Soldiers, Army Families can rely on AER assistance in Hurricane Francine’s wake

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Army Emergency Relief | Sept. 11, 2024

Army Emergency Relief Headquarters approved disaster assistance to eligible individuals impacted by Hurricane Francine.

Francine is still a category 1 hurricane with max sustained winds of 90 miles per hour and expected to make landfall along the central Louisiana coast later today (Wednesday, Sept. 11), according to the National Weather Service. Francine is expected to bring multiple hazards to the area including heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, gusty winds and a threat of tornadoes throughout Wednesday and into Thursday morning.

Many Army Families may experience displacement due to flooding and power outages as the storm moves on a northern path through Louisiana and Mississippi.

Eligible Army personnel may be provided financial assistance to assist with expenses associated with basic essential needs to sustain oneself during and after the storm.

Those eligible include:

  • Soldiers on active duty and their eligible Family members
  • Soldiers retired from active duty because of longevity and their eligible Family members
  • retired Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers receiving retired pay and their Family members
  • Medically retired Soldiers and their dependents, including those placed on the Permanent Disability Retired List or Temporary Disability Retirement List
  • Surviving spouses and children of Soldiers who died while on active duty (including those on Title 10 Orders) or in an eligible retired status
  • Members of the Reserve Component of the Army (National Guard and Army Reserve under Title 10 U.S.C) on continuous active duty for more than 30 consecutive days and their eligible Family members

Additionally, disaster assistance eligibility has been extended to individuals who have been impacted by the Hurricane Francine.  These individuals are normally not eligible for AER assistance:

  • “Grey Area” retired Soldiers of the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve)
  • Title 10, Title 32, and TPU Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers who are not mobilized
  • Title 10, Title 32, and TPU Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers mobilized for less than 30 consecutive days
  • Title 10, Title 32, and TPU Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers activated in support of hurricane relief efforts

More on Hurricane Francine.

How to get help:

  • Within 50 miles of Fort Johnson, Louisiana (formerly Fort Polk): contact the AER office there at (337) 531-1957
  • Within 50 miles of a Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society location can contact that local office
  • Outside the 50-mile radius of an Army installation or Navy/Marine Corps base: contact the American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337
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