ARLINGTON, Va. — Army Emergency Relief stands ready to provide financial assistance to active-duty Soldiers and their families in the event of an appropriations lapse.

AER will provide rapid zero-interest loans to Soldiers if the Oct. 15 military payday is impacted. The financial assistance is intended to bridge the gap until standard government operations resume.

AER will provide an interest-free loan equal to the amount of one net paycheck (last direct deposit) up to a maximum amount of $6,000.

Repayment in full will be completed within 30 days and will begin on October 30, 2025, after Soldiers receive back pay following the government shutdown.

“AER remains committed to our Soldiers and their well-being,” Tony Grinston, AER CEO, said. “We will do what we can to ensure the most Soldiers possible receive financial assistance during this uncertain time.”

Financial assistance will be offered to Soldiers and their families. Assistance will range depending on Soldiers’ needs and repayment of these loans will be made through payroll allotments. AER loans are always zero interest and do not affect credit scores.

Before applying, please check with your financial institution to explore any available relief options. While AER is committed to helping, our resources are limited and rely heavily on donations, many of which are paused during a shutdown.

Soldiers who believe they will be in financial distress if they do not receive pay on Oct. 15 or later are advised to create an account and apply online at https://aerprod.powerappsportals.us/.

Retired Soldier pay and survivor entitlements are not affected as those funds come from annuities rather than military appropriations.

AER is the U.S. Army’s official nonprofit. It receives no federal funding and finances programs through charitable donations.

For more information, go to www.ArmyEmergencyRelief.org.