Financial Assistance

Financial Readiness Program

The Financial Readiness Program offers a wide range of personal finance and consumer affairs services to Soldiers, retirees and eligible Family members to enhance personal financial readiness and unit readiness and resilience.

We assist and prepare individualized detailed budgets. This is especially helpful to those who are about to be married, have a child or relocate. For those who experience or anticipate financial hardships, we offer counseling and several publications to help get the situation under control. Clients are encouraged to work with their creditors to gain stable manageable financial positions.

For more information, contact 717-245-4357.

Pennsylvania can be a costly assignment. Here are a few tips:

• Pennsylvania automobile insurance is very expensive shop for rates before locking in on a particular company.
• Enlisted families on the housing waiting list for three to four-bedroom quarters can expect a lengthy wait.
• If you accept an apartment or house in the local area expect to pay $200 to $250 per month for power in an all-electric home.
• Expect to pay $100-$190 night for hotel/motel reservations.  Seasonal events such as local car shows, college graduations, etc. may cause spikes in rates. Transient billeting is available on a limited basis at Carlisle Barracks.

Army Emergency Relief is located in Army Community Service at 46 Ashburn Drive. For assistance call 717-245-4720, DSN 312-242-4720. or call 717-245-4357 for the main Information & Referral Number.

AER will help with emergency financial needs for:

• Food
• Rent
• Utilities
• Emergency transportation
• Vehicle repair
• Funeral expenses
• Medical and dental expenses
• Personal needs when pay is delayed or stolen

The one rule to be considered when asking for help is – Is this an emergency? If so, remember to bring the necessary documents with you:

• Military identification card
• Leave and earnings statement
• Leave/permanent change of station orders
• Other substantiating documents such as car repair estimates, rental agreement, utility bills, etc.

AER loans can also be received worldwide from the American Red Cross Air Force Aid Society section, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. If you are a spouse of a soldier, you must have a power of attorney, military ID card and substantiating documents. Retirees should contact the AER officer directly for help.  American Red Cross 877-272-7337.