Financial Assistance

The Financial Readiness Program has been developed to educate service members and their families about personnel financial management, and to assist in helping them achieve their financial goals. The following classes are available for unit training: developing your spending plan, savings & investing, retirement planning, checking account management, using credit wisely, understanding TSP/CBS/REDUX and personnel financial management. Some of the other services provided are, budget counseling, debt liquidation plans, consumer education and information, check writing assistance, explaining credit, help in developing saving habits and tax information. Consumer assistance is offered in cases, offered in cases involving conflict with local businesses. In all cases counseling is provided on an individual and confidential basis.

For more information contact Financial Readiness Program Manager, at 410-278-2453.

Although it is considered to be a premier location, Aberdeen is a low cost of living area. Before you leave your losing command, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your finance staff at your losing command and budget for your move. He or she can give you guidance as far as getting advances on your pay and housing allowances and paying these advances back.

Your finance specialist can tell you exactly what is reimbursable, and the entitlements you are allowed such as travel pay, per diem, dislocation allowance, temporary lodging expenses, advance pay, advance BHA (which has to be paid back). Don't forget to fill out a travel voucher, and keep records and receipts of all expenses incurred from the move.

You may also contact the Army Community Service/Family Service Center for financial advice through the financial management program.

Utility Deposits

The next financial matter will be covering deposits for rent, utilities, and the phone. If you live on the economy, be prepared to have a deposit equal to two month's rent up front (more if you have pets) [See Housing Section], and money to cover all utility deposits, hook-up fees, and phone deposits. It does help sometimes to get letters of good credit from previous utility companies, and telephone companies. Sometimes this will waive or lower the deposits.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

All persons (military and civilian) operating a vehicle on Aberdeen Proving Ground are responsible for carrying and producing proof of current motor vehicle insurance. Questions should be directed to the Military Police Desk Sergeant, 410-306-2222 or DSN 312-458-2222.

Hidden Expenses to Remember

For "first time move families", when figuring moving costs, don't forget to include in your moving budget expenses such as cleaning supplies and fees, extra child care expenses, transportation of pets, kennel fees, stocking refrigerator, kitchen and freezer, professional cleaning of carpets and drapes, refitting of carpets, drapes and rugs, fees for auto license plates, car registration, inspections, emissions checks, club memberships, home owner's association fees, clothes to accommodate all four seasons, house plants, lawn and garden supplies, telephone deposits, advance rent, security deposits, utility deposits, expenses necessary to buy and sell a home, expenses for pre-move house hunting trip, and spouse job hunting trip, transportation costs (gas and oil), lodging expenses, meals, parking, possible car rental, tolls, taxis, traveler's checks, shipping items not authorized by government expense, excess weight charges, commercial transportation, extra furniture or appliances you may need, recreation and sight-seeing expenses and emergency expenses.

Unfortunately, emergencies can and do happen no matter how well you planned for your move. Having important information with you can help ease the frustration of an emergency. First, make sure you always have a set of orders with you when you travel,  in fact it is a good idea to have several sets of orders. Keep your new command's phone number, and sponsor's number with you. Have extra cash and credit cards; having an ATM card is a good idea and traveling with car insurance information.

AER (Army Emergency Relief) may be able to help. They can be contacted at (410)-278-2453.

There is no American Red Cross office on the installation. To contact American Red Cross toll free, please call: 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

The Aberdeen Proving Ground Army Emergency Relief office is located in Bldg. 2503. AER is the Army's emergency financial assistance program. AER provides financial assistance during valid emergencies that are unforeseen and require immediate attention. AER helps eligible soldiers, active and retired and their dependents, USAR and ARNG soldiers on continuous active duty for more than 30 days and their dependents, and surviving spouses and orphans of deceased soldiers. The AER office also provides financial assistance to other services through their relief agencies. Assistance is provided as an interest-free loan. Under extreme circumstances, assistance may be given as a grant. Each AER request is personal and is considered on its own merit. Any emergency must have originated from other than the soldiers own actions. For AER assistance, please call AER Officer, at 410-278-2453.

More about Army Emergency Relief Services
AER is a private nonprofit organization; its sole mission is to help soldiers and their eligible family members who are experiencing financial emergencies.

Eligibility

Soldiers on extended active duty and their dependents.

Members of the Reserve Components of the Army (Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve) under title 10 on continuous active duty for more than 30 consecutive days and their eligible family members.

Soldiers retired from active duty for longevity or physical disability, or retired upon reaching age 60 (Reserve Components) and their eligible family members.

Surviving spouses and orphans of soldiers who died while on active duty or after they retired.

What AER Can Do

AER can help with emergency financial needs for:

• Emergency transportation and vehicle repairs
• Food, rent, or utilities
• Funeral expenses
• Medical/dental expenses
• Personal needs when pay is delayed or stolen.

What AER Cannot Do:

• Help pay for nonessentials
• Finance ordinary leave or vacation
• Pay fines or legal expenses
• Help liquidate or consolidate debt
• Assist with house purchase or home improvements
• Help purchase, rent, or lease a vehicle
• Cover bad checks or pay credit card bills

AER application process: AER financial assistance is no longer processed through the American Red Cross or other Military Service Aid Societies.

How to Apply for Assistance: AER now provides an online application system, making it easier to check eligibility and request financial help. If you are an active duty soldier, retired soldier or survivor, you can apply online and get an immediate eligibility decision.

To apply during the AER office closure, on weekends, or holidays:

1. Visit the AER website
2. Click "Apply for Assistance" in the upper right corner of the homepage.
3. On the next page, click "Apply for Assistance" again to begin your application.

This process will guide users through eligibility checks, account creation, and request submission. For help with “time sensitive” Emergency Travel requests (meaning you are requesting to travel within the next 12 hours), or assistance using the portal during the office closure, weekends, or holidays.

Temporary Lodging Allowance is intended to partially pay a Service member for higher than normal expenses incurred by a member or dependent while occupying temporary lodging OCONUS. TLA is available when it is necessary for a Service member or dependent to occupy temporary lodging upon arrival at or immediately before leaving a permanent duty station OCONUS, or during other periods as specified in the DoD FMR, Volume 7A, Chapter 68, para. 6804.

First, you will need money for temporary lodging expenses. Set aside enough money to cover however many nights you plan on staying in temporary lodging, plus taxes. You are entitled to ten days of Temporary Lodging Allowances; however you must first pay the lodging bill, then get reimbursed.

APG temporary housing considerations:

The IHG Candlewood Suites

The IHG Candlewood Suites are located in building 2250, on 6585 Lodging Lane, at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The Aberdeen Proving Ground workforce is dedicated to accomplishing missions necessary to support the needs of today’s Soldier and tomorrow’s Army through science and technology. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, we want your stay with us to be an enjoyable experience. There's always something going on around the Aberdeen Proving Ground area from golfing to sightseeing. Accommodations include kitchenettes with stove tops, microwaves, full refrigerators, and 55 inch colored flat screen smart televisions. For your convenience, all air conditioned rooms also include irons, ironing boards, hairdryers and clock radios. Please join us for a complimentary continental breakfast a light morning meal where we provide cereal, fruit, eggs, bread products, fruit juice and hot beverages. After having a good night's sleep and light breakfast with us, go out and enjoy all the attractions and recreation on or around Aberdeen Proving Ground.

For pricing and availability visit the APG IHG Candlewood Suites Website.

Recreational Lodging

The Recreational Lodging facilities (BLDGs: 4210, 4211, 4213, 4309 and 4316) collectively consist of 185 single-occupant rooms. These units are furnished and offer private bath, hook-up for basic cable, kitchenette and closet space in select buildings. Additionally, BLDG 4316 has internet installed throughout the building. Each building has a laundry room with 4 washers and 4 dryers. All facilities are adequately furnished and will vary by facility. Each facility offers a well-lit parking area for tenants.

For pricing, eligibility and contact information visit the APG Recreational Lodging Website.

If you are en route to your new command, and an emergency does come up, try to find the nearest military installation for assistance. Also, the Red Cross is always available for assistance 24 hours a day. Call the Customer Care Team at 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

TIP: Prior to leaving your losing command check with your insurance company in reference to roadside emergency services, and towing.

Army Emergency Relief may be able to help. You can contact APG's AER at 410-278-2453.

You are entitled to Dislocation Allowance (DLA) which is equal to two months of Basic Housing Allowance (BHA). This may be collected in advance or when you arrive. Keep in mind that if advance DLA is collected, and you are unaccompanied or end up living in Government Housing, you will have to pay the DLA back!

It is advisable to take ten days house-hunting leave before you detach from your losing command; this will give you the chance to search the area for affordable housing, and know the expenses involved before you make a decision to live on the economy. When considering living on the economy, commuting costs (metro, parking, and gas) need to be included in your budget. It is not uncommon to have a fifty mile round trip commute daily for those who think they are saving money by living further out. You should do a thorough search of available rentals and properties before you make a decision to rent or purchase.

Planning for Emergencies

Unfortunately, emergencies can and do happen no matter how well you planned for your move. Having important information with you can help ease the frustration of an emergency. First, make sure you always have a set of orders with you when you travel,  in fact it is a good idea to have several sets of orders. Keep your new command's phone number, and sponsor's number with you. Have extra cash and credit cards; having an ATM card is also a good idea. You also need to travel with car insurance information. If you are on leave have a copy of your leave form available.