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JBSA News
NEWS | Sept. 14, 2017

Army Emergency Relief raises approval authority levels

By Army Emergency Relief Army Emergency Relief

The approval authority levels for the Army Emergency Relief Commander’s Referral Program, or CRP, which is available for company commanders and first sergeants, has been raised has increased from $1,500 to $2,000 as of Sept. 1.

 

In addition to increasing the amount a Soldier can receive through the program, AER officers, Army Support Activity managers and ASA deputy approval levels have also increased.  The approval level for local AER officers has increased from $2,500 to $3,000 and the approval level for an ASA manager and ASA deputy has increased from $3,500 to $4,000.

 

The CRP uses AER Form 600 (found at http://www.aerhq.org) and assistance in this category will always be a loan, as no grants are authorized. Repayment must be done by allotment and completed at least 60 days prior to a Soldier’s end of time in service, or ETS, date with repayment period no longer than 12 months from the allotment start date.

 

Soldiers may only have one CRP loan at a time with no more than two in a 12-month period. If a Soldier has an existing AER balance (non-CRP loan), the additional CRP loan and existing balance cannot exceed $3,000. Soldiers cannot be on an AER restricted list when considered for assistance in this category.

 

A recent assessment of the CRP show it is an effective and expedient means for commanders and first sergeants to directly assist Soldiers and families. In 2016, the CRP accounted for approximately 37 percent or $8.6 million of all active duty assistance Army wide.

 

The program has proven to be highly successful, embraced by commanders and recognized by the Government Accountability Office as being an effective means to combat predatory lending institutions.

 

The changes noted are designed to better serve Soldiers and family members.  For more information or questions, contact the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston AER office at 210-221-1612.