor or Marine have a QAL and another loan from the Society running concurrently? If a client has a regular Society loan, they are ineligible for a QAL. Before they can apply for a second QAL, their first QAL must be paid in full. If they have a QAL, but find they need additional financial assistance, they may request regular Society loan assistance and be provided an additional loan that would run concurrently. This would involve the normal loan process of developing a budget with a Society caseworker.

What if I don’t qualify for a QAL? Service members who don’t qualify for a QAL are still encouraged to seek financial counseling and assistance through the local Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Office before they seek loans from any other source.

How often can I apply for a Quick Assist Loan? An individual Sailor or Marine can receive no more than two QALs. Before a second QAL will be provided, the first one must be paid in full.

What is the maximum number of QALs I can receive? An individual Sailor or Marine can receive no more than two QALs. The first QAL must be paid in full before a second QAL can be provided. QALs are not intended to be a recurring short-term income supplement. They are designed to meet emergency financial needs. If your situation involves substantial debt that cannot be remedied by one or two short term $300 loans, you should consider sitting down with a caseworker to review your budget, identify cost savings measures you can take, and design a financial plan to help give you financial stability.

Can I get financial counseling at the same time I get my first QAL? As their name implies, QALs are intended to be issued within 15 minutes. You may be able to receive some financial counseling during the same visit, depending on the office’s caseload. However, our experience has been that most service members apply for and receive a QAL, and, while in the local office, they set an appointment to return at a mutually agreeable time for financial counseling.

Can my spouse receive a QAL? QALs are available only to active duty Sailors and Marines.

Are Quick Assist Loans available to retirees? QALs are available only to active duty Sailors and Marines.

I’m a Reservist on extended active duty. Am I eligible for a QAL? Reservists on extended active duty are entitled to all of the Society’s programs and services. The Reservist must have sufficient time remaining on their assignment to accommodate the repayment cycle he or she selects.

I’m a Reservist on weekend drill. Am I eligible for a QAL? No, QALs are not available to weekend drilling Reservists.

Coast guard mutual assistance (CGMA): The central purpose of Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is to assist our clients during their time of financial need. In general, assistance is provided through counseling, short-term interest-free loans, financial grants, referrals, and other related means. Assistance is provided under a large variety of conditions and situations usually involving everyday essentials including emergency, housing, and medical needs that are beyond the individual’s ability to meet at the time assistance is requested. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance should be used to supplement, not replace other forms of available assistance.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance strives to meet the valid, verified, and genuine need of our clients and their immediate family. To this end, CGMA will provide assistance to individuals:

Considering each case on its own merits, on a personalized and timely basis and with confidentiality. In accordance with CGMA Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, established policies and procedures and government regulations.

Eligibility for assistance: With only a few exceptions, almost everyone associated with the U.S. Coast Guard is eligible to request assistance from Coast Guard Mutual Assistance on behalf of themselves or their immediate family members. Move your mouse over any category to see a definition of who is included in that group.

Eligibility to receive assistance for themselves or on behalf of their immediate family members is generally extended to, U. S. Coast Guard:

Applying for assistance: Any eligible person may request assistance from CGMA by contacting a CGMA Representative (Coast Guard service personnel may also contact one of the other Military Aid Societies or the American Red Cross for emergency assistance when they are unable to apply through CGMA) and completing the appropriate application for assistance. Generally the CGMA client will apply for assistance for themselves or for their family members. However, when the client is not available, family members may apply.

Where to go for assistance: Your local CGMA Representative is usually the best person to contact if you need assistance. However, if you are away from home, you can receive assistance from any CGMA Representative.

With these reciprocal agreements, Coast Guard military members may receive emergency assistance from these organizations when Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is not available and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance will provide assistance to their members when their parent aid society is not available.

Requests for non-emergency and education assistance should go through your local Representative and not these agencies. This may involve faxing or mailing requests for assistance that are not time critical to the nearest CGMA Representative.

Coast Guard military members may also receive assistance from the American Red Cross when Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is not available.

One exception to the above, request for the Application for Stafford/Plus Loan Origination Fee Refund (CGMA Form 8) should be sent directly to CGMA-HQ, not to your local CGMA Representative.

If you have questions or need help finding the closest Representative you may also call:

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Headquarters, Toll-free 1 (800) 881-2462, Monday - Friday 0700 to 1600 eastern.

Application: An application for assistance must be completed for each request for assistance. The CGMA Application for Assistance (CGMA Form 5) has been established as the primary document to request assistance from CGMA. This form will be used to request all types of assistance, except for certain education programs, requesting financial counseling, obtaining a layette through the AFAS or NMCRS and when applying for emergency assistance through another Military Aid Society or the American Red Cross.

In addition to the application form, in most cases a CGMA Budget Form must also be completed. Additional supporting documentation will normally be required when applying for assistance. Applicants are encourages to review "Applying for Assistance" for addition information.

Regardless of the form used, the applicant is to read, thoroughly complete and sign the application for assistance. If there is insufficient space on the application, additional pages may be attached, as needed, to provide complete information. The completed signed application, along with endorsements and supporting documents, will form the basis for determining if assistance may be provided.

At a minimum, the applicant must complete the "Assistance Requested" block of the application for assistance. This information should be detailed enough for the Representative to understand the applicant's need and to assist in making a decision on the request.

However, in more complex or unusual cases, in addition to the information provided on the application, applicants should be encouraged to provide an additional statement that may help explain or justify the need for assistance. Generally, the more information provided by the applicant to explain the situation they are in, their need, and what they are expecting from CGMA, the easier it will be to understand the applicant's request and to make the correct decision as to whether or not assistance may be provided.

Generally the CGMA client will apply for assistance for themselves or for their family members. However, when the client is not available, family members may apply.

Application forms are available to download in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format. These forms may be completed online. Once completed, the form may be printed, signed and forwarded per instructions. If you do not wish to complete the form online, you may simply print the form, complete it manually, then sign and forward per instructions. Applications may also be obtained from your local CGMA Representative.

Completed applications along with budget forms and other supporting documentation must be forwarded to your local CGMA Representative for processing.
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Friends of Veterans (FOV): Friends of Veterans, or FOV, is a 501(c)19 non-profit corporation that accepts tax deductible contributions to be used to aid veterans and their families in times of crisis. The FOV is registered with the Secretary of State of both Vermont and New Hampshire. We are also a member of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, based in Washington, D.C. We function solely through the efforts of volunteers, grants, and donations from the public.

We exist only for the purpose of serving and advocating for our nation’s veterans.

Who are the “Friends of Veterans?” We are veterans of honorable service from all branches, National Guard and Reserve, those currently serving on active duty, military family members, or advocates who actively seek to address veterans needs. All members devote their time and effort on a volunteer basis in order to ensure that all funds received may go directly to meet the needs of veterans and their families.

How Do We Serve? “Friends of Veterans” operates through small grants from the states of Vermont and New Hampshire, but our primary funding comes from you, the folks with the caring and concern to fight the growing homeless problem within our veteran population.

· It is estimated that 250,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and that twice that number have experienced homelessness in the past year. In real numbers, that would equal more homeless veterans than soldiers who are currently on active duty with the United States Army.

· On any given night, of the 250,000 homeless veterans in shelters or on the streets, 10,000 are women veterans.

Why do We Serve? Today, conservative estimates by the Federal Government, HUD, and the Office of Veterans Affairs place the population of homeless veterans at a level that exceeds 1/3 of the total homeless population nationwide. This number does not, unfortunately, include the families of the veterans who are also, themselves, on the street.

The people involved in FOV are committed to seeing that the veteran receives assistance with the absolute minimum of “red tape.” The FOV also functions as a clearinghouse / advocate for veterans with other service providers such as the Veterans Administration, state employment services, various federal programs, veteran service organizations nationwide, as well as state and local programs.

If at all possible, we attempt to assist he veteran and his/her family before they become homeless, and are currently the only program focusing on prevention of homelessness in our immediate geographic area.

Want to Get Involved? The “FOV” can always use your assistance. The expertise of the organization is the cumulative expertise of its volunteers. Everyone has something to offer; everyone can assist our veterans. From outreach to the basic nuts and bolts of accounting, the FOV has a job for you.

For an application, give us a call, email, or check in at our web site and we’ll put you to work.

Friends of Veterans, 222 Holiday Drive, Ste. 5, White River Junction,VT 05001, (802) 296-8368 -

Operation Helping Hand: Operation Helping HEAL (Helping Enlisted Americans Live) Inc., provides financial assistance to wounded service men and women returning from our current overseas military operations. During the Vietnam War there were 4 wounded to every soldier killed in action. Thanks to advances in medicine, body armor and logistics, today’s ratio is twelve wounded to a single deceased. Our current system is unprepared to handle the high numbers of wounded servicemen. The severity and scope of the conflicts have exceeded our government’s estimation, and as a result, many of our soldiers are falling through the cracks.

Guidelines for Financial Assistance. Operation Helping HEAL, Inc., will provide monetary grants or provide other financial assistance, within our current abilities, to all qualified Veterans and Military Service Members who have served in a combat zone (CZ) or other qualified hazardous duty area (QHDA) who demonstrate a need consistent with our mission statement.

· Our primary goal is to provide stop-gap financial assistance to United States veterans and service members who experience unforeseeable, temporary and undue hardship for reasons generally beyond their control. The veterans’ or service members’ needs would generally arise from unreasonable gaps in the receipt of pay or benefits justly due the veteran or service member as a direct result of his or her service to the United States.

In order to receive financial assistance from Operation Helping HEAL, Inc., we will ask the for the following information from each of our applicants:

· You should be willing to advise the "Financial Outreach Committee" of any substantial changes in your domicile and circumstances which might have an effect upon your ability to repay your loan. Operation Helping HEAL, Inc., reserves the right to request reasonable repayment if the "Financial Outreach Committee" concludes that the applicant has an ability to make full or partial repayment.

How does Operation Helping HEAL, Inc., determine need? First we will look at the information you have provided including the evidence establishing you to be a qualified veteran or service member. We will then look at those circumstances which lead to your application for financial assistance, such as:

If you are a qualified veteran or service member and your need is bonefide, we will then attempt to verify your pay or benefit challenge. We will also evaluate the likely length of time before the issue can be resolved.

With a qualified applicant and a verified need we will then determine if the type of service or amount requested is reasonable. If so, we will issue a loan (or contact a service provider) with an agreed upon term and projected repayment date.

What if I can’t repay the loan? We will work with the veteran or service member to modify the repayment plan or, in some cases, completely forgive the loan. In case, the veteran or service member must contact us before the loan’s default date. If we are not contacted by the veteran or service member before the default date, we may send him or her a form 1099 misc., showing the amount received by the veteran or service member from Operation Helping HEAL, Inc., as taxable income. At this time it is unclear whether or not we will have to impute a fair interest rate in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and add imputed interest to amount of the loan.

In situations where our complete recovery of the loan would place the veteran, service member or their family in dire straights, we will consider forgiveness or cancellation of the debt. This resolution will not be automatic. The veteran or service member (or their duly authorized representative) will need to contact us to request the particular relief sought.

We believe that when informed of the need, our citizens will not allow our wounded service members to suffer. A donation and a thank you will not only go a long way towards helping enlisted Americans and their families cope, but it will convey our sense of appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice in service to our nation.