On April 29th, retired Lt. Gen. Ray Mason, Director of Army Emergency Relief, announced expanded eligibility for Army Reserve (USAR) and Army National Guard (ARNG) Soldiers activated in response to COVID-19.

USAR and ARNG Soldiers activated in response to COVID-19 are eligible for financial assistance from AER for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, and food, and personal transportation costs such as car payments, auto insurance, and fuel. Soldiers remain eligible for the duration of their activation, plus an additional 30 days after deactivation.

“It’s just the right thing to do,” said Mason. “it’s not uncommon for AER to waive eligibility requirements during times of natural disaster. These Soldiers are on the front-line against the pandemic. It’s our mission to support their combat readiness throughout the fight and we know that financial readiness is a critical part of combat readiness.”

The enhancement marks a significant change in policy for eligibility of Reserve component Soldiers. Under routine eligibility, USAR and ARNG Soldiers must be activated under Title 10 orders for greater than 30 days. However, the new eligibility requirements allow for any Soldier activated under Title 10 or Title 32 orders (in response to COVID-19) to receive AER assistance, regardless of the length of their activation.

COVID-19 – Expanded Assistance for USAR & ARNG (Bulletin 05-2020-1)